Former English World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward believes the ‘declining’ Springboks will not be one of the sides capable of winning the 2019 World Cup.

In a recent column for the Daily Mail, Woodward suggests only New Zealand, England and Ireland look likely to have what it takes to seriously compete for the 2019 title.

‘These Autumn internationals now seem to just come and go. Argentina are in retreat, South Africa are unable to pick their strongest side, Australia often look tired and are resting players such as Israel Folau and David Pocock, which only leaves New Zealand [from the Sanzaar nations]…

‘Powerhouse nations like the Springboks and France are declining badly and nobody is coming through to replace them or, in the case of Georgia, being allowed to come through…

‘Currently, it seems only three countries can realistically lay claims to having what it takes to win a World Cup — New Zealand, England and Ireland. That is a disaster for rugby and little different from the Rugby League World Cup.’