England's hopes of becoming the first northern hemisphere country to win the Rugby World Cup were dealt a serious blow today when the official draw put South Africa and, potentially, New Zealand in their path to the final.
Clive Woodward's side, who were seeded a lowly sixth because they were thrashed 44-21 by the Springboks in the quarter-finals in 1999, will meet South Africa in Group D.
If they fail to win that match, and finish second in their group, they are likely to play 1987 champions New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
But if England beat South Africa and win their pool, England's path suddenly becomes easier. They would play the runners-up from Pool D, probably Wales, in the quarter-finals, before a likely meeting with Six Nations champions France in the semi-finals.
"It is a good draw but you can't read too much into it at this stage," stand-in England skipper Neil Back admitted. "France have the potential to go a long way and even the other group opponents could be difficult."
After losing to Argentina in the quarter-final play-offs four years ago, Ireland are not yet certain of qualification for next year's competition. However, despite facing a trip to Russia next September, it is inconceivable that Eddie O'Sullivan's side will not go through as top European qualifiers.
That would put Ireland back alongside Argentina, in a group topped by hosts Australia.
Australia, who have been installed as 7/4 favourites for the tournament, and France were the big winners in the draw.
As top seeds, the Australians can reach the last four without having to play France, South Africa, New Zealand or England, their biggest threats to the title.
Six Nations champions France, World Cup finalists in 1987 and 1999, were seeded second and also presented with a clear path to the last four, drawn in pool B with Scotland.
The pool matches during World Cup 2003 will be played over 22 of a possible 24 days, unlike three years ago when there were huge gaps of inactivity in the group programme.
The quarter-final play-offs, which featured England, Scotland and Ireland in 1999, have been ditched.
And the overwhelming majority of matches will take place either in the early evening or at night, providing British kick-off times of early and mid-morning.
Draw for Rugby World Cup 2003:
The eight quarter-finalists from the last World Cup in 1999 - Australia, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, England, Scotland and Argentina - were seeded in the same order they finished then, but none of the other 12 finalists have been decided yet.
Ten of the remaining 12 spots will be determined by a series of regional qualifying tournaments, most of which have already commenced, before the end of the year, with the final two spots determined by repechage playoffs in early 2003.
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
