Former England international Danny Cipriani feels Ireland's decision-making on the pitch will cost them at the Rugby World Cup.
Cipriani believes that the tournament will be won by either hosts France or reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa.
"Obviously I think Ireland are great but I think that when it comes down to it, Ireland do have the best system and shapes... If I'm brutally honest I don't think they have the best decision-makers in the world," he told the Official Rugby World Cup 2023 podcast.
"If the final is South Africa vs Ireland, a lot of those pressure moments won't feel like pressure to those South African boys whereas it will feel like that to those Irish boys. It will be a very different proposition."
20 October 2018; Danny Cipriani of Gloucester in action against Tommy O'Donnell and CJ Stander during the Heineken Champions Cup Pool 2 Round 2 match between Munster and Gloucester at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
Cipriani added that he thinks South Africa will beat Ireland in their pool stage game this weekend.
Danny Cipriani 'leans' with South Africa over Ireland
"In term of the technical element, Ireland have it. The way they play, their connectivity as a group on the field," he said.
"South Africa have something special within them, just how united they are and how much they have been through together. All of the different stories coming together and creating a forceful nation.
"It's not just the rugby with them, you see Siya (Kolisi), how he's leading. He's talking like a politician and uniting everyone.
15 March 2008; Danny Cipriani, England. RBS Six Nations Rugby Championship, England v Ireland, Twickenham, London. Picture credit; Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
"He's not talking like an English politician, he's talking with truth, love and compassion. It's not emotionally charged with the fact they're going to be out of control, the emotion is that they want to do it for each other to a degree which isn't in other nations as much.
"If Ireland get ahead early on and create the scores that they normally do, it's going to be interesting. If South Africa start getting a bit of momentum... I'm going to lean with South Africa in this game."
16 September 2023; Ireland players after their side's victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick thinks France will play South Africa in the quarter-finals while Ireland will face New Zealand.
"I think France can beat South Africa because they are big enough to compete," said Fitzpatrick.
"We will play Ireland and the All Blacks will beat Ireland, purely because I think we've learnt enough. As long as we have all our big guys fit and available, I don't think Ireland will want to play the All Blacks."
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