11.   New Zealand was favored to win the pool, with Ireland and Wales fighting for the second spot and a quarterfinal berth.

12.   New Zealand was favored to win the pool, with Ireland and Wales fighting for the second spot and the other quarterfinal berth.

13.   The victor wins the pool and earns a relatively easy quarterfinal berth against Wales or Ireland, who square off for runnerup honors in pool C on Sunday.

14.   Winning the pool assures a more favorable quarterfinal matchup, almost certainly against Germany.

15.   Winning the pool is a substantial advantage because it all but assures a team of reaching the semifinals.

16.   They are certain to win pool A and have an easy ride through the quarters and semi-finals where France or Scotland will attempt to block their path.