Dawson: Boks a ‘maybe’ for World Cup final

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Englishman Matt Dawson is the latest former international player who has all but written off the Springboks’ chances of defending the Webb Ellis Cup in France.

In naming his favourites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup, legendary All Blacks captain Richie McCaw last week made little mention of the defending champions Boks.

And Dawson, when asked by Virgin Media Sport to predict whether England will be among the title-contenders in three months’ time, the former scrumhalf underrated South Africa’s challenge.

“I’m not going to stand here and say ‘England are going to win the World Cup’,” the 2003 World Cup winner said. “I think they’ve got a chance and with the draw they have they should get to a semi-final.

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“Then as we all know, all bets are off. You become superhuman. Teams have played five or six games, there are injuries, form; all these things come into play.

“But England are not going to be the favourites. Ireland, France, New Zealand and maybe South Africa are likely to be two of the teams in the final.

“Potentially Australia, England, Scotland get into further qualifications with the bounce of a ball, a yellow card or whatever can happen. We know what this game can produce.

“Fingers crossed it happens for England but I think it will be a tough tournament for them.”

Photo: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

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