nz_novocastrian
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New Zealand have put their last World Cup hosting debacle behind them, entering the race to stage the 2011 tournament.
The bitter fall-out from the co-hosting row that cost them a share of last year's World Cup that went solely to Australia is a thing of the past in the eyes of the NZRU.
NZRU chief executive Chris Moller confirmed that his union had signalled in writing to the International Rugby Board that New Zealand wanted to host the 2011 World Cup.
They are in a three-way race with Japan and South Africa at this stage.
Argentina also wants a stake in the action, hoping to attract some matches off South Africa if the republic is successful with their bid.
Japan loom as the favourite. They have the infrastructure after successfully staging the last soccer World Cup and they represent a new Asian market for rugby to target.
New Zealand staged the inaugural World Cup in 1987 while South Africa held the 1995 event.
The IRB will confirm the criteria on which hosting bids will be judged in November. The bidders can then decide whether to continue in the race. The IRB will name the successful bid at the end of next year.
France is hosting the next World Cup in 2007 although matches will also be played in Scotland and Wales. Ireland has pulled out of hosting their matches in that tournament.
I dunno about you guys but I think NZ lacks some of the stadium sizes and such to host it? I would rather NZ than Japan though, I think Japan isnt best suited for the Rugby World Cup. At least if it was in NZ it allows people from countries like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga a chance to come to the games live.