Wallabies handed dream draw for 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

[oxleymoron]

Wallabies handed dream draw for 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand
By Darren Walton
December 02, 2008 AUSTRALIA have received the best draw imaginable for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

If results go according to seedings during the pool stages of the tournament, the Wallabies cannot run into the defending champions South Africa or the top-ranked All Blacks until the final.

In addition to landing on the opposite side of the draw as their two Tri Nations rivals, Australia have also been grouped in a relatively easy pool alongside Ireland, Italy and two qualifying teams from Europe and America.

Currently ranked eighth in the world, Ireland are the lowest-placed side from the so-called band two nations that the third-ranked Wallabies could have been pitted against in the pool stages.

If results go according the seedings during the round-robin phase of play, the Wallabies will meet Wales in the quarter-finals.

Should they win that match, they would qualify for a semi-final against either Argentina or France, with South Africa or New Zealand likely to be awaiting the Australia in the final.

New Zealand and South Africa would not be so pleased with their draws.

Apart from having the more difficult prospective semi-final, the All Blacks have been grouped alongside France, who eliminated them from last year's tournament, while the Springboks are in the same pool as reigning Six Nations champions Wales.

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
Quarter-final 1: Pool B winner v Pool A runner-up
Quarter-final 2: Pool C winner v Pool D runner-up
Quarter-final 3: Pool A winner v Pool B runner-up
Quarter-final 4: Pool D winner v Pool C runner-up
Semi-final 1: quarter-final 1 winner v Quarter-final 2 winner
Semi-final 2: quarter-final 3 winner v quarter-final 4 winner
Final: semi-final 1 winner v semi-final 2 winner

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23217,00.html

[TOCC]

im on holidays at the moment so i stayed up to watch the draw, www.irb.com, couldnt get a smile or frown out of any of the players or coaches though.

[mudskipper]

We got lucky....can't wait...Bring Back Bill...Giteau will stay now...

[TOCC]

well, we werent to lucky, there is a fine line in RWC draws between the benefits of having a easy/hard pool.

Australia had a easy ride in 2007 and then when they actually ran into England they werent prepared for the intensity. Hopefully Ireland and Italy are both on top of there game in 2011 and provide some quality opposition so the boys are battle hardened by the time the finals roll around.

[jargan83]

We got lucky....can't wait...Bring Back Bill...Giteau will stay now...

What did the World Cup draw have to do with Giteau staying?

I agree with Tocc, an easy group stage is no guarentee that you will succeed. Again as Tocc stated just look to last years RWC for an example. We cruised through the Group and were found wanting when it came to the sudden death winner takes all stuff

[mudskipper]

We will need more player depth and Deans will do a better job...

[Thequeerone]

Dream Draw for our family - hopefully get to see both Ireland and Australia have a fantastic time in NZ.

[robyn <3]

EXCELLENT! I love it

That's a really good draw. I want Argentina to finish 2nd in their pool, so that they can play the All Blacks... and beat them! and Tonga. GF I would love to see Australia and Tonga sigh. I can't wait!

[welshrugbyfan]

So the Pool C winner (The Wallabies) will play the runner up in pool D in the quarter final.

Hmmm, will that be Fiji again??

I bloody hope not.

[jargan83]

already aiming for the runners up spot WRF?

Normal service must be about to resume regarding Wales

[slomo]

hopefully americas 2 turns out to be canada.... we had a serious drinking session with a group from toronto on the eve of the australia v's canada game in bordeaux last year, throw the irish in to the mix were looking at another 6 week long party, with some rugby inbetween!

[JediKnight]

Plus a Scotland v England match thrown in for good measure!!!

[jargan83]

apparently cities are still bidding for games, fixture should be released in the second quarter of 2009

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/mediazo...ools+announced

[slomo]

Plus a Scotland v England match thrown in for good measure!!!

revenge for 1991, i can still recall that gavin hastings miss......