Ireland have stronger starting team than England, says Keith Wood

Keith Wood believes Ireland are a better team than England, but fears that edge may not be apparent as soon as this Sunday.

The former Ireland captain was yesterday unveiled as a member of TV3’s punditry panel for this year’s Rugby World Cup. He regards this Sunday’s meeting in Ballsbridge as too close to call, but spoke with greater certainty of Ireland’s long-term possibilities.

“Ireland have a better team. Fully fit, we’re a better team. By that I don’t mean having our best 15 on the field from the start, it’s having players fully up to match fitness and match sharpness. We’re the better team and, in that instance I’d say, yes, we would be favourites.