If you’re a South African in 2026, you would justifiably regard the Springboks as favourites to win the Rugby World Cup next year, but when that favourites tag is bestowed by a former Northern Hemisphere international, that vote of confidence carries a little more weight.
Though you’d be hard-pressed to find many Irish internationals tipping the Boks to win an unprecedented third consecutive title, former Scotland winger Thom Evans believes South Africa remain the ultimate team to beat.
With a handful of caps for Scotland between 2008 and 2010, Evans holds a close geographic link to South Africa, having been born in neighbouring Zimbabwe (Harare) in 1985.
Following South Africa’s emphatic 3–1 Test series victory over the All Blacks, Evans was quick to sing the praises of Rassie Erasmus’s side.
“South Africa are my favourites to win the World Cup—New Zealand and Scotland will follow,” Evans told Betway.
Though Scotland currently sit sixth in the World Rugby rankings, Evans insisted his country could well be in with a shout should the traditional heavyweights falter.
“South Africa has to be number one, then New Zealand, and then I’m going to go with Scotland. I have to go with Scotland as my third choice.”
The Springboks are set to take on host nation Australia in Perth this Sunday.
Evans’s own top-flight rugby career was tragically cut short at just 24 during a 2010 Six Nations clash against Wales, after he sustained a severe neck injury that required emergency surgery to avoid paralysis.
Following that devastating blow, Evans briefly turned to athletics in 2012 before carving out a successful media career, appearing on high-profile television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.
“When my rugby career ended, it was like I lost my identity,” Evans reflected. “But I was fortunate I had the opportunity to do Strictly, and the show opened so many doors for me.”
“I built myself back together through wellness and fitness, but it was hard coming to terms with the fact that I was never going to play again.”
@MichaelSherman
IOL Sport
