By common consent the New Zealand All Blacks have been the best international rugby union team on the planet for the past two decades which makes it all the more remarkable that their sole success in the Rugby World Cup was way back at the inaugural tournament in 1987.

In between World Cups the All Blacks have always appeared virtually invincible, the Haka prior to kick-off invariably sending a shiver of apprehension through opponents. But when it really matters at World Cups, for some reason they implode, as was the case in the 1999 semi-final against France and their 2007 exit to the same opposition at the quarter-final stage.

Making amends on home turf in 2011 will be their number one priority, especially as their two main southern hemisphere rivals, South Africa and Australia, have both won the Webb Ellis Trophy twice since the All Blacks' sole success.

New Zealand continue to dominate the Tri-Nations between the big three south of the equator, but one imagines that is scant consolation.

The northern hemisphere rugby-playing nations still have some catching up to do, with England in a state of transition under Martin Johnson and France still struggling to find that elusive consistency.

Ireland are on a high following their 2009 Grand Slam success in the Six Nations, while Wales continue to make good progress under the astute stewardship of Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards.

In stark contrast, Scotland seem to be taking three steps back to every one they manage in a forward direction and Italy, despite being coached by the excellent Nick Mallett, are still unable to make much headway against the established order.

Finally, a mention for Argentina, who thrilled so many with their unexpected run to the semi-finals of the last World Cup. Since then, though, progress has not been as smooth and calls for them to be included in a revamped Tri-Nations tournament so that they meet top-class opposition on a regular basis are getting louder.