RWC 2007 Draw

World Champions England will meet a familiar foe during the RWC 2007 finals as they have been drawn with South Africa in Pool A of the RWC 2007 Draw, made in Dublin on Wednesday.

World Champions England will meet a familiar foe during the RWC 2007 finals as they have been drawn with South Africa in Pool A of the RWC 2007 Draw, made in Dublin on Wednesday.

If South Africa and England are well acqainted in Rugby World Cups, Ireland and Argentina have even more entwined histories in this competition. If Argentina qualify in top place from the Americas qualifying group (Americas 1), they will find themselves together for the third RWC in a row.

Ireland and Americas 1 are drawn in Pool D alongside France, in what will undoubtedly be seen as the ‘Group of Death’.

RWC 2003 runners up Australia are joined by Wales in Pool B whilst New Zealand are joined by Scotland in Pool C.

The Draw, which was held in Fado’s restaurant in Dublin, was attended by many of the most famous names in the sport, including England’s Richard Hill, Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll and France’s Bernard Laporte.

RWC Chairman Dr Syd Millar and President of the F d ration Francaise de Rugby, Bernard Lapasset, made the Draw, which was overseen by Michael O’Neill of Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Pool A England, South Africa, Oceania 1, Americas 3, Repechage 2.

Pool B Australia, Wales, Oceania 2, Americas 2, Asia 1.

Pool C New Zealand, Scotland, Europe 1, Europe 2, Repechage 1.

Pool D France, Ireland, Americas 1, Europe 3, Africa 1.

Top two in each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals.