New Zealand Hosts In 2011

New Zealand are in Rugby World Cup Pool A along with France, Tonga, Canada and Asia 1. The whole of New Zealand will be backing the Kiwi's with rugby being the national sport and the contest at home. This pool should not test the mighty Blacks, although they will be wary of the French who have caused problems in the past, however they should qualify with ease racking up some big scores and easy wins on the way.

New Zealand won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987, but have since failed to repeat their success. They had a disaster in France in 2007 when as big favourties the slipped up in Wales at he Millennium Stadium losing 18-20 to hosts France in the quarter-finals. They lost out in the semi-finals in 2003 when favourites in Australia loosing to the hosts who they had also lost to at the same stage in 1991,again in the semi's to France in 1999. In 1995 they came closest, losing after extra time to South Africa in the final.

The New Zealand team's pre-match Haka is well known and feared.

New Zealand's Impressive Record

Currently ranked first in the world, New Zealand's Rugby World Cup record is still impressive, averaging over 45 points a match in all their appearances. The All Blacks performance in France 2007 as losing quarter-finalists ensured their automatic selection for 2011.

The new All Blacks shirts are available now. The shirt has changed little from previous versions with the colour scheme staying true to All Blacks history. As with most other top tier nations shirts it has no collar and short sleeves. The shirt is made by Adidas and features the Rugby World Cup logo, with the slim fit style favoured by all the top sides. To place your order and view other New Zealand shirts visit the New Zealand Shirts page.

All Blacks Expected To Fire Out Wide

Much will be decided by the form of Daniel Carter now one of the best recognised faces in world rugby and on his day possibly better than Jonny Wilkinson at his prime. Things happen when he is around, so if he's on song expect a stunning performance from the exciting All Blacks' threes. Coach Graham Henry has also got a mobile pack of forwards so New Zealand as hosts will be firm favourites yet again for a World Cup success having comfortably won pool A.

New Zealand News

All Blacks win Tri-Nations - South Africa 22-29 New Zealand - New Zealand won the 2010 Tri-Nations title having been behind all match until they scored two late tries the first on 78 minutes to win in Johannesburg, in front of some 90,000 fans

Teams for Saturdays match South Africa v All Blacks - Peter de Villiers has made seven player changes and one position move for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against New Zealand at the 90,000-capacity FNB Stadium, formerly Soccer City, venue for last month's World Cup football final, and it will be the first time the Springboks have played in the township of Soweto

New Zealand win Bledisloe Cup - New Zealand 20-10 Australia - New Zealand took a big step closer to a 10th Tri-Nations title after a hard-fought win over Australia in Christchurch

New Zealand v Australia game 2 Teams - New Zealand and Australia have announced their teams for the second clash in the 2010 Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup

Australia indiscipline aids New Zealand - Australia 28-49 New Zealand - New Zealand produced a controlled and disciplined display to record a good away Tri-Nations victory against Bledisloe Cup rivals Australia in Melbourne