'The World Cup is open' - Springboks take notice of Six Nations high-fliers France, Ireland

Springbok behemoth Eben Etzebeth believes they are heading to an "open" Rugby World Cup in France later this year, with the hosts, Ireland and New Zealand, among his strongest contenders.

The defending world champion Springboks face two Six Nations sides in Ireland and Scotland, in Pool B, alongside Tonga and Romania. It's a fight to the death to make the top two and thus the quarter-finals.

Ireland top the Six Nations table and could complete the Grand Slam with victory over England - who were flummoxed 53-10 by France at Twickenham last weekend - at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

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The European sides' performances have not gone unnoticed down south but Etzebeth believes it could be anyone's tournament.

"I think the World Cup is open. I think there are about seven or eight teams that are really going to be competitive at the World Cup," Etzebeth told News24.

"Wales are probably not doing that well but they're always good at the World Cup. England will come back, Australia will be good, Argentina is always a tough team, so it's going to be difficult.

"We've got a tough pool with Scotland and Ireland in it and you must finish at least second to make the quarter-finals. Getting through the pool is going to be a tough ask but we're looking forward to seeing how we go."

The All Blacks haven't been everyone's pick because of iffy 2022 form, including a historic home series loss to Ireland that almost cost head coach Ian Foster his job.

But Etzebeth was not having any of that and believed they can't be counted out.

"Those people that don't put them in the conversation don't know much about rugby," he said.

"The All Blacks will always be