The final countdown

There are 20 teams in the world cup divided into four pools of five, with the top two sides after roundplay going on to the finals. And such is the gulf between the contenders and the pretenders that we should see a comfortable procession into the knockout rounds for the stronger teams. In fact, the draw has been arranged so the top-seeded sides have plenty of time between games to sun themselves beside the hotel pool while the minnows are forced to bash each other up in a much tighter schedule.

However, there are a few games that could throw a spanner into the works, none more so than the opening game, Australia v Argentina (tomorrow, 11pm). These two sides are in Pool A, the RWC's version of "the group of death" when you add Ireland to the mix. Argentina should be up for this one, especially as the Aussies called them dirty cheats as soon as they arrived in the country. It's not beyond Argentina to cause an upset that would put huge pressure on Australia when they face Ireland (Nov 1, 10.35pm). If Australia finish second in their group they will probably have to face France in a quarter-final, instead of the much easier path for the top qualifier: a game against the Pool Brunners-up, most likely to be Scotland.

Another unlikely but still intriguing scenario is South Africa astonishingly rediscovering some form to top their pool by beating England (Oct 19, 1am). This would tip England into a likely quarter-final face-off with the All Blacks, a prospect neither team would fancy. South Africa, as top qualifiers, would probably face Wales.

If the RWC seedings run true to form the quarter-finals should shape up like this:

All Blacks v South Africa, with winner to meet winner of Australia v Scotland in semis; France v Argentina with winner to meet winner of England v Wales in semis.

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