nzherald.co.nz go through the eight teams left in the Rugby World Cup and the ranks of the sides before the quarterfinal round.
1 - All Blacks Despite the loss of Dan Carter the All Blacks are still the favorites of the tournament and deserves the title after a convincing victory over France in the pool-play. With the return of Richie McCaw and Kieran Lee, the package is moving back to full strength and that is where games are won round. The big game for them will be next week when they face Australia or South Africa. Win, prevent further injury, and waiting time will be over 24 years. IRB Ranking - 1 2 - Ireland We head into the playoffs as the Northern Hemisphere side in form and with a realistic chance of reaching the World Cup final maiden. The main question is whether they can remain consistent throughout the whole tournament. Only time they have beaten two teams from the SANZAR in the same year was 2006, when both matches were played in Ireland, you have to do to lift the World Cup. IRB Ranking - 5 3 - South Africa The Springboks looked like a real threat to defend his title before he fought an aggressive side past Samoa in the final pool party. It's not often that a team of the Springboks outmuscle games and led some panic attack. However, they look great experience to learn from their mistakes in the North Harbour. Frans Steyn loss is huge though, that leaves only the option to convert penalties from inside the opponent's half. IRB Ranking - 2 4 - Australia It seems strange that a team who have lost both Samoa and Ireland in the last four months are still a chance to take home the loot, but since their shock loss at Eden Park, Australia have recovered strongly with solid performances against the U.S. and Russia. Of course none of the finalists for the quarter would have been good against the minnows, but this is a team that, with a little momentum, you can beat anyone. A win over South Africa would give them all the confidence they need. The fact that Quade Cooper and Genia will still fire could be a bad thing for their opponents. IRB Ranking - 3 5 - England Like Australia, the English have yet to show his "A game" but it is more likely than not have it. Jonny Wilkinson is looking far from their best and their forwards have been far from convincing so far. They have some of the best athletes in the tournament, a pity they do not know how to play rugby. IRB Ranking - 4 6 - Wales It was heartening to see rugby played by Wales and can be a brand of rugby that he could watch them go by Ireland and England, if they can get clean ball, but certainly not lead to the title when there are either against the All Blacks , Australia or South Africa. IRB Ranking - 6 7 - Argentina It is sad to see the Cougars go back after a strong showing four years ago to finish third and on the eve of his inaugural Four Nations appearance. Their lack of depth has demonstrated key player injuries and could be a troubling sign for future fighting against the trio SANZAR next winter. IRB Ranking - 7 8 - France Yes the French are predictably unpredictable and therefore should not be underestimated, but it is difficult to see a team that seems to have quit coach recover after a terrible loss to Tonga. IRB Ranking - 8