England draw South Africa in World Cup
May 20, 2002

England have been drawn against South Africa - the team that knocked them out of the the 1999 Rugby World Cup - in next year's tournament in Australia.

Scotland were also handed a tough assignment against current Six Nations champions France, when the draw was made in Sydney.

Wales have a massive task on their hands after being pooled alongside the mighty New Zealand - the team who will have a point to prove after losing the right to be host nation.

Ireland, having been knocked out at the quarter-final play-off stage in 1999, have still to qualify.

The Irish are favourites to head the European contingent of qualifiers, which would put them into Pool A alongside Australia and Argentina.

The full draw for World Cup 2003 is as follows:

Pool A - Australia, Argentina, Europe 1, Africa 1, Europe 4

Pool B - France, Scotland, Oceania 1, Asia, Repechage

Pool C - South Africa, England, Oceania 2, Europe 3, America 2

Pool D - New Zealand, Wales, Europe 2, America 1, Repechage

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.