Once in a Blue Moon….. It’s time again, the IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 will kick off September 7 th? in France!? We’re set to bring you up-to-speed and hope you will enjoy Rugby’s finest competitors.
1. History
Held every 4 (four) years, starting in 1987, the victors are awarded The William Webb Ellis trophy; named after the British schoolboy credited with the invention of the game.
2. Where?
Mostly hosted by the French this year (44 matches); Wales and Scotland will host 4 (four) and 2 (two) matches respectively.
3. Format
20 (twenty) teams, equally divided into 4 (four) brackets, play the others in their assigned grouping with the top two reaching the “knockout” stage.? In all, 48 matches are played over 44 days!
4. “Group of Death”?
It is predicted that? a major rugby-playing nation will exit the tournament early from groups C and D.? Barring an upset, New Zealand will win group C, leaving Scotland and Italy fighting for second place.? In group D, France could slip up against Ireland or Argentina.
5. Winner
The New Zealand All Blacks; New Zealand’s highly favored national team; despite their 2003 early exit handed to them by rivals Australia.
6. Current Holders
England, 2003 IRB World Cup winners.
7. Less Favored
Canada, Georgia, Namibia, and Portugal.
8. Players to Watch
Dan Carter (NZ) is considered the world’s best player at this time.?
Brian O’ Driscoll (Ireland)
9. Rumors
A dream final would consist of host-nation France vs. The New Zealand All Blacks; however, it is rumored in certain circles that France changed it’s tournament shirt color to dark blue to impart a pyschological advantage in this scenario.? If the two meet, the All Blacks will have to wear their silver away strip jerseys and not the black ones?????
10. They Said
Portuguese Captain Vasco Uva reminds us that this is the reward for their long process and work!
Paraphrased from a recent CNN article.
151degreesoftravel.com