Speaking exclusively to BOYLE Sports , three-time Lions coach Warren Gatland has made South Africa his red-hot favourites for a third World Cup in a row.
Gatland has explained why Rassie Erasmus 's side have the depth to field three international teams, how you have to beat them in a tight arm wrestle, and why the Springboks coach has earned the right to wind people up.
The former coach has also assessed the signs of life under Les Kiss at Australia , the huge value of home advantage at the 2027 World Cup , the cross-code switches with the NRL , and the unique DNA of Australian sport.
South Africa
Are South Africa Red-Hot Favourites For a Third World Cup?
Yes. I think they will be favourites. It depends on whether you lose one or two key players picking up injuries. I think a lot of those teams in the next twelve months will be working exceptionally hard to bridge that gap with South Africa .
South Africa doesn't have a lot of weaknesses. Great set pieces; they've got some real attacking flair, some pace, and obviously big and physical. If you're going to beat South Africa , it's probably going to be in an arm wrestle, and it's going to be a tight game.
But if you look, there have been improvements with Australia . The All Blacks , if they keep improving and getting depth, and England and France are always going to be competitive, and you can never write Argentina off either.
Everyone's talking about it possibly being an All Blacks - South Africa quarter-final, but that's the hard thing: complaining about the draw when it's done. You just got to take it on the world rankings at the time. Other teams are probably thinking that gives them a better opportunity to potentially go a little bit further in the competition.
How Do You Rate Rassie Erasmus?
You can't deny the success that he's had with South Africa in terms of the two World Cups . He can wind people up every now and again with the way he handles the press, but he's earned the right to be able to do that sort of stuff because he has been incredibly successful with a fantastic group of players.
Australia
Does Australia Still Have Potential Under Les Kiss?
They showed glimpses in those last couple of games against the All Blacks , where they scored a couple of lovely tries. They'll be a bit disappointed with probably some of the collision stuff again. On their day, they could be a handful for anyone.
If Mark Nawaqanitawase comes back from the league, he is world-class; I think he could make a big difference for them. So, if they've got everyone fit and available, they can potentially be a handful for any side.
How Big Is Home Advantage For the World Cup in Australia?
It's going to be massive, yeah. Having done five World Cups now, there's nothing like getting support from fans; if it's your home fans, it makes a huge difference. The hardest thing about international rugby is you probably get one or two games in a season where everyone in that squad of 23 is mentally at their peak at 100% because it's a big game and everything is on the line.
For every other game, you're trying to get 90-95%. The World Cup brings the absolute best out in players and performances, and that's where I think it could be potentially massive for Australia .
Are the Cross-Code Switches Worthwhile For the ARU?
A lot of players have played both codes. A lot of the Kiwi players came through school playing union and then got opportunities in the league. The NRL is such a massive competition; you get the State of Origin , which is huge.
But even though there's a Rugby League World Cup , it doesn't compare to anything like the Rugby Union World Cup . There are probably only two nations competing and leading the league game, Australia and New Zealand , and maybe England .
That's probably the drawcard. When players have played in the NRL and played State of Origin , the next thing is, hey, I want to play in the World Cup , or I want to play against the British and Irish Lions . That's their motivation to challenge themselves at the next level.
What Is the Unique DNA of Australian Rugby?
Per capita, they're just about the best sporting nation in the world, how well they do at the Olympics , how great they are at other sports.
The greatest thing about the Australians is that they just have an innate confidence and self-belief in performing. That comes through from an early age. When they have that confidence and self-belief, that's when they're at their hardest to beat.
Bet on Rugby Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
