Eales picks Wallabies to win World Cup

FORMER captain John Eales yesterday pronounced World Cup holders Australia as favourites to again claim the rug

As the Wallabies prepare to name their team to play Ireland in Perth on Saturday in the Australians first Test of the season, Eales said the Australian squad looked very good, despite injury problems among the backs.

"Obviously they're missing quite a few, I think eight Wallabies were out of consideration, so that probably gave a good opportunity to blood a few new guys," Eales said.