RWC 2003 started with 20 teams but now only eight are left standing as we enter the finals race.
Each of the quarter finalists – New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Scotland France, Ireland, England and Wales – have played four games, some easier than others, during the pool stage of the Tournament, leaving a trail of teams in their wake.
Of the teams not though to the quarters, some have already departed the host nation’s shores, while Namibia, Fiji, Samoa and most of the Uruguayan team depart today.
Three departing coaches, Paul Healy (Uruguay assistant coach), John Boe (Samoa) and Tom Billups (USA), had a bird’s eye view of their opposing teams from the coach's box.
Here are their fearless predictions about the road ahead for some of the more fancied teams.
England less than convincing
Uruguay was drawn in Pool C up against Tournament heavyweights England and South Africa, as well as surprise packets Samoa and debutants Georgia.
Los Teros beat Georgia but were soundly beaten by South Africa, Samoa and England. After the 111-13 loss to England in Brisbane last night, Uruguay assistant coach Paul Healy isn’t convinced the number one ranked side on the IRB’s official world rankings has what it takes to go all the way.
"I suppose it is hard to assess England but they put up a good game against us ... you must have speed and all those attributes but teams like Australia and New Zealand have moved up the pecking order a bit, but it is hard to assess," Healy told Rugby News Service.
All Blacks all the way
From the same pool, Samoa coach John Boe, whose men almost pulled off the upset of the Tournament, holding England at bay for 65 minutes before going down 35-22, was more forthright, and perhaps a little parochial, in his opinion.
"I want New Zealand to win ... I'm a Kiwi and so is (assistant coach) Michael (Jones) and we want to see them win ... I'm picking New Zealand," Boe said.
Viva la France
In Pool B, USA were up against Tournament 'dark horse' France, darlings Japan, Scotland and the unpredictable flair of Fiji.
The Eagles pushed Fiji all the way in a one-point loss, went down to Scotland 39-15 and recorded their first RWC win since 1987 over the Cherry Blossoms.
In their final match Eagles coach Tom Billups got up close and personal with France when beaten 41-14 at Win Stadium. He liked what he saw.
"It would appear that the French have the formula right," Billups said.
"I think the French have as good a chance as anyone. They have a good balance of forwards in attack and backs."