The All Blacks cannot scrummage and their breakdown work is not as flawless as we expect

ARGENTINA Strengths

They used to be found in one area and one only, but that is no longer the case. The Puma scrum still works like a dream, but there is also more craft and creativity away from the pack, thanks to their fly-half, Nicolas Sanchez, and some adventurous wings. They kick their goals, too.

Weaknesses

Too few for Ireland’s comfort. The South Americans’ biggest problem is one of discipline: they still find it too easy to put themselves on the wrong side of the referee, particularly around the tackle area. Often at a language disadvantage, they often suffer from a reputation that goes before them.

Main man

Nicolas Sanchez (fly-half)

AUSTRALIA Strengths

Togetherness, for starters. Michael Cheika, head coach for less than a year, has worked wonders on the “band of brothers” front. They also have scope – their victories over England and Wales proved they can win every which way – and a good percentage of the tournament’s best players are dotted around their side.

Weaknesses

The set-piece work may be better than it was (which is not saying a fat lot), but it is still some way short of a RollsRoyce operation. They are not in absolutely premium nick at scrum-half, either: both Will Genia and Nick Phipps have looked fragile at times.

Main man

David Pocock (No 8)

SCOTLAND Strengths

Urgency is the key. The two southern hemisphere imports in the back row, John Hardie and Josh Strauss, have upped the ante in the loose – Hardie especially, with his predatory hunting instincts and his footballing brain. Working in close cahoots, Greig Laidlaw is a game manager of considerable quality.

Weaknesses

The back line is missing a beat here and there, and there are serious issues in defensive organisation on the evidence of their tight win over Samoa on Saturday. The Wallabies will make a rare old mess of the Scottish midfield unless those concerned beef up their tackling game.

Main man

Greig Laidlaw (scrum-half)