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Rugby World Cup: Time for change
By Don Riddell, CNN World Sport
(CNN) -- The game of rugby may well have been created in England, but the trophy named after its founder -- William Webb-Ellis -- has never resided in the northern hemisphere, let alone the country of the game's birth. But this year there is a very real chance that the south's stranglehold could finally be broken. England traveled to Australia as the world's top ranked team, and the favorites. Never before have they had a better chance. This summer they beat Australia and New Zealand in their own backyards. In fact England have won nine of their last 10 matches against the Aussies, the All Blacks and South Africa. The biggest pitfall for them, or any side from the north, will be coping with six weeks in an Australian summer. Fans of any sport know that you write Australia off at your peril. The hosts and defending champions have enjoyed a golden era in 12 years, including two world cups. But the Wallabies team that rolled over in this year's Tri-Nations are surely incapable of finding the form needed to defend their world title. Nor would you put your house on South Africa. Like the Aussies, they were beaten at home by a touring side this summer -- Argentina -- and thumped at home by New Zealand in the Tri-Nations. The Springboks have also been embroiled in a racial prejudice controversy. An inquiry awaits them in the New Year. There is no doubt this has hindered their World Cup preparations. It's about time that New Zealand did something on the game's biggest stage again. After winning the inaugural tournament in 1987, the All Blacks have become perennial under-achievers. No team will be under pressure to succeed quite like them. Rugby is the national sport in New Zealand and the entire country will be gripped. It will be a shame to see them without Jonah Lomu and leading points scorer Andrew Merthens, but they always play exciting and attacking rugby, and this team should be no different. Of course, other sides will play their part. Newcomers like Georgia will provide plenty of interest, but little substance. Teams like France, Ireland and Samoa will challenge for the latter stages, but in my opinion will not threaten the silverware. Much as I hate making predictions about the winners, in one word, I'll say England. In two words, New Zealand. Don Riddell presents World Sport on CNN International at 0930 GMT, 1230 GMT, 1430 GMT, and 2130 GMT daily (also 0030 GMT at weekends and daily in Asia.)
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