As the World Cup gets ready to kick off tonight, the Otago Daily Times seeks some answers to the big questions -
Will the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup?
Who will they meet in the final?
What All Black will be the star of the side, and who won't?
What top side will struggle?
Dave Reedy
David Reedy
Otago Whalers coach
My heart says yes. My head says they have the team to win it, but it will take every ounce of rugby they have to pull it off.
I'm picking they will meet England if they make the final. England, like the All Blacks, will have to play their best football if they are to be a chance.
I am picking Ardie Savea to have a huge World Cup. The man is an athletic beast. As for flop, if you make the All Blacks at a World Cup, you have already surpassed being a flop.
I think Ireland may struggle this time around.
Tegan Hollows
Tegan Hollows
Otago Spirit captain
Yes, I'm backing the All Blacks to win. They should be able to take it out. I'm just hoping they don't get any key injuries. The hard field will allow for fast rugby along with nice weather which suits our style.
I think the All Blacks are likely to meet South Africa or Australia in the final for the same reason I'm backing the All Blacks to win the final. The conditions allow for running rugby which us southern hemisphere teams are best at.
I think for us Ardie Savea will be a key player in winning the Cup. His ability to make metres and dominate in tackles and rucks keeps the team always moving forwards. The flop is a hard one. I'd like to think we wouldn't take one. But if I'd have to name someone it would be Sonny Bill Williams. His body seems to be a bit wrecked as he's prone to picking up injuries.
I think Wales might struggle with the hard and fast level play the conditions will bring. They seem to lack depth in key positions and I think with their assistant coach being sent home under investigation this might play a part.
Garbham Coughlan
Garbhan Coughlan
Southern United striker
No. Ireland will without a doubt. Coming into the tournament with great form behind them hopefully that continues through the WC. The ABs' form isn't its best at the moment and three in a row might just be a stretch.
They will meet Ireland. Both will win their groups and go opposite directions in the knockout phase. They will play again in the final, with Ireland just coming out on top in a very tight game. Both need to start well in their first group game for this to happen.
Beauden Barrett - if he plays well the ABs win. Sonny Bill could be anonymous.
England. They will crash out after the group stages.
Dean Moeahu
Dean Moeahu
Green Island coach
I think they can if they get their mix of players right - most definitely.
I have not had a close look at the draw but I'd say England will be the dark horses. They have big ball carriers right across the field and an astute coach.
Sevu Reece is just electric like Nehe Milner-Skudder was for us at the last World Cup. I couldn't tell you who the flop is going to be.
I think Australia is going to struggle.
Rob Walter
Rob Walter
Otago coach
They would certainly have to be pretty close to contending that final. But I do think this World Cup is the closest one for a long time. There are a lot of teams that can win it.
Best-case scenario - a New Zealand-South Africa final. That is probably my patriotism talking.
I would love to see either of the Highlanders boys being the success, so either one of the Smiths.
I think Ireland and Wales will struggle to get through even though they are highly-ranked teams.
Andy McLean
Andy McLean
Otago Hockey general manager
Yes they will. Their experience of having been there and done that will come to the fore in the do-or-die knockout.
South Africa - because our pool game will put us on opposite sides of the draw and they will both be too good in the knockout phase.
Liam Squire will be the star after receiving a call-up for injury cover, while TJ Perenara will get too much game time in front of Aaron Smith.
England because they will hate the heat.
Paul Dwyer
Paul Dwyer
ODT club rugby guru
Only three sides can win the Cup - the ABs, South Africa or England. The winner of the ABs v SA game is due to meet England in the semi. Bottom line - the ABs have the most depth so are odds-on to do the threepeat.
Based on my logic from the first answer if the ABs get past SA in week one it will be an ABs v SA final. If not, ABs v England is a possibility if the Poms can keep their big Polynesian players on the park.
The best two ABs currently are Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert Brown and I see no reason why their form won't continue provided they get picked! They are in career-best form. I question why Shannon Frizzell is there. I don't think he will give us the work rate required.
Ireland may have peaked too early and could crash and burn.