The draw for the 2019 World Cup takes place in Kyoto on Wednesday, with the home unions hoping to avoid the danger teams.
Here Press Association Sport's Duncan Bech examines each band and picks a potential pool of death.
Read more: Poll: Who would you like to see Scotland face in tomorrow's Rugby World Cup draw?
BAND ONE
New Zealand, England, Australia, Ireland.
Team to avoid: New Zealand.
Even after successive World Cup wins there is no evidence of a decline in standards from the All Blacks and the reigning champions will enter the tournament as strong favourites.
BAND TWO
Scotland, France, South Africa, Wales.
Team to avoid: France
There were signs during this year's RBS 6 Nations that France are a team who have turned a corner. There is a long way to go, but in two years they may have advanced sufficiently under Guy Noves to be a force to be reckoned with in Japan.
BAND THREE
Argentina, Fiji, Japan, Georgia
Team to avoid: Argentina
The Pumas have gone backwards in recent times, struggling with the demands of playing in the Rugby Championship with players exposed to the brutal schedule of Super Rugby. However, they are talented and could come good at the World Cup.
Read more: Poll: Who would you like to see Scotland face in tomorrow's Rugby World Cup draw?
BAND FOUR
Tonga, Samoa, Italy, Romania
Team to avoid: Samoa
Any Islander nation will pack a punch at rugby's global showpiece and it is usually Samoa who are to be feared most of all. Italy's sad decline has robbed them of any potency.
BAND FIVE
USA, Spain, Namibia, Russia
Team to avoid: USA
The USA are currently the most solid outfit in the final and weakest band of the competition, although much can change between now and 2019.
JAPAN 2019 POOL OF DEATH
New Zealand, France, Argentina, Samoa, USA
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