Rugby World Cup 2011
Johnson: Cup wide open
ESPNscrum Staff
October 7, 2011
England manager Martin Johnson speaks at the team announcement for the quarter-final against France, team hotel, Auckland, New Zealand, October 6, 2011
England manager Martin Johnson feels any one of seven teams can win the Rugby World Cup, including his own © Getty Images
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England manager Martin Johnson believes seven of the eight teams in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals are capable of lifting the sport's biggest prize.

Johnson's side tackle France at Auckland's Eden Park tomorrow in their last eight clash - immediately after Wales' showdown with Ireland in Wellington. The winners will meet in a mouth-watering all-Northern Hemisphere semi-final. On Sunday, Tri-Nations champions Australia meet South Africa for a chance to face either New Zealand or Argentina in the last four.

Of all the contenders, Johnson reckons only the Pumas can be considered rank outsiders to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy. The rest are 50-50, which makes for arguably the most exciting World Cup to date.

"It's do or die, isn't it? It's a World Cup quarter-final. You've got to start big. There's no holding yourself back for anything," Johnson said. "I think more than ever it is anyone's tournament.

"New Zealand are still obviously very strong. The loss of Dan Carter is a big blow, but they're still a very strong all-round team. But it's a fascinating tournament. Every game this weekend is going to be interesting.

In Johnson's eyes, at this stage of the tournament four years ago in France, it wasn't quite as close between the teams even though England went on to reach the final before losing to the Springboks.

"You probably couldn't have said that four years ago - although you wouldn't have thought England would have got through the quarters and made the final. I think it's going to be a tough game for Argentina but you can see seven of them getting there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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