Fans of different nations will arrive in France to support their heroes and help their teams gain success in the Rugby World Cup. They all love the game obviously since they are making the trip from all corners of the planet. The main difference is how they express their passion and support.

It is an important and underrated role to offer support to their team in what could actually be the difference between World Cup success and an early exit. Let's take a look at the fans of the major contenders...

All Blacks fans are the most introverted fans I will mention in this article. Rugby supporters in New Zealand are traditionally staunch, know their game inside and out and all hold an opinion on their team. It is typical if the All Blacks lose to see days on end of national mourning as rugby is a religion in this country. The All Blacks bring a nation together like nothing else. Kiwis are generally not as patriotic as their opposition, but the All Blacks do make people proud of the Silver Fern and the Haka. The All Blacks are heroes in New Zealand and an unlikely defeat disappoints fans who don’t appreciate opposition good play as much as other countries, instead pointing their fingers at their team. All Black supporters range in ethnicity and class more than any other major nation in the world. They are the default team of most neutral fans and seen as the Brazil of rugby.

'All Black supporters range in ethnicity and class more than any other major nation in the world. They are the default team of most neutral fans and seen as the Brazil of rugby'

Australia's supporters have respect for their opposition as it is only in the last 30 years that they have actually been good at rugby. Much like their players, the Wallaby fans are intelligent, middle class and predominantly of European origin. In Australia, like England, it is traditionally played by private schools (public in England). The major sport in Australia is cricket, with Aussie Rules, Rugby League and football being rival sports for Rugby Union. The Wallaby fans, like their culture, are more extrovert and vocal than their New Zealand counterparts. Who else would sing Waltzing Matilda before games?

The English are very sporting and unlike New Zealand supporters, applaud opposition good play. That may have something to do with the inherent difference in ability between the All Blacks and their Northern Hemisphere opposition. The English culture is very vocal and old-style. Rugby has long been the home of many old stiff-upper-lip English administrators. This combines with the intelligence and clever lyrics which make chants, cheers and songs possible. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 2005 Lions tour, where the die-hard away supporters out-cheered their hosts despite being outnumbered. They had all the gear and costumes, but just not the quality of team to back them up. England's anthem, Swing Low Sweet Chariot will hopefully ring out around the stadia in France. It is great to hear the Northern Hemisphere vocals.

Wales fans are famous for their songs of religious choruses ringing around Cardiff Arms Park in the golden days.  This passion and singing of the Welsh shows us how they are up there with New Zealanders as placing rugby as a religion in their lives.  Current All Black coach Graham Henry was known as "The Great Redeemer" in Wales, showing the high importance placed on rugby in the Principality.  The fans have had fewer opportunities to celebrate in recent times at the Millennium Stadium and the nation yearns for the days of Phil Bennett, JPR Williams, Barry John and Gareth Edwards and a successful side capable of world domination like the glorious 1970s.  The crowds will hopefully find a good reason to sing Delilah, Cwm Rhondda and Calon Lan.