New Zealand Top Seeds France 2007
New Zealand are in Rugby World Cup Pool C along with Scotland, Italy, Romania and Portugal. The whole of New Zealand will be backing the Kiwi's with rugby being the national sport. This pool will certainly not test the mighty Blacks and 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 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 impressive, averaging over 45 points a match in their 30 appearances. The All Blacks performance in Australia 2003 as losing semi-finalists ensured their automatic selection for 2007.
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 probably the best pack of forwards in the world at present so New Zealand will go to France as firm favourites yet again for a World Cup success having comfortably won pool C.
Latest New Zealand News
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Three Crusaders in New Zealand U20's squad - Three Rebel Sport Super 14 players have been included in the New Zealand Under 20 side set to compete at the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship, which will take place in Wales in June
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England autumn test schedule - England will play the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday the 29th November, subject to IRB approval
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Robbie Deans new Wallabies boss - New Zealander Robbie Deans has been appointed as the first non-Australian coach of the Wallabies
