There are no easy paths to glory in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Based on form and past results, this is what it will likely take for one of the four favourites for the title to win the cup:
South Africa (Pool D)
The Springboks have a fairly easy, though potentially bruising path through the pool stages. The biggest threat will be Wales, followed by the Samoans who like to match the Boks physically. The knock-out stages will require them to topple Ireland, New Zealand, and one of Australia or England to become the first side to retain the William Webb Ellis trophy.
11/09 Wales
17/09 Fiji
22/09 Namibia
30/09 Samoa
09/10 QF3 Ireland
16/10 SF2 New Zealand
23/10 FIN Australia\England
Australia (Pool C)
The Wallabies have a fairly straight-forward task to emerge top of Pool C, with the only real threat being Ireland – depending on which Irish side turns up. They should comfortably overcome Wales in the quarterfinals, then meet England in the semis. This will be a huge game given the result at the 2007 World Cup which saw England dominate the set phases and eliminate the Wallabies. If the Australians can beat the English this time round, they will face one of New Zealand or South Africa in the final. A victory will make them the only side to have won the tournament three times.
11/09 Italy
17/09 Ireland
23/90 USA
01/10 Russia
08/10 QF1 Wales
15/10 SF1 England
23/10 FIN New Zealand\South Africa