THE LAST WORD

LAST Thursday marked exactly a year until the next World Cup and the picture is becoming clearer by the day. Hosts France are the overwhelming favourites. At this rate, it is hard to see who can deny them. Irish hopes rely too heavily on Jonny Sexton staying in one piece and they lack the depth across the board of their Gallic rivals. New Zealand’s aura is shot to pieces. They have become alarmingly vulnerable and inconsistent.

The Springboks can grind down most teams, but they will struggle to eclipse France with muscle and aggression. Australia are average and Argentina are rebuilding fast, but they can still unravel spectacularly. England and Wales have a lot of ground to make up. There is still time but they need to hurry. Expect the tournament to finish the way it starts; with the French beating New Zealand, to claim the Webb Ellis Cup, at last.