Automatic qualifiers:
1. New Zealand (holders)
2. England (2010 runners-up)
3. Australia (2010 third place)
4. France (host)
5. USA (2010 5th)
6. Canada (2010 6th)
Other qualifiers:
This is a bit of guesswork as the press release is not exactly clear in places...
7. Asian 15s champions 2013
8. African qualifier (Winner of South Africa vs. 2013 Elgon Cup winner (Kenya or Uganda))
9. Six Nations team
10. Six Nations team
These two Six Nations teams will be the best two teams from the 2012 and 2013 Six Nations combined - apart from England and France.11. Euro/Oceania qualification winner
12. Euro/Oceania qualification runner-up
The remaining two Six Nations teams will play-off in a qualifier in 2013 alongside probably other European nations and one team from Oceania. Exactly how THAT will work is not covered - but a best guess is that this will consist of two pools. Seedings will be based on the results of the 2012 European Cup Pool B. The eight teams will probably be...
The great step forward is the inclusion of Kenya and Uganda in the process - but there is still no chance for the Caribbean teams to take part in the process, or anyone from South America. Its a small step forward, but the IRB could have included everyone. In practice, compared to four years ago one more team is included...
- Six Nations team
- Six Nations team
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Russia
- Sweden
- Finland
- Pacific team (probably Samoa, but method of selection to be announced
- Europe - 2010: 12 nations took part, in 2014 11 will
- Africa - 2010: 1 nation took part, in 2014 3 will
- N America- 2010 and 2014: 2 nations
- Asia - 2010 and 2014: identical qualification process
- Oceania/Pacific - 2010 and 2014: 3 nations
- Caribbean - 2010 and 2014: 0 nations
- S & C America: - 2010 and 2014: 0 nations
Am I right in thinking World Cup matches all take place in Paris? Any idea of the dates?
ReplyDeleteYes, should be in Paris - but exactly where will be up to the FFR as well as the IRB. You will note that in 2010 the World Cup took place in Guildford, which is most definitely NOT "London", so really it could be anywhere in central France!
ReplyDeleteAugust probably.