Kolbe dubs European giants as World Cup favourites

Star Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe has dubbed France favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup at the conclusion of next year’s World Cup.  

Kolbe, who currently plies his trade with Toulon in the French Top 14, was one of the Boks’ most lethal weapons during their successful 2019 World Cup campaign.  

Les Bleus will have the luxury of playing in front of their home fans as France are set to host the tournament. This, Kolbe believes, coupled with the prodigious talent amongst both their forward pack and backline, renders them top of the current pecking order just less than a year out from the competition. 

“I think the French boys are definitely the favourites going into the World Cup,” Kolbe told Canal+. 

“Particularly with the World Cup being in France, it will be good for them. 

“Eleven months to the World Cup. Time’s gone quickly since Japan,” Kolbe said. 

“It would be good for the Springboks to keep the trophy but France played really well at the Six Nations,” he added. 

Kolbe is set to return to the Bok set-up for their gruelling November Test match campaign which will see them lock horns with Ireland, France, England and Italy.