Australia is good enough to win this years Rugby World Cup according to former Wallabies captain George Gregan, however they must build a winning culture ahead of the tournament to do so.

Gregan and the Wallabies won 16 of 20 test matches leading into the 1999 Rugby World Cup, creating a culture built on success.

“Winning matters, it does,” the former halfback said. “You can never question any Wallaby team in terms of their commitment, going out and wanting to win.”

“When you win tight test matches, or when you get a chance to win emphatically, you need to take it. That creates a shared experience within the group and it builds that winning attitude,” Gregan said.

Although the halfback admitted a side could turn its form around during the tournament, à la the 2003 Wallabies, he thinks creating a winning culture is crucial for Australia ahead of this year’s tournament.

“When you are under extreme pressure, you want to know that the players around you will perform, so it’s really important to string wins together. It’s something that is required to win a World Cup.”

As he did in 1999, Gregan accompanied the William Webb Ellis trophy back to Australia, this time as part of Emirates Rugby World Cup promotional tour. But if we are to see ‘Bill’ again later this year Australia will need to be at its best in the UK.

“I think there are probably half a dozen teams that can win to be honest,” he said.

“The favourites will be New Zealand, South Africa will be really strong, England at home will be in the mix and Ireland have been very consistent in the last few Six Nations.”

Gregan gave his tick of approval to the ARU’s new contracting policy, which has opened the door for both Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell to play in this year’s World Cup.

“I think it’s a progressive step by the ARU. They have looked at other sports, such as football – where the best players want to play for their national teams but are still able to play in competitions around the world,” Gregan said.

“They (Giteau and Mitchell) are playing at a really high level, it’s the equivalent of our Super Rugby and so they are match hardened, they know how to win and they are playing in a pressure environment.”

Whilst Gregan says Giteau is most suited to fly half, he doesn’t think it matters where in the side he plays.

“He played very well at 10 in the (European Rugby Champions Cup) final just last weekend, so that’s where I see him fitting into the team.”

“But in saying that, it’s just a number on your back and after the first phase it becomes irrelevant.”

“Look at the way the Rebels play, Mike Harris probably stands at first receiver more than Debreczeni,” he added.

Gregan said he’s open to having both David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the same starting team, if they’re joined by an agile No.8.

“Depending on who they are playing, I think you will see them both start like Phil Waugh and George Smith did in certain test matches.”

“If your No.8 is a good jumper and you’ve got two good jumping locks, then you’ve still got three line out options, so it really depends on how you structure your pack.”

He expects Will Genia, Nick Phipps and Nic White to fight for the No.9 jersey throughout the Rugby Championships and doesn’t expect too many surprises when Michael Cheika announces his World Cup squad later this year.

“History shows that experience counts at the back end of the World Cup, so you want guys that have ideally World Cup experience but at least a few years of test match experience under their belt.”

“It’s a different animal the World Cup; it’s not like any other competition that you’ll play.”

Get a glimpse of the William Webb Ellis trophy in Sydney tomorrow at the following events:

Wednesday, 6^th May

12pm-2pm: West Circular Quay Lawn (in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art)

3pm-8pm: The Rugby Club. Rugby Place – Off 31 Pitt Street