Agustin Pichot's head tells him that England should beat Argentina by 30 points in Saturday's opening Rugby World Cup showdown in Dunedin.
Ronan O'Gara won't make any predictions on Ireland's World Cup chances, saying "anything can happen".
Luke Charteris faces a tall order to separate Wales' established second-row pairing at the World Cup - but he would have it no other way.
Matt Stevens is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Argentina's revered pack, as they 'set the standards of modern-day scrummaging'.
Canada winger Taylor Paris is poised to become the youngest player to appear at a Rugby World Cup.
Bryan Habana insists South Africa are "here for business" as they begin their final preparations before launching their World Cup defence.
On the eve of the team announcement for their opening World Cup match against Japan on Saturday, September 10 at North Harbour Stadium, France's players unwinded by playing basketball.
Wales team manager Alan Phillips has declared that while his team respects South Africa the Springboks hold no fear for them as opponents.
England has moved to reduce the World Cup hype surrounding centre Manu Tuilagi, a 20-year-old newcomer to the Test arena, who has been compared with New Zealand great Jonah Lomu.
Thousands of people from Auckland's sizeable Pacific island community blocked streets and gave a hero's welcome to the Tongan rugby team when they arrived in the city for the World Cup.
Australian coach Robbie Deans said Monday he was confident the team will go far at the World Cup, declaring the Wallabies up for the challenge.
Dragons centre Ashley Smith will undergo further examinations after coming off the field with a hamstring strain during the region's opening match of the season against Munster.
Columnist Grant Ball questions how many of the Bok starting XV has improved over the last four years.
There is a fairly even spread of teams represented in our Team of the Week, however there is no space for even one player from the stable of traditional powers the Blue Bulls.
Japan hope to uncork the champagne and make history by beating France in their World Cup 2011 opener at North Harbour Stadium on September 10.
