Rugby World Cup favourites

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

It's the big one, it's the event the whole world is being waiting for the Rugby World Cup 2011 which kicks off on September 9. The big four in this years edition are New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England and they would be certainly the teams to look out for.The team previews are as follows.

All Blacks cup to lose

The pre tournament favourites and the most popular team,the All blacks had some hiccups in the Tri Nations after a hammering by the South Africans and a tense Final loss against Wallabies.The All Blacks do have the home advantage here, but are known for being big tournament chokers. How they haven't dominated the World Cup history books after the 1987 World Cup is a mystery despite being the prefect team with size,speed,skill and stamina. Their key players are Richie McCaw and Dan Carter without any shadow of a doubt. They are still the team to beat, and they will get confidence boosting wins under their belt in the pool stage, making them a threat.

Coach Graham Henry has picked a side with experience, but has left out their speedy Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, who is a prolific try scorer as well.

That speaks volumes about the talent which is in their squad. Will we see a big bounce back from New Zealand, or has their confidence been hurt badly by the Tri Nations losses?

New Zealand are suddenly a team under more pressure than they were ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup as host nation. Everyone expects the All Blacks, who are still the best team in the world, to deliver win after win after win. But they have picked up the label of chokers for a reason, and it has been because they fear failure so much. It is more of a mental thing than any question over their abilities.

The thing for New Zealand here, is using the pool matches in the right way, taking them one match at a time for team building confidence but their only real challenge will come from France in the group stages. Still will be the team to beat.

Wallabies, the in form warriors

The Wallabies are certainly in superb form and would provide the All Blacks with tough competition with their big match capabilities and methodical way of play. They are the best outright value. Australia just won the Tri Nations, beating rivals New Zealand in the deciding match, a huge triumph for them. Australia simply pounded away until they got their break through, played without too much caution and looked a very good side.

However, just as important was the overlooked fact that they also beat a full strength South Africa in Durban, something the All Blacks couldn't do. Australia are not a complete side at the moment, they really don't have a world class goal kicker, which may hurt them at some point in the tournament. Still, they are definitely a side which is starting to gel together the more games they get under their match, and they seem pretty adaptable and versatile.When the Wallabies are in full flow they are a real treat to the eyes and if they maintain the high intensity and attack,they would be unstoppable.

Springboks, the defending champs

The Springboks pretty much sacrificed the Tri Nations for a shot at the World Cup. The defending champions sent a weak squad to face New Zealand and Australia away from home, but after suffering defeat with a full strength side to the Aussie back on home turf, they put in a barn storming performance to beat the All Blacks. This is an experienced South Africa side and they will menace a lot of teams with their sheer power and size with their huge pack.Their key players should be fresher after skipping the Tri Nations.

They are a great tournament side, and know how to expertly lock the ball in the forwards to stifle opponents out of the game. They are one of the most powerful packs and they will punish a lot of teams from set plays, especially line outs.The World number three side are known to give their best in big matches and a solid performance by their backs would be a great incentive for them.

England - the side to look out for

Martin Johnson's men have genuinely played their way into contention for victory at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.They have a fully fit squad with a great blend of youth and experience. They have received news that captain Lewis Moody has recovered from his knee injury and will be ready for England's opener against Argentina on September 10th.

The clinical finishing of England's backs is a bit of a question mark for them, but Tuilagi really could be the big, not so secret weapon which they can unleash. England have tried to adopt more of an open style, more of a running game, because that is the direction to where the Southern Hemisphere has taken the game. England have had to become more mobile, and they are. Up front, England have a great versatility about their forwards, and should be able to add that extra dimension.

How far England go, will completely depend on their creativity in the backs, which does look a little limited. They have injections of pace with Chris Ashton, Ben Foden and Tuilagi, but will the system allow them to make those telling runs but do England have the killer punch is the question.