South African national coach Rudolf Straeuli mooted England as favourites to win the Rugby World Cup, on the eve of his team's departure for Australia.

"England are definitely favourites," Straeuli told reporters at a press conference, "but we are as ready as we can be. Just like in 1995 we might not be the best team on paper, but we will be the fittest."

South Africa start their campaign following record defeats against France, Scotland, England and New Zealand in the last 12 months under Straeuli's leadership, and without two of their best backliners, Brent Russel and Andre Pretorius.

Then came 'Geogate', the racism storm that enveloped the Springbok camp last month with white Geo Cronje kicked out for refusing to share a room and shower with fellow lock Quinton Davids, a coloured (mixed race) player.

Despite the series of setbacks, Straeuli said the team are now solely focused on their opening match against Uruguay in Perth on October 11.

"We are now fully focused on Uruguay and it will be a tough opener," he told the SAPA news agency.

"And then there are the other teams in our pool that deserve our full attention," Straeuli wryly remarked.

The crunch match in Group C is that against England at Perth's Subiaco Oval on October 18 -- undoubtedly one of the most important matches for the Springboks since their epic final against New Zealand eight years ago.

Victory will put the squad on the road to a possible quarter-final against Wales, a semi-final against France before facing either England or New Zealand or hosts Australia for their second final in three World Cups.

A loss will mean captain Corne Krige's men will have to overcome New Zealand and Australia to make it to the final.

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