New Zealand are on course to meet Ireland, Scotland or Japan in the quarter-finals later this month after taking control of their pool in the opening weeks of the World Cup.
The All Blacks beat South Africa in their opener in what was effectively a shootout to determine the eventual pool winners. Barring a major shock, the Springboks will progress as runners-up behind New Zealand, with many tipping both to meet again in the Yokohama final next month.
New Zealand will face the Pool A runners-up in their first knockout game. Scotland always looked like probable last eight opponents for the Kiwis - and still could be - but that was before Japan tore up the form book with a stunning 19-12 win over Joe Schmidt's men.
Should Japan beat Scotland in their final pool game, it will push Ireland into a quarter-final meeting with New Zealand. Defeat for Japan against the Scots could leave them counting their bonus points for a place in the quarters. If Scotland secure winning bonus points in their final pool games while outscoring Japan by more than seven, they will progress.
If Scotland fail to pick up a single bonus point in the coming matches, they are all-but out. Ireland would have to lose to Samoa to give the Scots any hope.
Victory in the last eight would see New Zealand through to a possible semi-final against England. Eddie Jones's men would need to win games against France then Australia to reach that stage, but they will go in as favourites on both occasions.
Safe progression would then see the All Blacks into a third straight final. South Africa, cast into the other side of the draw after the pool stage, would be the likely opponents, though possible meetings with Ireland and Wales (or even England) might end their World Cup bid before November.
New Zealand's fixtures and possible route
*all times BST unless stated
| Date | Fixture | Round | Time |
| Oct 12 | New Zealand vs Italy | Pool stage | 5.45am |
| Oct 19 | New Zealand vs Scotland | Quarter-final | 11.15am |
| Oct 26 | New Zealand vs England | Semi-final | 9am |
| November 2 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Final | 9am |
