Many Are Called. Few Succeed. Manchester United: Beyond the Promised Land

New Zealand to host Rugby World Cup 2011

New Zealand will host the 2011 Rugby World Cup after winning today's vote by members of the International Rugby Board council.

The Kiwi delegation, supported by Helen Clarke, the prime minister, and Tana Umaga, the All Blacks captain, overcame competition from populist choice Japan to win the rights to stage rugby's showpiece tournament.

In a shock twist to the first round of voting favourites South Africa - expected to at least make the final two - were eliminated, leaving New Zealand and Japan to battle it out for victory.

It will be the second time the World Cup has been held in New Zealand, who staged the inaugural event alongside Australia in 1987.

They had also been due to co-host the 2003 tournament with Australia before being stripped of the right by the IRB after a row over stadium advertising.

Concerns existed over whether New Zealand have the infrastructure to stage such an event but in terms of rugby pedigree - the Kiwis cherish the sport above all else - few could argue with their success today.

Away from all the boardroom meetings, it was all fun and games in the All Black camp, during the All Blacks training session 2 days before the big game against the English.

The all blacks even had time to make the short trip to Buckingham Palace to have tea with Queen E and Prince William.

As a legend in the making, Dan Carter took time off to meet an English footballing legend, Paul Gascoigne. Lets just hope Gazza aint giving young Carter any form of advise.