All Blacks' draw altered
May 21, 2002

The general manager of the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup has admitted that New Zealand's loss of sub-host status for the tournament affected their draw.

Matt Carroll, speaking in the New Zealand Herald, admitted that the original draw had the All Blacks set up on the opposite side of the draw to Australia, in the hope that the co-hosts would meet in the World Cup Final.

However, when New Zealand lost their co-host status, Carroll said the International Rugby Board encouraged them to go back to a "traditional" draw. The traditional draw sees the 1999 World Cup champions Australia, and the runners-up France, put on opposite sides of the draw.

In the revised draw, New Zealand is scheduled to play either South Africa or England in the quarterfinals, and, barring upsets, will meet Australia in the semi-finals in Australia.

"In the draft draw, when New Zealand had a semi, their quarterfinal was not so tough," Carroll said.

Former Wallaby star legend David Campese said the trans-Tasman showdown would be the final a week early.

"Whoever wins it will take the title," he said.

Nick Farr-Jones, the 1991 World Cup-winning captain, added:

"There's never been an Australia-New Zealand final and that is one of the sad things. It would be fantastic ... and it's not to be."

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