Probably just for the benefit of Lucien and whiterussian

So it's less than a week away now! The RWC always seems so far away, it's weird that it's actually here.

All Ireland's group games are on weekends so that's me chuffed. I think Australia Italy kicks off at 4am our time. I'm a massive fan of early in the morning drinking.

So, it's probably NZ's to lose despite their blip against an awesome Australia in the tri nations. Aus are notorious at coming good for the WC, and I for one would love the delicious irony if Robbie Deans delivered the trophy to Aus in NZ.

England can do well. Yes, we'd all prefer the adventure and verve that beat Aus in the autumn, but their stodgy rugby is custom made for tournaments. Scotland whilst resurgent are no match for England and Argentina have fallen a long way in the 4 years since their semi final appearance in 2007.

Wales play Fiji last again - bet there'll be a few nightmares brewing about that.

Ireland, after 2007 I just want us to get out of the group. Too many harrowing memories of being sat in the Stade de France as France pounded us.

NZ France should be a cracker - the games in 99 and 07 rank as 2 of the all time great WC matches