KEY POINTS:
Former All Blacks are all picking New Zealand to win the final but when it comes to who will be facing the pre-kickoff haka they're split between France and South Africa.
Colin Meads
The All Blacks have learned their lesson and won't be going into the World Cup too cocky, says Meads.
"The one problem we have is if there are injury problems to Carter and McCaw and those sort of players. They're valuable and we need them 100 per cent fit."
Prediction
New Zealand versus South Africa.
New Zealand to win by 10 points.
Billy Bush
Bush wants the All Blacks to win because the game needs a lift in New Zealand and some of the rules need an overhaul.
"People are getting turned off because there are too many stoppages. They're trying to turn the game around to make it more entertaining but it's becoming a bore."
Prediction
New Zealand versus France.
New Zealand to win 26-18.
Robin Brooke
New Zealand, Australia and South Africa will make it to the semis but the All Blacks will win the cup, says Brooke.
"Australia can turn it up and so can South Africa. There's not much in it but what is in it is the skill factor and a bit of luck."
Prediction
New Zealand versus South Africa.
New Zealand to win 18-15.
Fred Allen
"The Needle" says quality coaching and a strong forward pack will win the cup for the All Blacks.
"I've had some good packs in my time too but this is a good pack. And they have such speed on the wings too. We've got brilliant backs. Any side that's got Carter is very fortunate."
Prediction
All Blacks vs South Africa.
All Blacks to win by 6 points.
Eric Rush
The All Blacks have proven themselves in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup and have what it takes to win the Webb Ellis Cup, Rush says.
"I think they've taken rugby to a new level."
Prediction
All Blacks vs France.
All Blacks to win by ... "I'm not fussed, as long as we're in front".
Stu Wilson
The All Blacks are playing the most exciting rugby and other teams are struggling to contain them, says Wilson. "Our forward pack passes the ball more often than some of the Six Nations backlines."
Prediction
All Blacks vs France.
All Blacks by 15 points.
Glen Osborne
History counts for nothing when it comes to the World Cup, says Osborne.
"History has shown that the best teams going into the cup haven't won it."
Prediction
New Zealand versus "anybody's guess".
New Zealand by ... "So long as we win I don't care what the score is".
State of Play
How the World Cup squad is shaping up five weeks out from kick-off.-
Ouch: Prop Greg Somerville has undergone surgery after a retinal tear to his right eye during Canterbury's win over Bay of Plenty last Saturday. And although the operation was a success, the 55-test veteran faces an anxious race against time to be passed fit before the August 14 deadline when the final squad must be confirmed.
If Somerville is not considered up to scratch, Wellington's John Schwalger - who made his test debut against Canada in June - will be the fourth prop taken to France alongside Carl Hayman, Tony Woodcock and Neemia Tialata.
Back in blue (and white): Lock Ali Williams, banished from the Blues squad at the end of the Super 14 and out injured with a broken jaw for several months, returned to provincial rugby last night, playing alongside younger brother Jay.
Let's hope the older Williams was joking and has a little more confidence than when he said: "To be honest I'm going to be chasing him around and following what he does."
Also playing: Doug Howlett (Auckland), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Neemia Tialata, Chris Masoe, Conrad Smith (Wellington), Brendon Leonard (Waikato), Andrew Ellis and Reuben Thorne (Canterbury). Sione Lauaki is on the bench for Waikato.
R&R: The rest of the All Blacks spent most of the week in training and conditioning. This could be the last weekend they grab a bit of free time. On Monday they head to Christchurch for a three-day training camp - one of two before they jet off.
