Veteran Australian commentator Gordon Bray has tipped England to win the Rugby World Cup but believes France are the best bet.

Bray, who will be commentating at his fifth World Cup next month, said the English were the best-prepared and deserved to be favourites.

"I'm probably tipping England. They've done everything right ... they seem to be superbly drilled, extremely skilful and I think a huge factor for England is their leadership," he said in Sydney.

"When you've got five of their forward pack who've captained England that's such a huge factor when you get to a cauldron like the World Cup, so I go for England."

However, England would face some stiff competition from New Zealand and Australia, with France the outsiders.

"I think New Zealand are a very exciting team, they have the best backline at the moment.

"My dark horse - well clearly Australia are good value, they've blown out a bit in the market but have the potential to step up there's no doubt about that - the side that are real value to me are France because they are very unpredictable, their number one team on their day can beat anyone.

"With double figure odds, you'd be crazy not to have a wager on the French."

Bray said the Australian backline had not been playing as a unit although Joe Roff's return would have an impact.

"I think they're playing as individuals at the moment and that goes for all the league guys, they're not working together as a team and I'm sure Eddie Jones will be addressing that issue.

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