Boks' rivals hailed as 'the team to beat at next year's World Cup' by 2007 winner

SA’s the only test Union that takes the RWC seriously and invest a huge amount of resources

The difference with the other Test Unions is that elsewhere the the Clubs and the franchises are calling the shots, the Test teams come 2nd best, simple

Comparing the SA’s clubs performances in the URC & URC to that of the Boks tells the discrepancies

Agree with Victor.

One of 3 teams will win the World Cup. Its close to call, but its definitely between the Springbok A-team, the Springbok B-team, or perhaps even the Springbok C-team.

Don’t think any other nation really has a realistic chance.

Going to be interesting.

The Springboks wont win the next RWC. World Rugby and thier officials will make sure of that.

If however the Springboks do win the next RWC, then rugby truly is dying and viewership will plummet.

The same way Super Rugby died a slow death when the Crusaders kept winning title after title.

Too win a RWC you need a minimum of 8 X-factor players, a smart Coach, your country behind you , a reasonably good draw as far as draws go, some good luck and well managed fitness/lack of injuries and a TMO team hiding out in the back of a truck somewhere in Europe who prefer your team over your opponents!

Get all that together—— and the Cup —- is yours.

Unfortunately, the draw wasn’t particularly well thought out, as it could potentially place the three strongest teams in the same half of the bracket.

I say “potentially” because the All Blacks could deliberately field a second-string side against Australia. While that seems unlikely, it’s not a scenario that can be completely ruled out.

If the form book holds, we’ll get a New Zealand–South Africa quarter-final, with the winner facing France in the semi-finals.

For me, France are the favourites to win this World Cup. They have both the game plan and the players to tear apart any defence. I expect them to be crowned world champions next year.

Matfield is right to see France as a major threat.

Only Bakkies argued with Victor !

He is correct .

I expect that Ireland , Scotland and England will think differently .

England with Scott Robinson would be right up to it . Not with Borthwick .

Argentina , Italy and Australia will win a few games but not the big ones .

Never underestimate the pool draw or the match officials .

There are 2 teams with immense depth then a few others will very good first choice squads, this is for sure.

To be fair, the World Cup can only be won by France, South Africa or New Zealand. So two teams. Given that SA or NZ will be knocked out at QF stage with Ireland.

unfortunately you are not wrong Victor, says another arrogant Irishman to a humble South African

France are favourites and the Boks are underdogs….just the way we like it😁

Sad when FIFA can organise a draw that sees the top four teams not meet until the semis that would rugby has three of the top four teams in one draw

Idk man I think Hong Kong are really peaking at the perfect time