rugby world cup draw has enticing prospects
December 1st 2008 22:16
Can the Springboks defend their title in 2011?
The 2011 Rugby Union world cup in New Zealand has revealed its draw. The three groups were organised in London with seven places still up for grabs for the minnow nations.
The Wallabies find themselves in a very accessible group indeed with Ireland really their only true nemesis in the group stages.
With the world cup in New Zealand, the All Blacks are heavily favoured to blow this edition of the tournament out of the water due to their failure in France last year. Their main rival will indeed be the French.
Reigning champions South Africa will start their defence of the title against some potentially dangerous nations, headlined of course by current Six Nations champion Wales and surprise 2007 world cup quarterfinalist Fiji.
After achieving third place in last years world cup, Argentina once again find themselves in a tough group, with England and Scotland their main rivals.
Can the fairytale be repeated?
Group A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, America 1, Asia 1
Group B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1, winner of playoff
Group C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Europe 2, America 2.
Group D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Oceania 1, Africa 1.
Indeed this world cup draw has been more evenly spread than the 2007 edition, which should see some enthralling contests during the group stages.
As for the opening game of the world cup, expect the All Blacks to face the French first up.
The Wallabies on the other hand will most likely begin their campaign against Italy or Ireland.
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