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
England (Pool B)
The English will enjoy playing in familiar conditions with the weather expected to be wet and the grounds heavy underfoot. They will also enjoy their pool games, which will see them topping Pool B. From there on they face a tough task in overcoming France, Australia, and one of New Zealand or South Africa in their quest for a second World Cup title.
10/09 Argentina
18/09 Georgia
24/09 Romania
01/10 Scotland
08/10 QF2 France
15/10 SF1 Australia
23/10 FIN New Zealand\South Africa
New Zealand (Pool A)
The All Blacks have their work cut out for them in their drive to win their first title since 1987. The pool stages offer no real threats, apart from the French of course. Luckily for the New Zealanders, they will only face France in the pool stages and so will be spared the indignity of being knocked out of their home tournament by their perennial bogey team. The knockout stages will require them to beat Argentina, South Africa and one of Australia or England in their quest to lose their chokers tag once and for all.
09/09 Tonga
16/09 Japan
24/09 France
02/10 Canada
09/10 QF4 Argentina
16/10 SF2 South Africa
23/10 FIN Australia\England