weekend's results the RWC looks wide open although the AB's will still be the bookies favourite. There could be upsets galore as the pressure mounts starting from the quarter finals. Lose and yo u go home!
This is very true. That said, when the WC comes around, everything before it counts for nought. What will matter then is a healthy, fresh squad.
Before 2007 it was New Zealand, France and Ireland who were favourites. Neither of the three really convinced.
In 2011, nobody rated the Boks or Wales going into the WC. Both were form sides.
A new competition is a clean slate. Knockout rugby is a different matter entirely.
It is going to be a dry track in Japan - change of gameplan.
As Moola said there is never real favourites around - but I do not think that as AO claims the SA team was anywhere near to being a form side. Their game losses in 2010 showed a rapid downward slide.
I think it is way to early to even say what will happen next year in the WC. I would say that the AB and Irish sides would be the bookmaker's favourites at this stage.
But upsets are possible.
The Boks were dramatically improved in 2011 when Nienaber and Rassie took over. The shape of their defence and attack and fitness levels were markedly different. Being contrary always costs you a bloody nose Herr Lügnerin.
