In ticking the boxes required to win a World Cup, Stephen Ferris is still sticking with South Africa to retain their title, adding that Ireland's squad needs to be in rude health if they are to having any chance of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time.
With squads being named and the warm-up matches completed, it's all systems go for the start of the competition, with France versus New Zealand a tasty opener on Friday, 8 September. A day later Andy Farrell's Ireland get their campaign up and running against Romania, with games against Tonga and Scotland to follow, and sandwiched in between that pair, a date with the Springboks on 23 September.
In looking ahead, Ferris, who played at the 2011 World Cup, still feels the defending champions have what it takes to go the whole way again. Their final prep for what is to come saw them crush New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.
Ferris told 2fm's Game On: "I said six months that South Africa were my team to go a long way in the competition and will probably win it. They have the numbers, they have the squad, the size, the bulk, the power, the physicality, and the attritional mindset.
"These guys can go seven weeks in a row against Ireland, the All Blacks or Argentina on the bounce, no problem - and have the physicality stakes at the same level every single time. I just don't think Ireland are used to that and there are some question marks around our depth."
Still, Ferris believes the side who currently head the world rankings can't be dismissed on French soil.
"In saying that, if Ireland can keep a pretty fresh squad, a fairly fit squad, then I think our starting XV will give any starting XV a run for their money."
The draw for this year's competition is lopsided to say the least, with the top four countries in the world rankings list - Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and France - all on the same side of the draw. As for likely quarter-final opponents for Andy Farrell's men, it's more likely to be either France or New Zealand. For Ferris, facing the latter would be preferable if that's the way the chips fall.
"All eyes are on the first match - France v New Zealand. If New Zealand lose that game, Ireland will then have to go gung-ho at trying to win the group. I don't know about anybody else, I would prefer to face New Zealand in a World Cup quarter-final than face France.
"It would feel like a home game for Ireland if they were to play New Zealand because of the support that would be travelling over for that fixture. We've had their number the last few times we played them.
"We're inside their head as well., mentally. All eyes then on the French-All Blacks game."
