The controversy over the sole hosting of next year's World Cup is not a spat between the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions, former Wallaby skipper John Eales said on Friday.

"This is not as big an issue between Australia and New Zealand as everyone is making out," he said. "It was decided by an independent panel that has no allegiance to either country."

The International Rugby Board, meeting in Dublin, on Thursday voted heavily in favour of endorsing Rugby World Cup Limited's recommendation that Australia act as sole host after New Zealand failed to comply with the commercial conditions.

The 48-match tournament will take place in Australia in October and November 2003, with the major rugby states of New South Wales and Queensland hosting the majority of games. The draw and pool structure will be released next month.

Eales, a two-time World Cup winner, said that the rugby relationship between the trans-Tasman neighbours had always had an edge to it and that would continue.

"Australia and New Zealand matches have always been intense. I don't think that will change. I think we have to move on from the backbiting. This is going to be a positive thing for the game."

Eales dismissed concerns from New Zealand rugby authorities that the All Blacks would be disadvantaged by losing their home ground advantage.

"If New Zealand are going to win the World Cup in November 2003, they are going to have to win in Australia anyway. So that shouldn't come into it too much."

Eales said he is satisfied that Australia will be able to host the tournament on its own. I have every confidence in the ARU. They wouldn't have bid for the World Cup if they didn't think they could host it."