Look what's back again

The World Cup arrived in Australia yesterday to the sort of reception normally reserved for pop stars and heads of state.

Television crews, photographers and reporters filled the welcome hall at Sydney Airport to witness the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup.

The gilt silver and gold trophy was carried through Customs by International Rugby Board chairman Syd Millar, who escorted the prize from the organisation's headquarters in Dublin.

After a promotional tour around Australia, the trophy will return to Sydney for the opening match of the tournament, between Australia and Argentina on October 10, before eventually being presented to the victorious captain on November 22.

Commissioned by the IRB for the first World Cup in 1987, the trophy is named after William Webb Ellis, a student of England's Rugby School.

Legend has it that Ellis was the inspiration behind rugby after he picked up a soccer ball and ran with it in 1823, although historians now dispute this as the origin of the game.

Only three countries have won the World Cup, Australia in 1991 and 1999, New Zealand in 1987 and South Africa in 1995.

If Australia win the tournament this year, they will be allowed to keep the trophy as a reward for capturing three titles. A replica would be made for future competitions.

* England coach Clive Woodward says Australia are the biggest threat to his team winning their first World Cup, and warned that the Wallabies' sluggish pre-tournament form will count for nothing.

The host nation, beaten by England, New Zealand and South Africa in recent months, have been overlooked by most bookmakers, who have made New Zealand and England favourites.

Woodward saw things differently. "I've reckoned all along that Australia are the team to beat," he said before the squad flew out to Perth.

"They are the defending champions, they are on home ground, they've won the World Cup twice, and have a proven track record."

If things go to plan for Woodward, England will avoid the Wallabies until the final, but as ever the coach was refusing to look beyond their opening pool C game against Georgia on October 12.

"The preparation has been excellent and we are getting on the plane with the same 30 players we selected.

"The competition in the squad is so intense that nobody can afford to be below par.

"Nobody will be thinking about the game against South Africa or anything beyond, and we've shown before we are prepared to drop anyone if they are not 100 per cent."

England meet the Springboks in their second pool match on October 18. They also face Samoa and Uruguay.

- AGENCIES

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