The draw for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 to be held in New Zealand has been done. What stood out when I saw the draw was that New Zealand will be in the same group at their World Cup boggie team: France. I guess it is actually a blessing for the All Blacks to play France in the group stages rather than in the knock out rounds. Looking at the Springboks, they will be in the same group as Six Nations champions Wales but the Boks should have no problem beating them and finishing top of their group.
Australia have the easiest draw as their stiffest competition in the group comes from Ireland. The Wallabies will also be happy with the way the draw pans out in the knock out stages. If everything goes according to plan and the the top ranked teams win their groups and subsequently their quarterfinals, we will see a New Zealand Vs South Africa semifinal meaning that Australia are pretty much favourites to reach the Final.
The draw in full is:
POOL A
New Zealand
France
Tonga
Americas 1
Asia 1
POOL B
Argentina
England
Scotland
Europe 1
Play-off winner
POOL C
Australia
Ireland
Italy
Europe 2
Americas 2
POOL D
South Africa
Wales
Fiji
Oceania 1
Africa 1
KNOCKOUT STRUCTURE
Quarter Final 1: Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A
Quarter Final 2: Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D
Quarter Final 3: Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B
Quarter Final 4: Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C
Semi-Final 1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
Semi-Final 2: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4
Bronze Final: Loser SF1 v Loser SF2
Final: Winner SF1 v Winner SF2
Based on this, what are you initial thoughts with regards to the draw? I see an Australia – New Zealand final.
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