Cheslin Kolbe tips France as Rugby World Cup ‘favourites’

South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning wing Cheslin Kolbe said on Monday that France are “favourites” for next year’s tournament.

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Les Bleus emphatically beat New Zealand last November before winning their first Six Nations title since 2010 in March this year.

The tournaments hosts are in Pool A with three-time winners the All Blacks, Italy, Uruguay and Japan.

“I think the French boys are definitely the favourites going into the World Cup,” Kolbe told Canal+.

“Particularly with the World Cup being in France, it will be good for them,” he added at French rugby’s annual awards ceremony.

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Cheslin Kolbe’s Springboks, the reigning champions, are in Pool B with Ireland, Scotland, Tonga and Romania.

The Toulon star missed the recent Rugby Championship with a broken jaw.

Cheslin Kolbe back for November Tests

He is set to return in time for the Springboks’ November Tests against Ireland, France, Italy and England three years on from lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan.

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“Eleven months to the World Cup. Time’s gone quickly since Japan,” Kolbe said.

“It would be good for the Springboks to keep the trophy but France played really well at the Six Nations,” he added.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse