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Cape Town - Former World Cup-winning England coach Clive Woodward believes Wales could win the next Rugby World Cup in 2015.
There were 10 Welshmen in the British and Irish Lions starting XV when they thrashed Australia 41-16 earlier this month to clinch their first series victory since 1997.
Wales are in the same pool as hosts England and two-time winners Australia - but Woodward feels Warren Gatland’s side could reap the benefit of the Lions’ recent Test series triumph.
Woodward, who guided England to the World Cup title in 2003, believes the Welsh can win the 2015 event in England if they maintain the same core squad in the next few years.
“If Wales field their first XV, they are potential World Cup winners,” he told the Wales Online website.
“Wales have not got the depth of options available to England, but they do have the quality.
“When they are at their strongest, they are a match for any team in the world.
“Their players were crucial to the Lions and I thought skipper Sam Warburton was amazing.”
There were 10 Welshmen in the British and Irish Lions starting XV when they thrashed Australia 41-16 earlier this month to clinch their first series victory since 1997.
Wales are in the same pool as hosts England and two-time winners Australia - but Woodward feels Warren Gatland’s side could reap the benefit of the Lions’ recent Test series triumph.
Woodward, who guided England to the World Cup title in 2003, believes the Welsh can win the 2015 event in England if they maintain the same core squad in the next few years.
“If Wales field their first XV, they are potential World Cup winners,” he told the Wales Online website.
“Wales have not got the depth of options available to England, but they do have the quality.
“When they are at their strongest, they are a match for any team in the world.
“Their players were crucial to the Lions and I thought skipper Sam Warburton was amazing.”
