New Zealand

Strengths: Several of the All Blacks played in the last World Cup so they have experience, plus they have really developed their all-round game since then. New Zealand have always had a formidable running game but their defence and kicking game is much stronger now.

Weaknesses: Teams might attack their lineout but of more concern is the pressure they will face. Every All Blacks side must cope with expectation but a World Cup has never started with a side being such strong favourites. New Zealand have not won a World Cup in 20 years and their public will expect nothing less than overall victory. It will be interesting to see how they handle that.

Danger man: Dan Carter has proven himself the outstanding fly half in the world over the past three years. What most impresses me is the accuracy with which he fulfils all his responsibilities. He has not yet performed at a World Cup, though, and that will provide the real test of his talent.

Verdict: Winners

France

Strengths: Everybody knows about the French attacking game but they have worked hard on their defence and are very strong in the tackle. Their scrummaging has improved too and they have strength in depth in the pack, particularly in the back row. They showed in the warm-up matches against England that they can also play in two very different styles. They succeeded with a very physical game in Marseilles and then played very wide in Cardiff. A year ago, people were talking of them being contenders and I wasn’t so sure, but they’ve really impressed recently.

Weaknesses: Most of their side looks settled but they do not have seem to know their best fly half and scrum half combination. Frederic Michalak failed to handle the pressure in the semi-final in 2003 and it cost France the game. They cannot afford for that to happen again. They have players elsewhere who can win a game but they need a No 9 or 10 who can control it.

Danger man: Yannick Jauzion is an excellent player. His partnership with Damien Traille in the two centre positions is vital to the hosts.

Verdict: Finalists, as long as they can avoid slipping up against Argentina and Ireland in a very tough group.

South Africa

Strengths: As always with the Springboks, they have a very strong defence, tremendous athleticism and a rare passion. They are pretty good at the set-piece too, particularly the lineout.

Weaknesses: Their attacking game can be a little predictable. They will run at you all day and will severely punish a missed tackle, but might struggle to break down a strong defence.

Danger man: Bryan Habana is a player whom I would pay to watch. If he can get the ball, he will trouble most defences with his speed and skill.

Verdict: Semi-finalists

Australia

Strengths: Australia are usually the smartest team in the World Cup. They exploit their strengths and hide their weakness better probably than any other side. In 2003, they got to the final and only lost by a drop-goal in extra-time with a team that had some glaring deficiencies. They weren’t looking too good a year ago but they have since beaten the All Blacks and shown enough form to suggest that they could be a threat in France.

Weaknesses: Their scrummaging is by far the most obvious problem. I imagine other sides will target that.

Danger man: Stirling Mortlock was an important part of the side that reached the 2003 final but he is an even better player now. As captain, he has been key to their return to form and is probably approaching his peak. The experience of their half back combination of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham will be critical too. They have made almost 250 Test appearances between them, a phenomenal achievement.

Verdict: Semi-finalists

Interview by Robert Dineen

Martin Johnson is a Visa Rugby Legend. Visa is an official sponsor of the rugby World Cup.