Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

They will also meet Romania and newcomers Portugal.

The Richie McCaw-led All Blacks, reigning 2007 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup champions, have never been defeated by any of their Pool C rivals.  However, the match against Scotland at Murrrayfield shapes as a pool highlight.

Scots muscle up

The Scots will be looking to improve on their top-eight finish in RWC 2003.

With a beefed up pack featuring the vastly experienced second row of Scott Murray (118kg, SCO) and Australian-born Nathan Hines (119kg), Frank Hadden's (SCO) men will look to take on the much-vaunted All Black eight up front.

However, with monster tighthead prop Carl Hayman (NZL) anchoring the New Zealand scrum they face an uphill battle.

Italy confident

Italy will be confident that they can make their first appearance in the final rounds of a rugby world cup.

The Azzurri have already shown some good form against Scotland, beating them 37-17 at Murrayfield on 24 February.

It makes their clash with the Scots at St-Etienne on 29 September a mouth-watering prospect, and will more than likely determine the pool's second qualifier.

The Marco Bortolami-led team kick-off their RWC 2007 campaign against New Zealand, a team they have played during the pool stage in all but one of the five previous tournaments.

New kids on the block

Portugal will make their world cup debut against Scotland at St-Etienne on 9 September.

The Portuguese beat Uruguay to make it to France as the final qualifier from Tier B.

They have some vastly experienced players, with prop Joaquim Ferreira winning 82 caps.

The team will be led by number 8 Vasco Uva (POR), who will pack down with second row - and brother - Goncalo (POR). The pair also have a cousin in the squad,  flanker Joao Uva (POR).

Portugal's clash with Romania in Toulouse on 25 September shapes as their best chance of winning a match. 

Romania banking on experience

Romania have appeared at every world cup and bring a wealth of experienced players, the centre Romeo Gontineac (ROM) the most capped with 71 Tests.

The point-scoring fly half Ionut Tofan (ROM), who first made his international debut against Wales in 1997, is another player to watch.