France the Irish pundits’ choice

THE waiting is over. The sixth Rugby World Cup kicked off last night, with 20 teams competing for the coveted William Webb Ellis trophy.

While more than 20 teams will do battle in 48 matches over the next six weeks, only a few are given a real chance of reaching the final and some well-known Irish personalities will be following the action closely.

Although New Zealand are strong favourites to claim their second World Cup after their success in the inaugural competition in 1987, our four Irish fans who know their rugby are tipping France to emerge triumphant in the final in Paris on October 20.