The history books show that Australia's victory in the Tri Nations series should count in favour of South Africa and New Zealand in the RWC, according to former Springbok fly-half Naas Botha.

Botha said the 25-20 result was a little bit of a surprise, but if you analyse the full package, history shows that whoever wins the Tri Nations doesn't win the World Cup.

Botha believes that after the weekend it means that South Africa and New Zealand can still win the World Cup.

The RWC kicks-off next Friday with host New Zealand taking on Tonga.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi