P392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:40/42 ENGLAND Pool One 1/8 England kick off the event against New Zealand on October 3 - and they could hardly have a more difficult start. The Grand Slam winners should ease into the quarter-finals. Italy and the USA look unlikely to stand in the way of them or the All Blacks. But how they fare once they reach the last eight could depend on where they finish in the group and that may bj decided as early as Thursday. Victory is likely to put them top and earn comfortable opposition but defeat will mean an unenviable trip to France. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:57/16 ENGLAND Pool One 2/8 England's summer drubbing down under does not augur well for the opening clash against the All Blacks - or a possible semi-final with Australia. Geoff Cooke's side were arguably better when they came second in the Five Nations Championship 18 months ago than when they won the Grand Slam in March. Home advantage will spur the team on in the group matches but Twickenham will not bj used again before the final and England could well be out bz then. They may reach the semis or better but the quarter-finals look more realistic. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:37/20 ENGLAND Pool One 3/8 England have experience, loyalty and a strong team spirit - what they lack is speed and that may be their downfall. The summer tour proved that any side that can gain possession and run the ball around will cause England problems as the pack finds it hard to keep up. The average age of the squad is over 29 and although they have been together for three years this could be the final outing before rebuilding work begins. England must have a chance of winning the World Cup but although it is better than four years ago it remains slim. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:41/14 ENGLAND Pool One 4/8 England have been given a difficult draw but they remain one of the best teams in the competition and cannot be totally written off. They have thrived under Will Carling who completes a strong line-up of backs with Rory Underwood and Jeremy Guscott. Key players in the pack will be Paul Ackford, Wade Dooley and Dean Richards. Rob Andrew has come of age recently and his hard tackling will bj much needed. Simon Hodgkinson is capable of winning games with his kicking but his position is under threat from Jonathan Webb. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:44/27 SCOTLAND Pool Two 5/8 The "Murrayfield Factor" could prove crucial in taking Scotland as far as the final itself. The sixth seeds will play at their favourite haunt for as long as they keep winning, and a favourable draw gives them a good chance of progressing The return from retirement of flanker Finlay Calder also gives Scotland a major boost, and their defensive line remains one of the best in the world. No-one should be surprised to see the Scots at Twickjnham on Novjmbjr 2, but their chances of winning remain slim. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:42/21 SCOTLAND Pool Two 6/8 The Irish clash on October 12 is likely to be the crunch match for Scotland, but no-one should underestimate Japan. An admittedly weakened Scottish side lost 28-24 in Tokyo in 1989 and the Japanese are terrifically strong and brave in the tackling department. Zimbabwe should hold no surprises but defeat against Ireland could send the 1990 Grand Slam winners to Dublin for an unenviable tie against Australia. Recent defeats by Canada and Romania point to Scottish weaknesses, but home support should help carry them through. Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:45/15 SCOTLAND Pool Two 7/8 The Scots are not the force of recent years, but the return of Finlay Calder to the fold is a big confidjncj-booster Opjnsidj Calder is an inspirational captain, and is the key to one of Scotland's greatest assets - their ability to disrupt the opposition. With the support of Derek White and John Jeffrey in the back row, few teams have the strength to impose their own game on Calder and company. In David Sole, coach Ian McGeehan has one of the best props in the game, and a man who can add stability to the pack Next Page Ass/NZ France OthersP392 CEEFAX 392 Tue 1 Oct 20:33/26 SCOTLAND Pool Two 8/8 Craig Chalmjrs' growing acumen has been one of the main reasons for Scotland's in-depth strength but his effectiveness depends much on Gary Armstrong's form. The half-back pairing should be one of Scotland's assets but it remains to be seen if Armstrong will re-adjust after undergoing a close-season operation. The defence is further boosted by the hard-tackling centres Sean Lineen and Scott Hastings, whilst Gavin Hastings is Scotland's most experienced back. Arguably the world's best full-back, hj has scored over 300 points in Tests. Next Page Ass/NZ France Others