Butch: Ireland favourites alongside NZ, Oz

Cape Town - Following their 24-9 win over France, Ireland now rank among the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup, former Springbok flyhalf Butch James believes.

“It was a brilliant performance by Ireland last night against the French. I thought the Irish totally outplayed them in most aspects of the game,” James said via a video posted to his Twitter page.

“I think that performance has put them back up there as one of the favourites for the tournament again.”

According to James, Ireland are now favourites alongside New Zealand and Australia.

The 2007 World Cup winner does not have South Africa in the top three, but reckons the underdogs tag could suit the Springboks.

“It’s a nice position for South Africa to be in. Not too many people are talking about them at the moment which is good... coming in under the radar, they can surprise a few teams.”

RWC quarter-final fixtures:

Saturday, October 17:

South Africa v Wales, Twickenham (kick-off 17:00 SA time)

New Zealand v France, Millennium Stadium (21:00)

Sunday, October 18:

Ireland v Argentina, Millennium Stadium (14:00)

Australia v Scotland, Twickenham (17:00)