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Nasser Hussain, Head, Rugby India and former national captain
Favourites: Tough One to answer. A lot of it would depend on how teams are placed in the pool, heading into the tournament. At this stage very very hard to pick one. But the team who are doing well, New Zealand, being the reigning champions, South Africa, Australia. They are in a tough pool with England and Wales. But if I had to pick one, I would probably go with one of the underdogs- an Ireland or a Wales. Ireland, having won the 6-nations, they would be a team to reckon with. There could be big teams who would consider them as not much of a threat, but I think they would be the team to look out for at this stage.
Disappointments: Tough to pick again. Probably in the group of England which has the likes of Australia and Wales. Since only two teams can progress, the team that doesn't go through would probably be the disappointment, not seeing them in the quarters. England, being hosts, I would say they would probably go through. As I had earlier said that Wales were among the favourites, so that leaves us with Australia.
Dark Horse: Ireland or Wales would be a dark horse. Like I said, they are the underdogs and they would definitely be the teams to look out for. You can't write them off at all.
Causing an upset: I would like to back Japan. Because they have shown a huge amount of improvement in the last few years. They have competed well on the Asia Pacific competitions. They recently beat Canada and USA. Being the only team to qualify from Asia, I think they would have all the support from Asia. I think they are capable and definitely have the potential to cause a bit of an upset.
Ridzal Saat, World Rugby representative, Rugby Service Manager- Asia
Favourites: Personally, I have always preferred the Southern Hemisphere teams- New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. But of course, in any World Cup, in any sport, you can't discount the hosts which in this case, is England as they are backed their home fans and they want to do well. So it could be any of these four teams.
Dark Horse: The dark horse for me would be Australia. They have a difficult group to get out of which has England. France as well, who finished as the runners-up in the last edition.
Disappointments: Potentially, New Zealand. I think they have not reached the final, when the tournament has been played in the Northern Hemisphere. So hopefully they don't choke and give their skipper Richie McCaw a good send-off.
Causing an upset: I would think potentially Argentina and Japan. Being an Asian and with the next World Cup scheduled to be held in Asia, I am rooting for them to causing a few upsets and reach the quarterfinals.
Mitesh Karamchandani, Media Consultant based in Mumbai
I'm very excited about the upcoming Rugby World Cup. It is a game that continues to capture young India's imagination, in terms of both participation and viewership. So, its great that SONY SIX & KIX are showing all the tournament's matches live in the country.
Favourites: Based on current form, I see the All Blacks defending their title this year. Having said that, playing England at home, should prove to be a tough challenge for most teams. Richie McCaw is my player of the tournament, as he looks to lead New Zealand to a record third as well as a consecutive World Cup victory. Also, he has got the game. He's considered by many as one of the greatest openside flankers in the business. So, his role will be crucial if the Blacks are to win the World Cup.
Disappointments: As for the biggest disappointment, I believe Uruguay won't go very far as they are one of the bottom-ranked sides competing in the tournament, not to mention that they are placed in 'the pool of death' along with teams like Australia, England, Wales & Fiji.
Firdos Arjani, an avid Rugby lover
Though I'm an ardent football fan, rugby has attracted my interest in the last few years. So, both my friends and I are all geared up to catch the action live on SIX and KIX.
Favourite: I think the Red and Whites (England), for the simple reason that they are playing at home, could go all the way. A lot rests on George Ford and his young shoulders if England have to win their second World Cup. If he can exhibit the same kind of form he showed during the Six Nations championship earlier this year and help England to do one better (than their second place performance in the 2015 RBS 6 Nations), he could well be the player of the tournament.
Disappointments: Uruguay could prove to be the weakest link in the entire tourney and could also be handed a wooden spoon, due to the fact that they will be competing against the likes of Australia, England, Wales & Fiji in their group matches.
