With the World Cup now just days away, we take a look at who needs a cold beer and who should be shopping for a new pullover!

They're smooooookin!

The Wallabies: It's about time. Australia won the Tri-Nations for the first time in a decade after beating the All Blacks 25-20 in Brisbane. Not since John Eales lifted southern hemisphere rugby's coveted silverware way back in 2001 - the same year iTunes was launched - have the men from Down Under been crowned champions. Not only that, but it was Australia's second win over New Zealand in their last three meetings as well as the hosts' first victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane for 19 years.

Manu Tuilagi: You don't want to get caught between this kid and the tryline: you might end up with a few bruises. The Samoan-born centre proved his eye-catching England debut was no fluke after another powerful performance - this time against the Irish in Dublin on Saturday.

Connacht's stadium: Financial crisis? What crisis? Long the poor cousin of Irish rugby, the announcement that the Irish government's plans to inject 420,000 Euros of capital into Connacht's Sportsground Stadium comes as a massive boost to the region. After a much-improved showing in last year's Magners League (now the ghastly named RaboDirect Pro12) in which they out gunned Italian newcomers Aironi and Treviso as well as Scottish outfit Glasgow, real progress appears to be being made in the west.

Lions: South Africa's under-achievers are making a real roar in the Currie Cup - bouncing back from last week's defeat to Western Province and beating the defending champion Sharks to stay top of the standings with just one loss so far this season. Credit to former All Blacks coach John Mitchell whose no-nonsense approach is bearing fruit.

Radike Samo: When he wasn't tearing down the Suncorp Stadium pitch and scoring a scintillating try for the Wallabies, 35-year-old Radike Samo was punting complaints from the Aboriginal Land Council into touch. This comes after the Council failed to see the funny side of two rugby fans dressed up as their favourite Wallabies player by painting their faces black and wearing wigs. However, Samo didn't mind fans copying his look.

"I don't know what all the fuss is about," he said.

"These guys were actually paying me a tribute. It was a bit of fun and I think it was great they regard me as their favourite Wallaby.

"I didn't have an issue with it at all. I was glad to be in a photo with them, so I don't know why anyone is getting worked up - that sort of reaction is just silly."

Put the kettle on...these guys need to warm up

Quade Cooper: Come on mate... you didn't notice Mr McCaw's face under you before trying to get up? It was just a coincidence that it happened to be your old 'friend' Richie? Whatever...

Sonny Bill Williams: Darling you got to let us know - you gonna stay or you gonna go?

It's always tease, tease, tease - You'll happy when we're on our knees - One day is fine, next day is black - So if you want us off your back - Well, come on and let us know - you gonna stay or you gonna go?

This indecision's bugging us - If you don't want us, set us free - Exactly whom you supposed to be? Don't you know which clothes even fit thee? - So, come on and let us know - you gonna stay or you gonna go?

Fédération Française de Rugby: For your information, herewith a few general rules of etiquette when appointing a new national coach.

1 - Unveil his name AFTER the World Cup.

2 - Don't tell the world that you actually asked someone else first.

3 - Check what kind of contract he is currently under.

4 - Ask his boss if it's OK that you offer him a new job.

Ireland: They were supposed to be 'warm-ups' but the Irish still seem pretty chilly. Four games, four defeats. Enough said.

Fiji's financial planning: Hang on! How many stories have we heard about the Fijians complaining that they don't have enough money to go to the World Cup? Yet they are the first team to arrive! Eh? It's not like they have a long way to travel and need to get over a massive time difference. Are we missing something?

Stars missing the World Cup: There will be plenty of big names at the World Cup but none of these guys made the cut: Clement Poitrenaud, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Yannick Jauzion, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock, Mathieu Basteraud, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Hosea Gear, Luke Fitzgerald, Ricki Flutey, Luke McAlister, Fred Michalak, Dwayne Peel, Tomas O' Leary, Sebastian Chabal, Johnnie Beattie, Martyn Williams, Marcus Horan, Carl Hayman, Sylvain Marconnet, Schalk Brits, Thomas Domingo.