A second All Blacks great has tipped Wales to soar into the final of the World Cup, and he believes the backs will fly them there.

Andrew Mehrtens, the former New Zealand outside half who was one of the best in the business, says the quality of the Welsh back play has impressed him most of all.

And while he praises Wales’ semi-final opponents France for their efforts in disposing of England in the quarter-final, he says Wales will have too much skill for their cross-channel neighbours when it comes to Saturday’s shoot-out at Eden Park.

"I like the Welsh backs," said Mehrtens who follows ex-captain Sean Fitzpatrick in going for Wales.

"They seem to be interchangeable and comfortable wherever they are on track.

"From Rhys Priestland to Jamie Roberts to Shane Williams and George North they have most bases covered.

"They look up at the shape of the game ahead of them and they play to that while Mike Phillips is the half back governor.

"He has not always been consistent in the past few years but when his mind is right and he is on, he is a talented ball player, a big strong man who is not afraid to mix it."

Mehrtens also praises coach Warren Gatland for the part he has played in taking Wales to the brink of their very first World Cup final, though he credits his New Zealand background for that.

On the other hand, Mehrtens claims the tournament may have come too soon for Gatland’s French opposite number, the troubled Marc Lievremont.

"Warren Gatland seems to be a typical humble Kiwi who has brought the best out of Wales," he claims. "He works his side hard, he bristles and he defends his players.

"He has brought a steel and togetherness to the squad and I like what I see, there is an edge to him like Laurie Mains had in his coaching.

"Marc Lievremont many have been fast-tracked too early into his coaching role with France. He is a fine man, but may not have the full respect of his squad, "He appears to be trying to impose an Anglo-French structure on his team rather than operating with the dictatorial authority most French players comprehend.

"He is trying to modernise and change some ideas, but may be two or three years ahead of his time and slightly out of whack with some senior members of his squad."

Mehrtens suggests backing Wales for a place in the final would be a good move.

"Stick your cash on Wales to get into the World Cup final," he urges New Zealand punters. "Their semi-final should be monumental, but I think Gatland’s men have got the gist of this tournament and their form will continue.

"They look to be more consistent and seem to be working through the phases nicely so they can manipulate defences.

"Wales have a useful set piece, their centres give them great metres in the middle of the field and unlike England they can work their angles and attack.

"France need to carry on playing by instinct if they want to beat Wales.

"Gatland’s men have been looking sharp all round, I noticed the way their backs worked, men on the outside not cranking on the gas until the player inside them had the ball.

"They played with excitement and accuracy and all the support pay which are great indicators about any team’s self belief and passion."

Meanwhile, Irish back row ace Stephen Ferris admits Wales deserved to beat them and praises his opposite numbers in the Welsh breakaway unit, two thirds of them Dragons Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau.

"If Wales play like they did against us there is no reason why they can’t win the tournament," he said.

"They have big, strong ball carriers, a magnificent back row, a strong scrum and a strong line-out. They can certainly progress even further."