Who’s going to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup?

In this first Suite101.com blog entry I've decided to take the bull by the horns and launch my readers head on into the raging debate that peaks around about this time every four years.

Who will lift the William Web Ellis Trophy in Paris next year?

France are the hosts of the sixth Rugby World cup, won once by New Zealand in 1987, South Africa in 1995, England in 2003 and twice by the Australian Wallabies in 1991 and 1999, but will the French be able to convert home advantage and a recent flurry of stability and form into World Cup glory?

England are the current Rugby World Champions, yet have failed to impress since Johnny Wilkinson kicked them into immortality in 2003. The New Zealand All Blacks, led by the colossal Richie McCaw, again find themselves number one on the world rankings, yet have they peaked too early? The French are devastating on home soil, yet disappointingly temperamental when it really counts. Australia seem to be making a comeback, but do they have the forward pack to secure the possession necessary for their world class backline to put points on the board and the South African Springboks - continuously plagued with internal politics, injuries and rotten luck, can Jake White and his men recreate the magic that we know they have at their finger tips? What about Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Canada and the smaller Unions, many of which still need to qualify at the time of writing? Will they upset the old boys club? (Will they ever?)

Who has the metal to win the ultimate prize in world rugby?

Current form dictates that the only team ready for a World Cup are the New Zealanders, also fondly known as the All Blacks or the Kiwi's. They trounced the best of Britain and Ireland last year as the British Lions felt the muscle of possibly the strongest All Black team in history. Then the rugby world was made to look on in awe as Graham Henry's team proved they could field a literal fourth team on their end of year tour to Britain. They are currently leading the 2006 Tri-Nations and are unbeaten in four out of six of their matches. Their depth is certainly impressive, yet since the inaugural tournament in 1987, which they won, the World Cup has evaded them, despite continuously being touted as outright favorites. "Surely this will be their season?" cry the pundits, as they do every World Cup. Only a fool would bet against them, yet for the past four World Cups, the English, South Africans, French and Australians have spoilt their party...who will it be this time?

In my opinion, France are the only team that stand a chance at beating the All Blacks. Largely because the French are almost unbeatable at home and more importantly, because Bernarde Laporte has developed an extremely useful side that after years of foolish tinkering, seems to have settled for a brand of rugby that can pull off the results.

So to quickly sum up and conclude:

My prediction is that South Africa will top pool A, Australia top pool B, New Zealand top pool C and France top pool D.

After the quarter finals have played out, these four teams will still be in with a shout having survived significant threats from England, Fiji, Scotland and Ireland.

New Zealand will win semi-final one against South Africa and France will dominate the Australians, both booking themselves a place in the final.

It's then all up to BMT on the day I'm afraid...

But if I'd have to back a horse - I'd say the World Cup bogey, French flair and home advantage will see the very best French Champaign being drunk by French lips - for a change!