Rugby World Cup 2011
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This September, the planet’s premier rugby competition is coming to New Zealand. For the first time since 1987, when the Kiwis co-hosted and won the inaugural competition, Rugby World Cup games will be staged in the homeland of the All Blacks. The New Zealanders will be determined to put on a spectacle to remember, while their southern hemisphere foes would love nothing more than to win the game’s biggest prize on rival soil. Only one thing is guaranteed: this quadrennial competition will be a treat for rugby fans the world over.
The New Zealand rugby team is one of the most famous sporting entities in the world; however, this perceived dominance has not been translated into World Cup trophies. That 1987 triumph aside, the All Blacks have all too often fallen at the final hurdle, with the semi-finals being their most frequent departure point. They are red-hot favourites to win this year in front of their home fans, and stars such as Dan Carter and rugby league convert Sonny Bill Williams will not want to disappoint.
The sternest challenge to the Kiwis is expected to come from their fellow Tri-Nations competitors: South Africa and Australia. South Africa are the reigning champions; nevertheless, they will need to improve their recent performances if they are to overcome their more in-form southern hemisphere rivals. Their fans will be hoping last autumn’s defeat to Scotland has served a much-needed wake-up call to the squad.
Australia will be in the mood to crash the New Zealand party, and they have good cause to feel optimistic. They ended a 10-game losing streak to their eternal enemy with a 26-24 triumph in Hong Kong last year, and this is certain to give them confidence for the World Cup. Central to this victory was the return of Quade Cooper, and assuming the Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year stays fit, the Aussies will have a great chance of a memorable triumph.
The northern hemisphere teams have not been discussed as front-runners for the tournament, but a few notable exceptions could spring a surprise. Fresh from their 6 Nations triumph, and as losing finalists from the last World Cup, Martin Johnson’s England are worth watching. The classy French side can be breathtaking, but their recent form has been patchy at best. Moreover, the Irish will be looking to make up for their disappointing showing last time round, and can beat the big boys on their day, as shown by their recent victory over England.
This year’s Rugby World Cup is one of the most hyped in memory, and it will surely be a dream for any lover of the game. If you would like to experience the tournament first hand, you can book flights to New Zealand with Webjet, Australia’s largest online travel service. American Express credit card holders can pay for Webjet flights with Membership Reward points. This new Webjet service has been exclusively designed for customers with American Express credit cards who are enrolled in the Membership rewards scheme.
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