Rugby World Cup: The legends pick their winners
THE PUBLICAN scrummed down with some world cup heroes and rugby legends to get their thoughts ahead of a sporting event that should mean big audiences watching in pubs.
Martin Johnson: captained England to victory in the last world cup, in 2003
"For us, the World Cup represented how hard we had worked over a long period. I personally remember the long build-up it took to get us there. I felt it would have had to be a very good team to beat us.
"There's no comparison to the England team now. We had the World Cup as our target and knew we had an incredible squad of players. They have not got that. Their potential is unproven.
"If they can get their best team on the field, then they have a chance of getting into the knock out stages. Once there, anything can happen."
Predicted winners: New Zealand
England's prospects: Semi final
Will Greenwood: Key member of the 2003 World Cup winning squad
"There are seven or eight players in England's starting line up who have the experience, have been there and know what it's all about.
"If they can get through to the quarter finals, they are in the mix with Wales and Australia, other teams who are not quite hitting their peaks."
Predicted winners: New Zealand
England's prospects: Quarter finals
Martin Bayfield: 31 caps for England and part of 1995 World Cup squad
"Ireland will come through the group stages, but are likely to face New Zealand in the next round, where they will struggle. The best I can say about Wales is that they're alright, and Scotland are going to struggle."
Predicted winners: New Zealand
England's prospects: Semi finals
Sean Fitzpatrick: Former New Zealand All Blacks captain
"It makes us very nervous that everyone expects New Zealand to win. We have been here before [New Zealand have only ever won the tournament once despite often starting as favourites].
"Australia are a threat, which I hadn't realised three months ago."
Predicted winners: New Zealand
England's prospects: Quarter finals
