Scott Mathie casts his eye over the Tri-Nations hopes of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
South Africa
The current world champions have started their Tri-Nations campaign in somewhat controversial manner already.
Outspoken Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has selected what appears to be a second-string squad for their away leg of the competition, invoking much criticism from their counterparts.
De Villiers has cited injuries as the main reason for his weakened squad, although grumblings from the Aussie camp in particular suggest that he is using these matches as 'rest time' for his star players.
Although Springbok captain John Smit travels with the squad, it still remains highly inexperienced with only a handful of players holding more than 20 caps. Props Werner Kruger and Jean Greyling are set to earn their first Test caps alongside Cheetahs eighth-man Ashley Johnson and Sharks scrum-half Charl McLeod.
With the World Cup looming, many would consider this move from de Villiers as a necessary precaution. However, the selected squad; comprising mostly of Super XV's in-form players, will need to punch above their weight to give their country any chance of winning this year's Tri-Nations.
Defeat still remains unpalatable for this proud rugby nation and any below-par performances will apply more pressure on their results on home soil.
Expect the Boks to resort to type at home, and will prove difficult to beat once their stellar performers are back in the fold. The experience of half-back Fourie du Preez will have the biggest influence, on a team that missed him sorely in last year's autumn internationals.
His combination with fly-half Morne Steyn has been instrumental for the Springboks in recent years and given their performances for the Bulls towards the end of the Super XV, there remains reason to be quietly confident in South Africa's Tri-Nations preparation and their end of year assault on the William Web Ellis trophy.
Australia
If this year's Super XV is anything to go by, Australia should be favourites to win their first Tri-Nation's tournament since 2001.
A decade is a long time without success for the two-time World Cup winners, but with an exciting crop of youngsters fulfilling their potential domestically, there appears to be plenty to smile about in the Aussie camp.
However, this rosy attitude was rocked last week, when the Aussies - who fielded a second-string team - succumbed to Samoa, revealing a clear lack of depth within their squad.
Although this result was cause for embarrassment, they will not be overly concerned as the necessary changes have been wrung for this weekend's opening Tri-Nations fixture against South Africa.
Much has been said about the Queensland Red's triumphant Super XV campaign, and this success has led to the much deserved inclusion of 15 of their players in Australia's 40-man squad.
The Red's second-row pairing of Rob Simmons and James Horwill are notable inclusions, with the latter spending the whole of last year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury. This partnership is a god-send for the Australians, as both bring tremendous physicality to the pack, something which has let them down in previous years.
The half-back pairing of Will Genia and Quade Cooper made all the difference for the Reds this season, and have proved themselves as stand-out performers in the international game too. Blessed with an abundance of flair and skill, expect these two players to exude confidence in this year's campaign.
The Aussies strength undoubtedly lies in their backs, and with Kurtley Beale likely to accompany James O'Connor and Digby Ioane in the back three, not many teams will fancy giving players of that pace any counter-attacking opportunities.
It remains to be seen whether coach Robbie Deans can capitalise on the confidence built in such a successful Super Rugby campaign, but the opportunity itself is something Australians haven't tasted in a very long time.
New Zealand
Since the inaugural Tri-Nations tournament took place in 1996, New Zealand has lifted the trophy 10 times, four more than both Australia and South Africa combined.
However, while the All Blacks have dominated the annual international tournament, they have failed to secure the World Cup since 1987.
What remains more ominous yet, is that they have won the Tri-Nations tournament in every World Cup year. This provides grim reading for any Kiwi supporter if you take into consideration their current form.
After their successful Grand Slam tour last autumn, All Black coach Graham Henry has kept a similar feel to his squad. Highlanders second-rower, Jarrad Hoeata, is the only uncapped player in a highly-experienced group.
With the Blues and Crusaders reaching the play-offs of the Super XV - the latter beaten finalists - it is clear that New Zealand still remain favourites for the competition.
Any team that possesses the mercurial qualities of easily the world's best fly-half should rarely ever struggle. Dan Carter has proved his consistency in this tournament every year and this time it should prove no different.
What is more worrying for the opposition however, is his combination with fellow Crusader and ex-rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams. His ability to offload in the tackle has proved impossible to defend at times, such is the strength and skill of the inside centre. He will be the spearhead in the All Blacks attack coupled with the pace of the Kiwis back three; we could see many a try fest in this year's competition.
In a World Cup year the pressure on players is intensified, and even more so for the home team with a history of under-performing. Richie McCaw and his compatriots have a big year ahead of them, filled with the expectations of many.
A World Cup on home soil will provide no better chance to bury the demons of their past, but it all starts with successful preparation and this year's Tri-Nations should be no exception.
