Springbok great Bryan Habana has tipped the All Blacks to win the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
In an interview with Stuff NZ, Habana said he expected the All Blacks to go into the tournament as favourites, despite an indifferent 2018 campaign which saw them lose to the Springboks and Ireland.
‘I think they go into this World Cup knowing where they’ve let themselves down in 2018, knowing there is going to be quite a lot of work-ons, but knowing if they click they’re going to be a difficult side to beat in Japan. The All Blacks becoming the first team ever to win three World Cups in a row is very likely.
‘Ireland will go into this World Cup pretty confident. But, like all previous World Cups, I’m almost certain New Zealand will go into this World Cup as favourites.’
Habana, who scored 67 tries in 124 Tests, added that while it is difficult to determine whether the All Blacks have weaknesses, they are prone to errors when under pressure.
‘What we have seen in the last 18 months is when the All Blacks are pushed to the limit, when they are put under pressure, they do become human like everyone else and make mistakes.
‘I think a lot of teams will be looking at how to put them under pressure, how to force them into making mistakes.’
The All Blacks will take on the Springboks in the pool stage of the World Cup on 21 September.
Photo: Toby Melville/Getty Images
