Each Tuesday until the end of the Rugby World Cup, Stuff.co.nz rugby writer Liam Napier will assess who's hot and trending upward as all roads lead to the final at Twickenham on November 1.
1. Australia (stable)
One week after blowing England away with superb attack, the Wallabies produced one of the great defensive stands to repel Wales. Two men down, it was courageous stuff. Topping the toughest ever World Cup pool rewards them with what should be a straightforward quarterfinal in the form of Scotland, and the preferable side of the draw. They're in great shape for a genuine crack at the title. Michael Hooper's smile from the stands and the reaction of some Australians hints at a potential concern: overconfidence. Keeping feet on the ground is a must. Ultimately, what happened in pool play now means nowt.
2. New Zealand (up one)
Finally we were given a taste of what the All Blacks are capable of. After three hit-and-miss pool performances, Steve Hansen's men moved into fourth gear in the final 30 minutes of their 47-9 win over Tonga. Seven tries was a healthy return. More pleasing was Dan Carter's performance, and a notable step up in physicality on defence. Other than Tony Woodcock's exit, the All Blacks have a fully-fit squad and seem primed to lift further against the French in Cardiff. Anxiety from outside is not being reflected by the camp itself. Far from it. A reassuring edge emanates from Swansea this week.
3. South Africa (down one)
Australia did the Springboks a massive favour. On form you'd back the Wallabies to knock over the Boks in a quarterfinal. Wales? Probably not. Heyneke Meyer gets Victor Matfield back from a hamstring injury to bolster his leadership and already has two of the form World Cup locks. A weakened Welsh team, who failed to score against 13 Australians, should be put away. The grim look on Warren Gatland's face at Twickenham was revealing. Still, the Boks need to produce their best performance of the tournament this week. The major question mark hangs over their opposition to date. They haven't faced anyone comparable to Wales.
4. Ireland (up two)
Up to third on the world rankings but it's come at a hefty cost. Already without Kiwi centre Jared Payne, Ireland lost captain Paul O'Connell and flanker Peter O'Mahony to tournament-ending injuries. Joe Schmidt is also sweating on influential playmaker Jonathan Sexton, who had scans on his groin. And, to make matters worse, world-class openside Sean O'Brien faces suspension after being cited punching French lock Pascal Pape. Revealed tenacious character to wear down the French but Schmidt will need all his coaching nous to overcome Argentina. Ireland must again embrace their rapid supporters to help them reach their first World Cup semifinal.
5. Argentina (down one)
World Cup dark horse for sure. Difficult to take too much from their nine-try 64-19 win against Namibia, who by this point were fatigued and lacking inspiration. Still, there's no doubt the Pumas could knock over Ireland and reach the last four for a second time, after first achieving that feat in 2007. They've come a long way since then; the Rugby Championship opening their eyes and expanding attacking flair. That they've scored the most tries at this tournament sums up their threat and overall development. No longer is their scrum the only vaunted weapon.
- Stuff
