Wallabies legend: All Blacks the team to beat!

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Former Wallabies centre Tim Horan believes New Zealand will be “the team to beat” at the 2023 World Cup in France after a strong finish to 2022.

The All Blacks started 2022 with a historic home series loss to Ireland as well as defeats to the Springboks at Mbombela and Argentina in Christchurch.

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Those results put head coach Ian Foster under immense pressure. However, changes in the backroom staff saw the All Blacks turn their season around and go unbeaten through their remaining seven games.

This included a 50-point win over Los Pumas, back-to-back victories over the Wallabies to claim the Rugby Championship and a draw with England at Twickenham to finish the season.

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Appearing on The Platform with Martin Devlin, World Cup-winning centre Horan backed New Zealand ahead of France, Ireland and South Africa in next year’s global showpiece.

“Yes, you’ve got Ireland, who are number one in the world. Yes, you’ve got France, who are going to be very hard to beat in their home World Cup. But I still think the All Blacks, with Quinn Tupaea back from injury, they’ve got very good depth and understanding of how to play the game.

“The All Blacks, in my opinion, are the team to beat at next year’s World Cup.”

Photo: Getty Images

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Dylan Jack