As the international season winds up, the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden rates the top competitors before next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
"Strengths: The All Blacks are the most complete team going around, and boast two crucial elements - the world's No.1 openside flanker in Richie McCaw and five-eighth in Daniel Carter. Every World Cup winner has a great No.10, and Carter is in that category. McCaw is also the smartest captain going around. As shown this season, they have the varied game plans to overcome most conditions and oppositions. The Wallabies did beat them once this year, but most times finished deep in their shadow.
"Weaknesses: They have a terrible habit of falling apart at World Cup time. There is also the pressure of performing at home, because the expectations among the New Zealand community are enormous. As they have worked so hard on getting a consistent, settled line-up, they could struggle if injuries hit their attack. The All Blacks must work out where to put Sonny Bill Williams, because if he appears in the wrong spot, the balance could be badly affected.
"What needs to be fixed: Not much.
"Where they have gone in rankings in a year: Remained first.
"Prediction: World Cup victors."
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