Why I think Australia, New Zealand or South Africa won't win.

[OnTheBall]

You could argue that the big three will be more cohesive after the tri nations, while the six nations teams won't have played competitive rugby since March.
Even after a long season the SH teams nearly always perform well on their NH tours

 

[Twitter.com/ChloePlasse]

There are extra games in Super Rugby this year, but will each player be playing more games or will they simply be rotated a bit more before the playoffs? Their unions have the power to do that.

Also, the tri nations has fewer games in a world cup year. I think they will be ok.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

As I pointed out earlier, the reason the players have less matches is the Spring Tour and Warm-up matches that are not played this year

 

[Twitter.com/ChloePlasse]

As I pointed out earlier, the reason the players have less matches is the Spring Tour and Warm-up matches that are not played this year

ah yes, i forgot the spring tour. there shall be no problems with fatigue this year

 

[Larksea]

It's been a scrappy hard super comp with a lot of injuries for NZ players in particular but I think that may help in the long run. Many Key All Blacks have had forced injury breaks. It gives them a rest physically and mentally and it may mean that they will be freasher and more enthusiastic about rugby come world cup time.

On The flip side I do fear for a few players that have been injury free and played a huge amount of rugby this season. It may be hard for them to wind down after a long super season then get back up and start a long international campaign.

Edit: That said I dont think the fact it's a long super comp will hinder NZ's WC chances and I dont think Northern Teams will be any more of a threat because of it. I do think SA teams currently have the edge in super rugby but test rugby is a whole other story. NZ has the key players and coaches it needs for the AB's to start this international season as the best team - have to wait and see though.

 

[Amobokoboko]

But they have the home advantage and besides the fly half position, NZ has a big pool to fish out.