Agreed Steve. Slade at 10 is the real worry for New Zealand however he got injured so it unlikely to start against the Wallabies. Cruden who came on, I thought played really well against Argentina. Looked vibrant, passed well and had some great half breaks. He played better than Slade has in the World Cup in my opinion. Will certainly be an interesting game, I hope New Zealand don't start with Sonny Bill on the wing though, if his to start I'd like to see him in the centres. Him and Ma Nonu running at Quade Cooper (I despise him and have ever since I first saw him play for the Reds back in 2008) would be nice to see.
South Africa played the correct game plan against the Wallabies and it should have paid off, if it had they would of been a good bet for the tournament. New Zealand should have the upper hand in the tight five and they have to use against the Wallabies. Back three are probably about equal and with Carter out Wallabies half backs are probably better, the rest of the backs though would say the All Blacks are better. Guess it all comes down to whether the All Blacks are going to choke again or not.
Wales looking good for the win as well, can't see the French winning that semi. They have a habit of winning well in the quarters and losing miserably in the semi's. Final should be interesting, whoever wins the Southern Hemisphere semi will be favourites. Still don't want to see those Wallabies winning it a third time...