Sydney: Shane Warne has dismissed South Africa's chances of winning the World Cup, insisting New Zealand and Sri Lanka pose a bigger threat to Australia's title defence.

The retired spinner said South Africa, who recently replaced Australia as the world's number one ranked team in one-day cricket, lacked the flair required to win the championship in the Caribbean, starting on March 13.

"I don't think South Africa are a chance," Warne told the Australian Associated Press on Friday.

"They're very regimented. I know they're rated the number one side in the world at the moment but I don't think they're the best side in the world."

Warne, who was named man of the match in Australia's 1999 World Cup win over Pakistan, said New Zealand and Sri Lanka loomed as the biggest dangers to Australia's bid to win an unprecedented third straight title. Read more