Ranking the quarter-finalists, part three: Our legends of the game give their verdict on the front and second rows

1 New Zealand

Partnerships are the key and none has been around longer than Brodie Retallick (right) and Sam Whitelock, both modern second-rows, happy doing flashy stuff with offloads as well as the dog work.

2 Wales

I love Alun Wyn Jones more than any other second-row. Amazing longevity. He has kept evolving his own game to keep up with all the quick lads around him. His presence seems to bring the best out of the rest.

3 Japan

I didn’t know too much about Luke Thompson and James Moore, but I have been hugely impressed. For big men they seem to cover every blade of grass, playing Japan’s super-high-tempo game.

4 South Africa

Very much in the Springbok mould of picking one big lad and one even bigger lad. Might not be as mobile as some. but boy can they hit. Huge stopping power. The Boks will look to impose raw physicality on Japan.

5 England

Would be higher if they had gone for George Kruis. Courtney Lawes offers impact, aggression and mobility, which are great, but he just won’t have the same understanding with Maro Itoje.

6 Ireland

I’m a huge fan of James Ryan. Iain Henderson is another one of those locks who does everything. I just have my doubts about their line-out. Still think they missed a trick by leaving out Devin Toner.

7 Australia

At 6ft 10in, Rory Arnold puts a lot of pressure on opposition throws. The set-piece has been solid so far, but I see less of Arnold and Izack Rodda in the loose. Second-row duel will decide the quarter-final.

8 France

I always think Sebastien Vahaamahina (above) is a liability, either in discipline or doing something daft. Bernard Le Roux looks like a converted flanker – lots of work but not big enough to add a lot at the set-piece.