Kempson backs NZ for RWC title

2007-08-21 15:31

Cape Town - Claims that the All Blacks have peaked too early is "media-hype", according to former-Springbok prop Robbie Kempson.

The 37-Test veteran told the New Zealand Herald if anyone can beat the All Blacks, it's South Africa but only in a one-off game.

The All Blacks have depth whereas South Africa can't afford injuries to key players.

"We've got a lot of talent in South Africa but if we lose Victor Matfield then suddenly we're struggling in the lineouts. If we lose Butch James at flyhalf, we don't have anyone that can gain parity with anyone else at the World Cup apart from Butch," Kempson said.

He said depth will be the big issue facing Australia but the Wallabies will be strong.

"The one-off games against the big sides is an opportunity to lose one of your major players," Kempson said.

But in between are the "mickey mouse" games that the major teams have just got to play.

He said there could be one or two surprises.

"I do romanticise about Ireland because I used to play and I do think they will be a tricky side to beat," Kempson said.

But Kempson is not optimistic about the Springboks' chances. He said their loss to the All Blacks in Durban was a major psychological blow.

"It was a must-win for South Africa. And every Test match since then, I don't know why Jake White did it, our warm-ups have been Namibia, Connacht in Ireland and Scotland who aren't what they used to be," Kempson said.

He said the South African forwards look good and could have beaten Australia while on the road during the Tri-Nations.

"We've got some hurdles to cross. England have some sort of revival going on and you can't write off Australia," he said.

Kempson said the 2007 World Cup will be won with free-flowing rugby, not rock solid defence, as commentators are saying in the media.

"And that's why I think New Zealand is going to win it. The defence systems are pretty good and they always have been but at the same time you've got creative footballers that can do something from nothing," he said.

He said with conditioning, there's only a certain amount of time that defences can hold.

"You take a guy like Jerry Collins, he's massive man, and you've got that momentum coming at you, you're defence is going to crumble at some stage. I'd fall at his feet and beg," Kempson said.

Final prediction:

New Zealand 23 South Africa 18

- News24