O'Neill: All Blacks still favourites

Australian Rugby Union boss John O’Neill believes tournament hosts New Zealand remain favourites to end their 24-year World Cup drought, but reckons the Wallabies are “in with a real shout” of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy.

While Australia signed off on their preparation with confidence-boosting victories over South Africa and the All Blacks, the Kiwis enter rugby’s showpiece event with rare back-to-back losses.