Argentina likely opponents for Ireland in World Cup

Today’s draw for the sixth World Cup threw up an intriguing prospect of Ireland tackling hosts France and possibly Argentina in Pool D.

Also in Pool D are Americas 1 (probably Argentina), Europe 3 (possibly Georgia) and Africa 1 (possibly Morocco).

French Rugby Federation president Bernard Lapasset conducted the draw in tandem with Rugby World Cup chairman Dr Syd Millar.

“France had proved over the last few years, with the soccer World Cup in 1998 as well as the athletics world championships in 2003, its capacity to put in place and organise successful major international sporting events,” said Lapasset.

“This is the path we have chosen to showcase, once more, the experience our nation has acquired for this unique international competition that will be the sixth Rugby World Cup.”

Defending champions England will face a World Cup rematch with South Africa when France hosts the tournament in 2007.

England tackle the Springboks and possibly Samoa during their bid to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.

England, who were crowned world champions, with victory over Australia in Sydney last November, have been drawn alongside South Africa, Oceania 1, Americas 3 and Repechage 2.

Samoa, who pushed England all the way in a thrilling Melbourne clash last October, are likely to top the Oceania qualifying section with Canada or the USA probably filling Americas 3 and the Repechage 2 likely to be Tonga.

If England are to win a second-successive World Cup they will again have to do it the hard way.

Wales, whose new coach Mike Ruddock attended today’s draw in Dublin, were grouped in Pool B alongside two-time world champions Australia, Oceania 2 (probably Fiji) Americas 2 (probably Canada or USA) and Asia 1, effectively Japan.

Ruddock’s men will play two of their group games in Wales, including the match against the Wallabies.

Scotland, meanwhile, have landed New Zealand, Europe 1 (probably Italy), Europe 2 (probably Romania) and Repechage 1.

Like Wales, Scotland will also play two matches on home soil.