The 'huge challenge' facing Kangaroos amid World Cup exodus
Former England captain Jamie Peacock believes Australia lacks the elite stars it once boasted and is set to surrender its World Cup crown.
Speaking before the first round of matches, Peacock, who played 47 Tests for England/Great Britain between 2000-11, declared the tournament favourites will suffer without the type of quality player that enabled the Kangaroos to dominate rivals in the past.
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"The team from between 2006 and 2017 had five (future) Immortals in it – Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Cooper Cronk," he told the Betwaygroup.com website.
"That level of player is not in the Australian squad at the moment.
"They’ve been the most ruthless team that consistently deliver excellence (but) I don’t think (they) will be as dominant.
"There’s a huge challenge for them this year with the decision of a lot of players with Polynesian heritage not to play for Australia.
"That means Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand are all realistic winners along with Australia."
Australia and New Zealand weren’t at their clinical best but still recorded comfortable first-up wins against Fiji and Lebanon respectively, while Samoa's campaign is already in turmoil after a heavy loss to England.
Tonga outlasted Papua New Guinea 24-18 on Tuesday night (UK time).
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Peacock outlined several other challenges facing Mal Meninga's Kangaroos as they make their way through the tournament.
He said: "It’s difficult for a number of reasons. Firstly, the weather is vastly different to what you get in Australia over here. It’s gloomy, miserable and rainy.
"Secondly, the intensity of the crowd is different in England. All players mention when they’re playing here how loud, vocal and intimidating it can be.
"Thirdly, touring is difficult. You have good times, but to stay professional for nine to 10 weeks brings challenges. You're 12,000 miles away from home."
Pushed for a prediction, Peacock tipped England to win the World Cup on the back of tremendous home support.
"I’m going to go with England as an ex-captain. I think they’re capable of beating Samoa and beating the other three in a one-off game," he said.
Peacock nominated Jack Welsby, Joey Manu and Cameron Munster as the frontrunners for player-of-the-tournament honours.
Asked what he liked about utility back Welsby, Peacock said: "I think he’s got all the capabilities to make a big impression.
"He's such a natural, instinctive player and he sees opportunities in games that other players don't.
"I think Jack Welsby could be a player that, if England play well and go deep into the tournament, will be talked about."
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