Former Springbok No 8 Shaun Sowerby believes France have all the ingredients to win the 2027 World Cup.
As Bordeaux Bègles forwards coach, Sowerby has witnessed the strength of French rugby first-hand after helping guide the club to Investec Champions Cup glory against Leinster in Bilbao last Saturday.
It marked a second successive Champions Cup title for Bordeaux and a sixth consecutive triumph by a French club.
Sowerby believes the current French generation is capable of finally ending the nation’s long wait for a first World Cup.
“We all saw how close they came in 2023, with South Africa narrowly beating them in the quarter-finals and then going on to become world champions.
“The French really have a good group of players at the moment. They traditionally do well at World Cups and they are always well prepared.
“I think France are capable of winning the World Cup, but right now, with more than a year to go, South Africa are definitely the favourites.”
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Sowerby said Bordeaux’s latest triumph would have given their French players a confidence boost.
“To win the Champions Cup back-to-back is not something that is easily achieved, so we are really proud of the achievement.
“The victory is good for French rugby, but on the other hand I don’t think a defeat [in the final] would have had an impact on rugby in the country.
“For the players playing for the winning team, it is good because they gain a lot of confidence from the win.”
Photo: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
The post Sowerby: Les Bleus contenders, Boks favourites appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok Shaun Sowerby believes France have all the ingredients to win the next Rugby World Cup, as French sides continue to dominate the Investec Champions Cup.
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