Four World Cup winning legends, now TV pundits for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

To help you through the 48 matches, ITV has put together a sensational line-up of former winners as part of their coverage team, which will be fronted by Steve Rider. So sit back and hear the views of a quartet who have won more than 250 caps between them. Over the World Cup, these four legends will share with you their views on the tournaments’ big topics…

Who will reach the Quarter-Finals?
Francois Pienaar: I don’t think there will be any upsets. Wales might find it hard in Pool D but I expect them to reach the last eight.

Lawrence Dallaglio: At this stage it’s difficult to name the quarter-finalists. If current form is taken onto the stage then, in no particular order, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The top eight nations in the world should theoretically get there. But who’s playing who will depend on tournament form, and Argentina and Samoa could both upset that. You’d expect the usual suspects to be there.

Sean Fitzpatrick: England will play France, Australia will play Samoa, South Africa will play Ireland and New Zealand will play Georgia. I bet not many people have picked Georgia to get out of their pool, but they’re my outside bet!

Michael Lynagh: New Zealand, France, England, Argentina, Australia, Ireland, South Africa and Samoa. I’m tipping Samoa to beat Wales. They beat Australia in Sydney in June – even if it was a weakened Wallaby side – and Samoa have some very seasoned players who are used to playing at a high level.

Do you agree with any of these answers? Go to our Facebook page and let us know what you think…

This article appeared in the October 2011 issue of Rugby World Magazine.

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