BRIAN MOORE

ON THE FRONT ROWS

1 South Africa

A major strength for the Springboks. Any team facing the Boks will have to at least hold their own in the set. Malcolm Marx (right) is, on his day, probably the outstanding hooker in the tournament.

2 New Zealand

They do the job in the tight and get through a tremendous amount of breakdown work. As expected with all Kiwis, they are all capable of seamlessly fitting in to loose play without difficulty.

3 England

England have either a solid scrummaging unit or one that does the job but offers a great deal around the field. Flexibility is key for Eddie Jones and his options enable him to adapt to game conditions.

4 Ireland

Their first choice is a good mix between solidity and effective ball-carrying. The second choices can fill in individually, but a total swap weakens them as well as taking captain Rory Best off the field.

5 Wales

A source of minor concern beforehand, they have been quietly effective in Japan. Occasional lapses of concentration need to be eradicated, but otherwise they work tirelessly around the field.

6 France

They have shown unusual set-piece weakness. A heavy, powerful unit that in bursts are effective carriers but fitness is questionable. With Guilhem Guirado out of favour, all is unsettled. Capable of much more.

7 Japan

Hooker Shota Horie (above right) is becoming a star and despite the pack being lighter and smaller than opponents, he is able to produce channel-one ball and take pressure off the rest. Unexpectedly robust.

8 Australia

Their front row has been boosted by the introduction of heavyweight players such as Allan Alaalatoa. Their past weakness is long gone, though they can struggle against technical front opponents.