Wynne Gray: C'est bon! Time for a change

Oui, oui, oui, merci, merci, merci.

Get out the phrase books, enrol in French classes - the 2007 World Cup has been awarded to France rather than England.

From a personal perspective, one which seems to dovetail with the individual agendas of IRB members, who voted 18-3 for France, it is a refreshing decision, although England's twin-layer proposal with a Super Eight finals concept had some appeal.

It would have generated huge revenue and given a sharper edge to the pool games than the present system.

Curiously, England wanted the tournament dates changed to June and July, an idea which should tell other nations there is room to manoeuvre when annual tours make their way back on to the calendar.

But while England's proposal was imaginative, it would have sent the IRB down a path few other prospective hosts could have emulated.

The bonus points system does not seem appropriate either, though it has been approved for this year's tournament in Australia.

On an emotional level it was time for the tournament to be hosted by France, even though, sadly, they will siphon off a few matches to Dublin, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

In 1991 and 1999, the World Cup was held in Britain and France, but the tournaments always felt disjointed, the games in France mere add-ons.

When France submitted their original bid they wanted the entire tournament to be held within their boundaries.

But when England and France were told to resubmit their proposals, the French felt they had to seek the political - and therefore hosting - assistance of the Irish, Welsh and Scots.

Returning to Britain as hosts for the third time in the short history of the tournament would have been as welcome as a cough on a television game-show.

It was time to move on, time for a change, time for world rugby to take their game to a non-English-speaking nation.

France have given their backing to New Zealand rugby far more in recent years than England. They have been frequent visitors, hosts and supporters.

Meanwhile, when England play the All Blacks in Wellington on June 14, it will be just the third time since 1985 that they have played in New Zealand.

And the last tour in 1998 was hardly vibrant after the English clubs withdrew their players from selection.

England were well beaten in two tests, though some of the team have survived to become test regulars - Graham Rowntree, Phil Vickery, Danny Grewcock, Matt Dawson, Jonny Wilkinson, Josh Lewsey and Austin Healey.

Back in 1985, the All Blacks sneaked past England 18-13 in a drab opening test before a 42-15 victory in the second.

Present New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs was one All Black flanker, while this year's selector, Mark Shaw, was the other. Fellow selector Kieran Crowley was at fullback.