These two men should be celebrating a World Cup victory next year - but will they? © Getty Images

At the start of the November internationals we attempted to mark your card with a prediction of how things would pan out and as the dust settles it seems only right to sum up what we've learned over the course of the last few weeks.

All Blacks are a class apart
Graham Henry's side continue to play a different game to their rivals for next year's World Cup crown. The Springboks may be able to match them for muscle and the Wallabies may pose an equally dynamic attacking threat but neither can offer the all round excellence of the All Blacks. In an all too familiar scenario, the Webb Ellis Cup appears theirs to lose.

Player welfare takes a back seat
England's hopes against South Africa took a nosedive following a collision between winger Chris Ashton and Boks captain Victor Matfield. The blow clearly knocked Ashton senseless and referee George Clancy was unhappy and moved to comment, "He's nearly asleep, he's slurring his words", before urging the medics to make the "responsible decision". England were not prepared to lose one of their key attacking threats with barely a minute on the clock. "The medics said Chris was good to go, and they don't take risks," said England boss Martin Johnson after the game but those same medics did not look too convinced at the time. Ashton never looked right from that point on while Matfield, who broke a rib in the tackle, was not himself either. Risky business.

McCaw sets the standard
'Richie McCaw will stand like a colossus above everyone else' was our prediction a few weeks ago and he did not disappoint. Rather than his exceptional skill setting him apart, it was his temperament. Australia's Quade Cooper was the first to push his luck with a gloating shove in Hong Kong. England hooker Dylan Hartley also tried to get under his skin with a stray forearm at Twickenham while Wales' Andy Powell waded in with the cheapest of cheap shots in Cardiff. They all tried and failed to rattle McCaw, who just dusted himself down each time before returning to the task in hand. Add in another boring round of finger-pointing and accusations of cheating and it is amazing that McCaw did not boil over. He stands head and shoulders above his peers in more ways than one.

John Smit's international days look numbered
Many believe Springboks skipper John Smit should have called time on his international career following last year's series victory over the British & Irish Lions and Tri-Nations conquest but his quest for 100 Test caps and the support of coach Peter de Villiers ensured he was still a pivotal figure as they embarked on their 2010 campaign. Injury sidelined him for the end of year tour and Matfield was an able deputy as skipper while Bismarck du Plessis was outstanding in the hooker role. Reports suggest another flirtation with tight-head is unlikely next year, seemingly leaving Smit with the choice of being a back-up option or retirement.

Scrums are a blight on the game
There can be no denying that the general issue of the scrum is a mess right now. Despite the International Rugby Board's best efforts to improve things with the painfully long crouch-touch-pause-engage sequence it is an area of the game that needs urgent attention. I don't care if stats back up the claim that there are now less re-sets and collapsed scrums - it remains an ugly aspect of the game. Far too much time is wasted - can we not stop the clock somehow? - while the difference in interpretation from game to game and referee to referee is infuriating for those on the front line and those observing from afar. Sort it. Please.

England could win the World Cup...
...but probably won't. Martin Johnson's side are on an upward curve in terms of development despite the battering at the hands of the Springboks. They have shown an ability to produce breath-taking back play and stand toe-to-toe with the world's best up front but failed to do that with the kind of consistency that would have the southern hemisphere worried. The Six Nations may offer further improvement but do not expect the Tri-Nations giants to stand still in that time. England's young guns are going to have to do a fair bit of thinking on their feet if they plan to be in New Zealand beyond the quarter-finals next year.

France have lost their way
Just a few months ago Les Bleus were basking in the glory of a Six Nations Grand Slam but now they look a shadow of that side. The warning signs were there when both South Africa and Argentina swept them aside in the summer but they papered over the cracks with victories over Fiji and Argentina earlier this month. Australia were not so forgiving and heaped woe on France coach Marc Lievremont by hammering his charges in emphatic style at the weekend. OK - they may have been missing first-choice fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc and he's good - but not that good. Far from setting the benchmark as they were earlier this year, they now appear to be going backwards while all their main rivals can boast some kind of improvement in recent weeks. There are plenty of questions to be answered between now and the Six Nations. Who in their right mind drops Imanol Harinordoquy?

Islanders are the sleeping giants of the game
Fiji's draw with Wales stands out as the best performance by a rugby minnow this month although Samoa deserve credit for more than holding their own against Ireland, England and Scotland. Both sides showed that there is more to their game than the crash-bang brand of rugby that made their name. As good as they are with limited preparation you wonder what they could do if granted the same kind of luxuries afforded their Tier 1 rivals.

An unstable scrum will derail the Wallabies' World Cup hopes
It can't be easy being Patricio Noriega. As Australia's scrum coach he has had the unenviable task of picking up the pieces of the Wallabies' set-piece time and time again. Such is the talent in the team's back division it is almost a crime that the forwards cannot provide a stable platform for them to do their stuff. It will be their undoing on the World Cup stage unless they can remedy the malaise. There were signs of hope in the victory over France with the re-shuffled front row of James Slipper, Stephen Moore and Benn Robinson proving a match-winning combo.

Dan Carter is the king
We know that you know this already but we could not let DC's ascent to the top of the all-time Test points standings go without some form of praise. Even operating at a generous 70% he still had too much class for the UK and Ireland's finest and we should consider ourselves lucky to be following the game when two of the all-time greats (along with McCaw) are at the height of their powers. The problem for the All Blacks is that he casts such a shadow that question marks remain about a worthy understudy. Carter is pivotal to the All Blacks' World Cup hopes - if he stays fit they win. Simple.

"And more, much more than this, I did it my way" - IRB chief exec Mike Millar steps up to the mic at the Rugby Expo © Getty Images

The latest Rugby Expo - a meeting of rugby business minds - was staged in London earlier this week with some of the sport's leading players - largely off-the-field - dropping in to share their wisdom with each other.

As part of the proceedings, visitors were asked to name who they thought were the most influential people in rugby (I guess both Union and League going by the results) with the result being their Top 20 Most Influential People in Rugby. An interesting list that is sure to spark some kind of reaction and debate.

Here's their top three:
1) Bernard Lapasset (IRB)
2) Sir Ian McGeechan (Bath and former Scotland and Lions Coach)
3) Jonny Wilkinson (Player - Toulon and England)

The rest were listed alphabetically:
Adam Crozier, ITV
Barney Francis, Sky Sports
David Gallop, National Rugby League, Australia
Francois Pienaar
Gareth Thomas, Crusaders RL
Graham Henry, New Zealand Coach
Greg Peters, SANZAR
John Steele, RFU
Martin Johnson, England
Martin Snedden, RNZ 2011
Max Guazzini, Owner Stade Francais
Mick Cleary, The Daily Telegraph
Paddy O’Brien, Head of the IRB Referees Board
Reg Clark, Rhino Rugby
Richard Lewis, RFL
Richie McCaw, New Zealand
Stephen Jones, The Sunday Times

The list obviously has a certain UK bias, which will grate with many, but it's a starting point at least. Some inclusions are obvious - IRB boss Lapasset, SANZAR CEO Peters, referees' boss O'Brien and World Cup organiser Sneddon - but there are also a fair number of high-profile omissions.

I can understand McCaw's presence as arguably the best player in the world - but no reference to his management agency Essentially who look after him and his All Blacks colleague Dan Carter among others? Surely if you represent the game's best talent you wield a significant amount of influence?

On the subject of players - there is no mention of players' union boss Damian Hopley, who also heads up the International Rugby Players' Association. If you are in charge of ensuring players' welfare then it is fair to assume you hold some sway on the game in general.

Jonny Wilkinson's star may be on the wane but the wallet that took him - and a few other big names - to the south of France is still very much a big player - step forward Mourad Boudjellal.

And while the Rugby Football Union's status as the richest governing body is not in question - surely the strength of the All Blacks brand warrants the inclusion of NZRU chief executive Steve Tew? From the chief executive ranks, there is also an argument that IRB No.2 Mike Millar is equally important when it comes to shaping the game.

Despite their increasing investment in the game, ESPN appear yet to have registered widely in the market and are absent but they are joined on the outer by the BBC - once the bedrock of rugby coverage in the UK. Sky's possession of the Heineken Cup and England internationals makes them a shoo-in for the list and ITV's recent World Cup deal leaves them well-placed also.

And while Rhino Rugby's name is welcome in the list, you would have thought the big hitters of adidas and Nike would carry more clout? One final thought - Judge Jeff Blackett has been a key figure in the sport of late and the sanctions he hands down reverberate around the game.

As already mentioned, this is a great talking point but the list suffers from a UK-focus due largely to the venue, the clientele and their collective exposure to the wider game. But it has definitely got us thinking at ESPN HQ so stay tuned for our definitive list in the near future.

Got any suggestions? Let us know!

Kurtley Beale is at fullback in our Team of the Week © Getty Images

What do you get if you put together two Australians, three Kiwis, four Welshmen, four South Africans and two Englishmen? A contrived joke? No, it's our November internationals Team of the Week, of course.

15. Kurtley Beale (Australia)

Pace, invention and a try to boot. Beale has matured at a rate of knots this year and on current form would make a compelling case for inclusion at fullback in any world XV. Also missed out on scoring a stunning individual try by the narrowest of margins.

14. Chris Ashton (England)

How it took the England management so long to recognise his talents we don’t know, but he’s settled in at international level now. Set up Dylan Hartley’s try and was a menace all afternoon with ball in hand, a good performance against top-class opposition. Australia’s James O’Connor also continued to impress with his counter-attacking game and is pin-sharp at the moment.

13. Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

In truth he had a mixed game, but produced that box office moment the rugby world was waiting for with a rugby league-style offload to set up the All Blacks’ first try. Will be a hell of a weapon with a few more Tests under his belt.

12. Jean de Villiers (South Africa)

Had to hold Zane Kirchner's hand after he was thrown in at the deep end against Brian O'Driscoll and responded with a balanced display that brought his support play to the fore after a difficult season to date. Honourable mention goes to Wales’ Andrew Bishop for a top-drawer defensive display.

11. Hosea Gear (New Zealand)

After several months of calls from New Zealand fans and media alike, Gear got his chance in an All Black jersey and took it with a performance brimming with dangerous pace. Scored his
first Test try with the help of the TMO and looked deadly with a couple of inches of space.

10. Quade Cooper (Australia)

Proved that there’s more to his game than flicks and tricks with an assured tactical game. Used Australia’s difficult first-phase possession well and his option-taking was superb.
Alternated between plugging the corners and opening up on the counter-attack with ease.

9. Richie Rees (Wales)

A second-half replacement, Rees upped the tempo when Wales needed it most, producing a snappier display than his much-vaunted rival Mike Phillips. Bagged Wales’ only try in the final 10 minutes.

1. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Played his part in demolishing the Australian scrum and also was his usual dangerous self at the breakdown, winning a couple of key turnovers. The best loose-head in the world right now.

2. Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa)

After missing South Africa’s Test season to date due to injury, Du Plessis reminded everyone of his worth against Ireland, mixing his brute force in the loose with a good throwing display and strong scrummaging effort. John Smit should be worried.

3. Adam Jones (Wales)

Now a proven international performer, Jones had Benn Robinson on toast at scrum-time. Doesn’t shirk around the field but underlined his true worth as the pillar of a dominant scrummage.

4. Brad Thorn (New Zealand)

The grand old man of New Zealand rugby turned in a cracking shift at Twickenham, grinding away for the full 80 minutes and making big yardage. A small lesson for Courtney Lawes in how to get your hands dirty.

5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)

South Africa’s stand-in skipper ruled the skies at the Aviva Stadium, marshalling a typically superb lineout. It was a big result in the context of their tour, and season, and Matfield played a hugely influential role.

6. Juan Smith (South Africa)

Another one of South Africa’s most effective workers, Smith continued his superb for with a tireless display that included a nifty 50-metre run in for an intercept try. Will play a huge part of any Springbok success in the coming weeks.

7. Sam Warburton (Wales)

Made headlines before kick-off when selected ahead of the veteran Martyn Williams but went on to edge his battle with Australia’s superb openside David Pocock. A powerful presence at the breakdown in the first-half, he also boasts good pace and is a threat as a support runner.

8. Nick Easter (England)

He may look like the landlord at your local, but Easter showed in the closing stages of England’s defeat to New Zealand that he has the legs to drive his team forward come hell or high water. Socks around his ankles, he gave the All Blacks a few headaches.

Sonny Bill is set to be the centre of attention from here until Rugby World Cup 2011 © Getty Images

The stage is set for a feast of international rugby over the next few weeks with the world's best set to go head-to-head across Europe and to accompany the latest inter-hemisphere battles we can offer the first instalment of our new series - 10 things you need to know...

1. Sonny Bill Williams is the real deal. Much of the rugby union press have been slow on the uptake as far as the former league international is concerned. His performances for Toulon passed many of them by but certainly made an impression on us. His star continued to rise on his return to New Zealand and he is primed to become the sport's biggest name.

2. Wayne Barnes and Nigel Owens will underline their class as two of the best referees in the game. At this time it appears they the northern hemisphere's best chance of gracing the Eden Park turf come October 23, 2011. On the subject of officials - you can also expect Steve Walsh to make a headline or two.

3. England manager Martin Johnson is not going anywhere. The former World Cup-winning skipper could suffer another horrendous November but his position is safe. Two wins is the widely-reported target but the Rugby Football Union have already nailed their colours to the mast so even a schooling at the hands of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa and failure to fire against Samoa will not prompt a re-think. Good job too as changing your coach less than a year to a World Cup is a recipe for disaster.

4. Sky Sports will continue to ignore any international they do not have the rights for. Sadly, as far as they are concerned the pointless Anglo-Welsh Cup (yawn) warrants a higher profile than any non-England Test clash. It doesn't even matter if it is the easy-on-the-eye Georgie Thompson telling me about the tin pot competition - it is laughable.

5. Unions will continue to hammer fans in the pocket. A chill wind will blow through the northern hemisphere in the next few weeks and it's not just the onset of autumn. Empty seats means less revenue and mild panic. The Irish and Welsh Rugby Unions have already admitted ticket sales are down but the Rugby Football Union continues to live in a different league - RFU Wine Club anyone? Anyone?

6. Springboks coach Peter De Villiers cannot be muzzled. A dressing down from the South African rugby union and a change of media advisor in the reassuring form of communication chief Andy Colquhoun may ensure he tones it down a litte but when the lights come on he knows it is time to perform. And a misfiring team could crank up the pressure on the gaff-prone boss. You have been warned.

7. One swallow does not make a summer and one southern hemisphere scalp does not a World Cup-winner make. The long-standing gulf in class between the two hemisphere will still be in place come a month's time. The Six Nations must raise their game to a consistent level of excellence before they can share the stage with the Tri-Nations giants.

8. The weather will not save Europe's finest from a lesson or two. New Zealand and Australia raised the bar during this year's Tri-Nations and a disappointing South Africa were not that far behind. As much as some northern hemisphere sides claim such a fast-paced game isn't Test rugby - it is. Just not the sort they can handle. A verbal volley or even a wet and windy welcome is not going to stop the likes of the All Blacks and Wallabies trying to put pace on the ball and unless they can adapt it will be a case of damage limitation.

9. Richie McCaw will stand like a colossus above everyone else. Many of the world's leading coaches were hoping the latest law interpretations would rob Captain Tackles of some of his powers but the classy and intelligent openside has ridden out the wave of change and continues to exert the kind of influence - on the game and referees - that has made him arguably the best player the game has ever seen.

10. Certain folk will continue to gripe about the haka and continue their merry crusade to rid the sport of one of its finest moments of theatre. Their argument that it provides a psychological advantage is of course true, but it should also fire up opposing teams. I'm waiting with baited breath for an article calling for Samoa's siva tau to be banned. Oh right - they're not trampling all over the north are they? So they can carry on regardless...

Ryan Lamb will be steering this week's Team of the Week © Getty Images

After another round of Premiership theatrics, London Irish are still at the top of the pile and Leeds are still at the bottom. There was a whole lot of fighting before that was confirmed though, so why not take a look at the movers and shakers in our latest Team of the Week?

15. Mike Brown (Harlequins)

Forever assured in defence, Brown added an attacking incision to his play against Bath. Despite lacking the pace to scorch opponents, he regularly beat the first defenders and countered with ambition to good effect.

14. Joe Ansbro (Northampton)

With Saints’ first-choice back three unavailable due to international calls and injury, the onus was on Ansbro to add the sparkle out wide. He was Saints’ most dangerous runner and duly scored a crucial try.

13. Anitele’a Tuilagi (Sale)

Sale’s Samoan centre transformed the game against London Irish with his 57th minute try, prompting Sale to roar back into contention. But ultimately it wasn’t enough to change the result at the Madejski Stadium

12. Ryan Davis
(Exeter)

Davis more than filled the boots of Exeter’s injured fly-half Gareth Steenson as the former Bath playmaker inspired Exeter to a morale-boosting win over Saracens at Vicarage Road a with a try and five successful kicks. We’ve shifted him into midfield as his contribution couldn’t be ignored.

11. Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester)

Vainikolo clinched a dramatic victory for Gloucester over Leicester Tigers with a late try at Kingsholm. The former England winger bulldozed over for the vital score and was a constant threat with his charges into the Tigers’ midfield after coming on as a replacement.

10. Ryan Lamb (London Irish)

Lamb turned in another accomplished performance as he inspired the Exiles to victory over Sale. The young fly-half scored 24 points, including a try, to once again ignite thoughts of a possible international call up

9. Joe Simpson (Wasps)

Wasps’ electric scrum-half once again proved his sprinting prowess as he took the ball from the back of a scrum and raced from inside his own half to score a superb try. And his all round game was good enough to keep him in the mind of England selectors.

1. Nathan Catt (Bath)

The watching Martin Johnson will have been disappointed by the pre-match withdrawal of Joe Marler at The Stoop on Sunday, but another young loose-head with an international future beckoning made a strong impression. Catt was a key component in Bath’s dismantling of Quins’ front-row.

2. Brett Sharman (Northampton)

With Saints skipper Dylan Hartley away with England, Sharman was flung the No.2 shirt and he didn’t disappoint. Sharman played his part in the demolition of Newcastle’s scrum and was also a force in the loose throughout.

3. Brian Mujati (Northampton)

Mujati was once again the cornerstone of Saints’ indomitable scrummaging effort. He gave Kieran Brookes such a torrid time that the young Falcon was controversially withdrawn at half-time.

4. Christian Day (Northampton)

Day continued his strong form for Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens and almost opened up his try-scoring account by using all of his 1.98-metre frame to touchdown in the corner. But the TMO ruled his foot was in touch.

5. George Robson
(Harlequins)

Harlequins’ second-row was immense throughout their 6-6 draw with Bath at the Stoop. He was solid on his own ball and stole two of Bath’s lineouts as well as being a sizeable presence in the loose.

6. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)

Like any good No.6, the Harlequins skipper revelled in the damp, soggy conditions at The Stoop on Sunday. Robshaw was one of the chief saboteurs of Bath’s hunt for quick ball and as the game became scrappier, he became more influential

7. Tom Rees (Wasps)

With the England openside berth being fought over by Lewis Moody and Hendre Fourie, Tom Rees was free to aid his club’s cause at Headingley. And he scored a decisive try early in the second half, burrowing over from close range.

8. Tom Guest (Harlequins)

Drafted in to replace Nick Easter, who was absent with England, Guest charged into the Bath defence with real gusto and regularly made significant gains.