Player to watch

Beauden Barrett (28, Flyhalf, 78 caps) - Maybe an obvious choice, but Barrett on his day can be blockbuster. The World Player of the Year of 2016 and 2017 has blistering pace, amazing feet, and superb vision. With the rise of Richie Mo'unga to the flyhalf position, Barrett has found himself at fullback, where he is likely to start. For all his brilliance and his ability to win games single-handedly, he also has been at fault for a number of New Zealand losses with his often wayward place kicking. He will need to be on target in Japan.

What does success look like?

Winning the World Cup is the only option for the All Blacks. Anything else would be a failure for the side that has dominated World Rugby for so long.

South Africa

Rank: 4th

Previous best: Winners (1995, 2007)

South Africa faces the same challenge in Pool B as New Zealand. Faced with the mammoth task of overcoming New Zealand first up, the Boks will want to ensure victory to leave themselves an easier task of reaching the final. However, while the form of New Zealand has declined over the last 12 months, South Africa's form has been superb. Winning the Rugby Championship has given the side a lift and is a million miles away from the side that was beaten 57-0 by the All Blacks almost three years ago.

The side boasts the best attack in World Rugby, with a backline containing excellence in the centers and flair on the wings as well as consistency in the half-back positions. Added to that is a mean forward pack that brings an incredibly physical play to the game. This is a very different team to the one that lost to Japan four years ago and is one of the favorites for the trophy.

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