KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks have been performing consistently for the last two years and across the park, the team is looking good, said former All Black halfback Steve Devine.
Devine said the All Black scrum is probably number one in the world.
"And in the backs, each player of
the backline is a threat. A lot of teams have one or two who are a threat but for the All Blacks, nearly every player threatens to score a try which makes it pretty hard to defend," Devine said.
He said as far as the halfback position goes Bendon Leonard and Byron Kelleher are both runners.
"Leonard is going to be something pretty good with a bit more experience and Kelleher would be one of the two top half backs in the world," Devine said.
Devine, who played his last test against France for the third and fourth place play-off at the 2003 World Cup, said the All Blacks have to be mindful that anyone can beat anyone on their day at the World Cup.
"It doesn't matter who you're playing in the quarter, semi, or final, you've got to bring your best performance or you'll be going home," Devine said.
He said the top four teams have the ability to beat each other and the tournament will heat up towards the end.
"The Wallabies will be there and the Africans and then I'm not sure how it's pooled," Devine said.
He said following the Argentinian win, the French could be doubtful and the Argentineans may take their place.
Devine also said England and Ireland can't be written off.
Final prediction
All Blacks versus South Africa
All Blacks to win 22 - 19.
Steve Devine's All Black career
Full Name: Stephen John Devine
Born: December 12, 1976
Position: Halfback
All Black Debut: November 9, 2002
Matches: 10
YOUR PREDICTIONS
It's only weeks away from the Rugby World Cup and we want to hear your predictions of who will win. Who do you think will be in the final and what do you think the score will be?
We'll run your predictions online and you could be the winner by picking the right score.
The winner gets to the right to call themselves the Rugby Brain of New Zealand... and our sports team at nzherald.co.nz will also rustle up a prize for the most accurate prediction.
