Rugby World Cup is All Blacks' to lose - Wilson

Sonny Bill Williams in action against France. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson says the Rugby World Cup is New Zealand's to lose.

Wilson told Radio Sport the 37-17 thumping of France at Eden Park put a marker down for the All Blacks and the rest of the playing field.

"It was a fantastic performance from the All Blacks. It showed how dangerous we truly are, if we get possession for any length of time and we make the great decisions we made. We were fantastic."

He said the French simply could not shut down a rampant All Blacks side.

"I think it comes down to the range of skills the All Blacks possess. They are certainly not one-dimensional, they are dangerous right across the park

"When you've got the power that we have through the midfield with the athleticism and speed on the outside, you're going to be dangerous."

Wilson knows a thing or two about playing on the wing - he scored 44 tries in 60 tests for the All Blacks. He praised the wingers for an "outstanding" performance and backed the influence of Sonny Bill Williams.

"Against England last year he threw a couple of offloads that showed against top quality opposition he's more than capable.

"I don't know if he's been truly tested defensively yet, but if you look at what he's doing with ball-in-hand, work rate, his positional play - which to me looks really sound - this guy's a really smart rugby player."

Wilson said the World Cup is "ours to lose", but warned that there are still factors that need to go the All Blacks' ways, including conditions and injuries.

"We are, at the moment, playing high risk and reward. If the situation changes, then it may be more difficult. But if we keep getting beautiful nights at Eden Park like we got on the weekend, I think we're going to be very tough to roll."

- Herald Online