“Wales Can Win The World Cup”
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Former World Cup Winning Coach Sir Clive Woodward maintains that Wales are more than capable of lifting the Rugby World Cup in 2015
Woodward, who guided England to the 2003 World Cup in Australia, believes Wales are genuine contenders if they keep their star men fit.
But he does not believe that Rugby World Cup 2015 hosts England are capable of emerging victorious on home soil unless the back division starts to fire.
Wales fielded 10 of the starting XV in the British & Irish Lions’ final Test in Australia earlier this month, and Woodward says that statistic shows how strong they are.
“If Wales field their first XV, they are potential World Cup winners,” Woodward told Wales Online.
“Wales have not got the depth of options available to England, but they do have the quality. When they are at their strongest, they are a match for any team in the world.
“Their players were crucial to the Lions and I thought skipper Sam Warburton was amazing.”
Wales will face tournament hosts England in the pool stages in 2015. And Woodward believes that will be more of a concern for England coach Stuart Lancaster than his Wales counterpart Warren Gatland.
“Stuart is doing an excellent job and has a good team developing,” he said.
“And the Lions experiences this summer of coaches Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree will benefit them hugely.
“But the World Cup will be incredibly competitive in the qualifying pools, particularly for England who are drawn with Wales and Australia.
“It’s no longer about development, it’s now about results. The England forwards look very impressive but it’s time for our backline to step up and start firing on all cylinders.”
What do you think LADS? Wales came very close in 2011, reaching the semi-finals and there is no doubt they have become a more experienced and skillful side since then. Wales arguably were the main influence behind the Lions victory and with them being a youthful side, they can only get better. Question is are they good enough to take the Rugby World Cup away from the formidable All Blacks?
