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Former England international Mike Tindall may have done the Wallabies a huge favour heading into the World Cup.
The 2003 World Cup winner has totally dismissed the Wallabies’ chances, and also that of the Springboks, Ireland and Wales.
Tindall tips England to beat the reigning champions the All Blacks in the final – suggesting the England squad has the spark, form and the home-turf advantage will win them their second world title.
Tindall told the Press Association that England will beat Australia, Wales and Fiji in what is touted to be the pool of death and avoid meeting the All Blacks until the final at Twickenham on October 31.
“If I put my hand on my heart I don’t see England losing,” he is quoted as saying. He also had no doubt the All Blacks will reach the final only to be edged by England.
If the Chris Robshaw and his team read their own press then the Wallabies may slip under their radar and totally surprise England in their pool game. If they also beat Wales and Fiji and all matches in other pools go according to seeding, Australia will have an easier route to the final.
South Africa, New Zealand and England (if they beat Wales and get out of pool play) will all be stacked on the other side of the draw.
By coming out saying England will definitely win the title Tindall is not doing his team any favours. But maybe coach Stuart Lancaster thrives on the favourites tag, as did Sir Clive Woodward in 2003 when the English first won the cup.
But England were a different beast back then. They beat the All Blacks home and away the over the previous 12 months on their way to winning the title and were deservedly favourites for the Cup in Australia.
If the Wallabies this year find parity in the tight-five against England then the game is there to be won. The Australia backs have an edge over their over-rated counterparts from the host nation.
If England come second in the pool, the Springboks should deal with them in the quarter-finals.
If that scenario eventuates there is a strong possibility of an all-Southern Hemisphere final as it is likely that the Springboks and All Blacks will meet in one semifinal, and Australia will face either France or Ireland in the other.
But Wallabies coach Michael Cheika must come up with a game plan that is much better than that used by the Waratahs in Super Rugby.
It’s all over to you, now, Mr Cheika.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.