WHEN the Australians start tipping England, you know they're up to something.

You could argue that every man and his dog are backing the favourites for the World Cup so what's the difference?

But then you'd be discounting the ferocity in which the Aussies play and watch their sports and the fact that rugby's showpiece event is being held down under.

Drew Hickey cannot exactly be viewed as the average Australian but Worcester's number eight is certain that Clive Woodward's men have enough in the tank to roll over the best.

"England are just too smart," he said. "If you look all over the park, they have the experienced players and the full team.

"If I had to put money on a side, I would put it on England. It looks like Australia are going to pick a team and go with that side throughout the tournament which is interesting.

"The three main teams -- England, New Zealand and Australia -- will be up there but if you look over the whole year of rugby then you can't look anywhere else but England for winners of the tournament.

"Saying that, though, a favourite has never won the World Cup, so maybe being an underdog is not a bad thing!"

England go into Sunday's opener with Georgia having picked their strongest side. However, it will be next weekend's match with South Africa which will be decisive in Pool C and possibly for England's overall chances. Win the game and the pool and a fairly easy passage to the final awaits. Lose it, finish runners up and a quarter final against the All Blacks is in prospect.

On present form, you would have to back England and then New Zealand to send the Springboks back home early. It is something former international star Werner Swanepoel can see coming.

"I fancy New Zealand to win the tournament," he said. "I am not too confident that the Springboks can reach the semi-finals.

"We don't have the flair of England or New Zealand but we will play to our strengths. If that means mixing it then we will do that.

"The England game next Saturday will be a vital game for both countries and if England beat South Africa then you'd expect them to go all the way. But a World Cup is very different to the odd match.

"On form, England should beat South Africa like they did at Twickenham by 50 points. But this is all on the day and South Africa are not going to lie down."

The final word, though, must go to a Welshman. Christian Evans is not exactly boisterous about his country's chances in Australia but worse than that, he's predicting glory for England.

"It pains me to say it but I'd have to say England," said Evans. "They have the flair, the organisation and the experience.

"If Wales carry on the way they've been playing, they'll be lucky to make it out of their pool. I'd put my money on England."

So, an Aussie and a Welshman backing England. Has the world gone mad?