Actually you do need a mix of youth and experience. This years RWC15 is the most open yet - in reality there a 5 or 6 teams that can genuinely win the tournament. England (you may laugh) must be favourites, home advantage will play a huge part. Their problem is the lack of team time together and the experience of the pressure pot of the RWC. The ABs almost choked in 2011, without the old guard they could have lost to France on the day. Obviously other strong contenders are Wallabies, Springboks, and ABs. The Wallabies probably have the best back line in world rugby (I say that even as a passionate & diehard AB supporter), and certainly Cheika will get the pack ready for the encounter. Clearly the Boks are contenders, but probably based on playing Jake White's rugby. Yes, we have seen the Boks play expansive when they beat us at Ellis Park, but they managed it only for one half, then they reverted to type and almost lost. The problem is HM believes he can win playing expansive, I am not convinced, because in the end he doesn't trust his players enough. If HM tries the hybrid approach the Boks will lose. The real outsiders are Ireland - Joe Schmidt (kiwi sorry) is a masterful tactician - and he has an enviable squad, which on its day will be able to beat anyone. Then of course there is the French, they have the players, they have the flair but their coach! But anything is possible with them, so we can't rule them out. The ABs - will they handle the pressure!
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