Rugby League World Cup 2013: Eorl Crabtree's team-by-team guide Crabtree's verdict: Group I feel sorry for them because they are in the group of death. Some good players who will work hard but they are one of the least experienced teams. Fiji World ranking 7 Title odds 150-1 Coach Rick Stone Key player: Petero Civoniceva Won45 caps with Australia but switched to country of birth for emotional international swansong at age of 37. Crabtree's verdict: Quarter finals Fans will love their exciting, expansive style but it's going to be a big ask for them to get beyond the quarter finals. Probably lack sufficient strength in depth. New Zealand World ranking 2 Title odds 4-1 Coach Stephen Kearney Key player: Sonny Bill Williams World Cup winner in Rugby Union and New Zealand's reigning heavyweight boxing champion. Supreme all-round athlete. Crabtree's verdict: Semi finalists Will win their group with plenty to spare, but it's debatable whether that's good preparation for the later stages. Think they might fall in last four. France World ranking 4 Title odds 200-1 Coach Richard Agar Key player: Clint Greenshields The Aussie will need to be on his game to see off the challenge of Catalans" rising full back star Morgan Escare. Crabtree's verdict: Group Massive shock when they lost to USA in warm-up game and I'm definitely worried for them. Weaker than in past, with not as many NRL players, and I expect them to struggle. Papua New Guinea World ranking 6 Title odds 300-1 Coach Adrian Lam Key player: Menzi Yere "The Jukebox" enjoys cult status in the Championship with Sheffield Eagles for his big hits and prolific try scoring. Crabtree's verdict: Semi finalists A team that loves to hurt opponents and not scared of dishing up the tough stuff. Have more experience and depth than in the past. Fans will love watching them. Samoa World ranking 8 Title odds 150-1 Coach Matt Parish Key player: David Fa'alogo Well known from his two years at Huddersfield Giants. Was part of New Zealand's 2008 World Cup winning side. Crabtree's verdict: Quarter finalists Surprisingly hammered by England Knights last weekend but I expect them to get stronger as the competition progresses. Squad with great camaraderie who always work hard for each other. Scotland World ranking 11 Title odds 500-1 Coach Steve McCormack Key player: Danny Brough England's loss is Scotland's massive gain. Super League's Man of Steel is out to prove a point after being snubbed by England. Crabtree's verdict: Group The Bravehearts have some terrific players, especially Danny Brough who will control games well, but it's a shame they are in such a tough group. Worry they might struggle. Tonga World ranking 10 Title odds 100-1 Coach Charlie Tonga Key player: Konrad Hurrell Strong powerful centre who won't take any prisoners. The young New Zealand Warrior is one of game's rising stars. Crabtree's verdict: Quarter finals Some great experience in their ranks and a big team as well. They could cause havoc but also liable to make mistakes. Could do well if stay more structured. Italy World ranking 13 Title odds 500-1 Coach Carlo Napolitano Key player: Anthony Minichiello Won19 caps with Australia and 2013 NRL Grand Final winner with Sydney Roosters. Captain with masses of experience. Crabtree's verdict: Group Beating England in a warm-up game was a massive shock and they could be the surprise package of the tournament. Will push Tonga close for quarter-final spot. Wales World ranking 5 Title odds 500-1 Coach Iestyn Harris Key player: Larne Patrick Huddersfield Giants forward has the pace of a back and will burn tiring defences in his debut international campaign. Crabtree's verdict: Quarter finals This is a good group for Wales and I'm optimistic for them. Iestyn Harris will have them playing to the structures he knows at Wigan which will be exciting to watch. Cook Islands World ranking 18 Title odds 300-1 Coach David Fairleigh Key player: Dylan Napa The 20-year-old 6ft 4in forward burst into the NRL spotlight with Sydney Roosters this year. Will lead from the front. Crabtree's verdict: Group Beaten heavily by New Zealand in a warm-up game and they could struggle. Exciting to watch but don't think they have enough experience or quality, especially against Wales attack. USA World ranking 12 Title odds 1,000-1 Coach Terry Matterson Key player: Joseph Paulo Part of the 2008 Samoan World Cup squad and is nicknamed "human wrecking ball" for his explosive forward play. Crabtree's verdict: Group Surprisingly beat France in warm-up and not too sure what to expect. But feel lack of experience may hinder them and could find it tough to get out of the group. Eorl Crabtree is part of the BBC's line-up for the Rugby League World Cup, which is live on BBC TV, radio, online and mobile.