[Growltigger]

Yippee, good responses and interesting to see a non-partisan impartial Australian.

My personal view is that New Zealand have to be the favourites, unless Australia shake themselves down sufficiently and provided that England sort themselves out. If the English can, and if Mr Wilkinson's right foot can regain its magic touch, then we, I mean, England should be the favourites.

Still, it means this World Cup is damn finger-nail-chewing-seat-of-the-pants-stuff!!

And as for the hakas, did anyone see the All Black/Tongan game. The sight of 30 large Polynesians doing their hakas at each other is frankly enough to really make the bowels loosen.

Anyone ever wonder why these South Sea Islanders, used to palm trees and sun-kissed beaches, love getting it on in a game more associated with damp northern skies, mud and rain??

And Narf, the Canadians are yet to win a game, but they are tough lads who are getting better and better and better. Give it a few more years and maybe an Antipodean coach and your boys will be contenders with the best of them. After all, see how the Italians have come on since they joined the 6 Nations