James Haskell makes his Rugby World Cup 2011 predictions

England start their 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign on the 10th of September with a game against Argentina. Martin Johnson’s men don’t go into the tournament as favourites – that honour/burden belongs to the host nation New Zealand – but they do have the weight of recent history on their shoulders. That’s because the English have made it through to the last two finals (beating Australia in 2003 and losing to South Africa in 2007) so fans will be hoping for similar success.

After missing out on selection in 2007, James Haskell will be playing in his first World Cup. The powerful back row forward has had an eventful season, losing in the European Challenge Cup final with Stade Français before announcing that he will be moving on to Japanese side Ricoh Black Rams.

In this video he talks about England’s chances, the power and intelligence needed to win, what would constitute a successful tournament for England, who he thinks will be the main contenders and who the ‘dark horses’ are likely to be.