Thurrock Nub News rugby correspondent Ralph Henderson gives his view on the World Cup which starts on Friday.

AFTER an incredible summer of sport which began with the mesmeric Ashes series and the valiant performances of the Lionesses, we were treated to a wonderful Wimbledon final and a splendid World Championships in athletics starring Katarina Johnson Thompson and Josh Kerr.

Now we reach the climax of our diversions from the vicissitudes of life - The Rugby World Cup

The competition begins on Friday night in Paris in spectacular fashion with the Group A opener between hosts France and perennial favourites, New Zealand.

This should be a vintage game of rugby. The All Blacks, traditional powerhouses against the formerly flamboyant hosts, buoyed by the impenetrable defensive systems deployed by the inscrutable Shaun Edwards.

In the eyes of many, France, with their fervent home support, will start as favourites. But there are several casualties of the build-up period, including the inspirational Romain Ntamack, juggernauts Paul Willemse and Cyril Baille and centre Jonathan Danty.

It has long been thought that Ntamack is the greatest loss, but Danty was fast becoming an amalgam of Matthieu Basteraud and Ma'a Nonu and central to the French cause.

Nevertheless, France still have some of the world's best players in Antoine Dupont, former Loughborough student Thibaud Flament and Damian Penaud and, if they can avoid further injury ,a second Northern Hemisphere victory could be on the cards.

That first game is crucial and could prove prescient.

A hard one to call, but "La nuit porte counseil" - "The night brings advice"

The other sides in this group will struggle to survive the Group stage, but Group B with Scotland, Ireland and South Africa should provide thrills aplenty.

The Irish are ranked No.1 in the World. If the World Cup had happened a year ago, with successive wins over New Zealand and the dismantling of England, they would have been favourites.

Their World Cup record is shocking compared to South Africa and even though Andy Farrell has built the belief, can they manage their "fragile " half-backs through seven matches?

Much more likely the capacity of the Springboks (who in their most recent demolition of New Zealand fielded a bench of seven forwards and one back) to last the course.

Canan Moodie

The new star is Canan Moodie, a centre/wing with a wonderful side-step and acceleration!

Nevertheless, expect Michael Keenan, Garry Ringrose and Tadhg Furlong to shine alongside Josh van der Flier.

When we get to the knock-out stages, if Ireland remain intact they have a chance, especially with Andy Farrell's burgeoning reputation for man management.

In this group, don't underestimate Scotland. Gregor Townsend and Finn Russell at last seem on the same wavelength and they have World Class wings in Steyn and Van der Merwe.

Pool C, with the emergence of Fiji is now "The pool of death" with the Islanders lauded as favourites after their first success over England.

This will be the first time that Fiji have had sufficient preparation time and all of their key players have been available. This means that their organisation and structures are better organised. Coach Simon Raiwalui is excited about the prospects, especially with the seismic power of Semi Radrada to lead the attack. Look out for Frank Lomana at scrum- half and any of their Sevens specialists!

Australia are almost back on track with Eddie Jones, but could Wales be the real dark horses of the tournament?

Wales, with its small playing base and population has possibly over-performed at World Cups (three -time semi-finallists). They are coming a little under the radar this time with the wily Warren Gatland keeping his young stars out of the limelight.

He has certainly limited the appearances of the likes of Louis Rees-Zammit and Liam Williams, while co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have the potential to be future greats. Watch out for Mason Grady and Dafydd Jenkins as well! The match against Fiji will be the acid test for these youngsters!

Wales came agonisingly close to pulling off the miracle in New Zealand in 2011 when some fanatics re-wrote the lyrics to that rugby anthem, "Sloop John B"!

"Allain Rolland's a wicked man;

Points the finger every time he can!

He don't give a damn about Leigh Halfpenny and me.

Halfpenny and me!

He shows the red card.

He shows the red ca-ar- ard:

With Sam on the field, we'd have won thar World Cup!

Believe it! Believe it! "

Don't be surprised to see a Welsh revival. They have certainly won over the locals with Dan Biggar's speech in French and the rendition of "Calon Lan" and probably deserve a little bit of luck, having just been edged out by South Africa in Japan.

Georgia could upset the apple cart as they threaten the World order.

The final group D features England with little to fear in terms of qualification.

Japan are not the force of four years ago and Samoa, although improving, shouldn't trouble England.

The crucial test will be Saturday evening's encounter against Argentina.

In the past, the South Americans have capitalised on scrum dominance, but now ally the durability of Pablo Matera and Julian Montoya to the rapidity of Santiago Carreras, Emiliano Boffelli and Juan Imhoff.

England are in a parlous state at the moment with a financial crisis, the Owen Farrell débacle and the demise of two major clubs.

Steve Borthwick

Perhaps the loss of Farrell and Vunipola will force England to adopt a style more conducive to winning a World Cup.

I don't believe that a back five with the likes of Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Ben Earl and Maro Itoje can't put Argentina "to the sword"!

There are so many variables, but there should be some epic quarter finals. Sitting on the fence is indecisive so the likely quarter-finals could be, owing to the imbalance of the draw:

• New Zealand versus Ireland
• South Africa versus France
• Argentina versus Fiji.
• England versus Wales.

Thereafter semi- finals of New Zealand versus England or Wales and South Africa versus Fiji

Although the heart hopes for the second Northern Hemisphere success, you have to win six or seven matches to take the Webb-Ellis Cup. South Africa have the power and depth to go all the way again!

The Rugby World Cup has several major advantages over football. For a start all the home nations are involved and this ensures a patriotic interest throughout.

Of course, we all want success for the country of our birth but this is a battle of the hemispheres and, even if France were to win, there would be some" crumbs of comfort."

Qu'est ce que nous attends? I'll faut battre le fer pendant qu'il est chaud."

"What are we waiting for? Strike the iron while it is hot!"

This could be " The greatest show on earth"!