Rugby World Cup predictions: Legends pick their 2019 winners

Wednesday, 18 September 2019 at 09:47

bySteven Smith

The 2019 Rugby World Cup gets underway on Friday when hosts Japan take on Russia.

After a dismal showing four years ago, England enters this tournament as one of the favourites and the number three side in the world.

Does anyone think England will do it?

Rugby World Cup predictions

Lawrence Dallaglio: England or South Africa. They could meet each other in the first semi-final but both are coming to the boil nicely. Times predictions

Sir Ian McGeechan: Far from invincible but the All Blacks will have learnt lessons from recent defeat by Australia and draw in South Africa. Still the team to beat. Telegraph

Schalk Burger: There are probably seven teams who have a chance of winning. I like the space the Springboks are in at the moment, and if I had to pick the four semi-finalists, I go us, the All Blacks, England and Wales. But it’s a World Cup, and once the pressure is on in the knockout games, anything can happen. SuperSport

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: a jubilant Schalk Burger of South Africa (R) and Fourie Du Preez of South Africa enbrace following victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on October 17, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Lee - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Brian Moore: England - depending on them getting out of the group and in what position. Brian Moore Full Contact podcast

Chris Robshaw: I think it will be between England and South Africa. Seeing the buzz about the football, in both the men’s and women’s World Cup, and now the Ashes, you realise how sport galvanises the country like nothing else. This England side has the potential to do that. Rugby Pass

Andy Goode: In 2003 England had their match-winning hero in Jonny Wilkinson and I think Farrell is of that ilk. He’s a super-intense guy who brings everything to the team. You just have to look into his eyes as he’s coming on to the pitch. He can be a real star and hopefully will be lifting the trophy on November 2.

Shane Williams: If Alun Wyn Jones plays out of his skin, which he’s probably going to do, Wales can win the World Cup and it’s as simple as that really. JOE.co.uk

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 21: A dejected Shane Williams of Wales reacts during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup bronze final match between Wales and Australia at Eden Park on October 21, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Stuart Barnes: South Africa. They have the full range to win it. A solid defence, a pack with strength in depth, an in-form set of half-backs, a goal kicker and a little bit of magic in the back three/

Brian O'Driscoll: I absolutely think Ireland can win it but they need a lot to go for them. But on the basis of what I’ve watched in the last two years, they can win the World Cup. Irish Independent

Sir Clive Woodward: My gut feeling is an England v New Zealand final, which is the match-up much of the rugby world would like to see. England need to be fast out of traps and top their pool, and that could result in a quarter-final against Australia and a semifinal against South Africa. If England reach the final, I'm backing them to win it. MailOnline

Michael Lynagh: It’s one of the more open World Cups we’ve had for a while but you can probably whittle it down to a shortlist of three — New Zealand, South Africa or England

Austin Healey: I think New Zealand will win the World Cup unless England can manufacture a second place in the group. If England lose to France in the final game they go into the better side of the draw become eventual winners.

Will Greenwood: Power, pace, a great goalkicker and lineout gurus. Springboks look the full package.

Aviva Live Room, Will Greenwood speaks during the Aviva Premiership Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 26. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Aviva