Ferris: Ireland may not be able to match South Africa's physicality at World Cup

In ticking the boxes required to win a World Cup, Stephen Ferris is still sticking with South Africa to retain their title, adding that Ireland's squad needs to be in rude health if they are to having any chance of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time.

With squads being named and the warm-up matches completed, it's all systems go for the start of the competition, with France versus New Zealand a tasty opener on Friday, 8 September. A day later Andy Farrell's Ireland get their campaign up and running against Romania, with games against Tonga and Scotland to follow, and sandwiched in between that pair, a date with the Springboks on 23 September.

In looking ahead, Ferris, who played at the 2011 World Cup, still feels the defending champions have what it takes to go the whole way again. Their final prep for what is to come saw them crush New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

Ferris told 2fm's Game On: "I said six months that South Africa were my team to go a long way in the competition and will probably win it. They have the numbers, they have the squad, the size, the bulk, the power, the physicality, and the attritional mindset.

"These guys can go seven weeks in a row against Ireland, the All Blacks or Argentina on the bounce, no problem - and have the physicality stakes at the same level every single time. I just don't think Ireland are used to that and there are some question marks around our depth."

Still, Ferris believes the side who currently head the world rankings can't be dismissed on French soil.

"In saying that, if Ireland can keep a pretty fresh squad, a fairly fit squad, then I think our starting XV will give any starting XV a run for their money."

Ireland's 33-man squad

The draw for this year's