Ruddock pleased to be pooled with Australia

(Main) Robert Sidoli attempts to drive an attack forward during last year's test against Australia (Thumb) Dwayne Peel feels the full brunt of a challenge from Wendell Sailor

12 May 2004, 4:56 pm

By WRU

New Wales boss Mike Ruddock has revealed his excitement at the outcome of the Rugby World Cup 2007 draw.

Ruddock joined the VIP audience in Dublin as senior IRB members conducted a draw that will see Wales pitted against Australia in the pool stages of the 2007 competition. Ruddock, just two weeks into his tenure as Wales boss, had an excited glint in his eye as he mused over the future match up.

"We are extremely excited about the draw we have been dealt for Rugby World Cup 2007," said Ruddock. "It will provide us with a good opportunity to test this Wales team against one of the world's top sides in double World Champions Australia.

"The clash with the Aussies will bring back fond memories of the World Cup in 1999 when we ran them close and hopefully we will be in a position to go one better this time."

Rugby World Cup 2007 Draw

Pool A
England
South Africa
Oceania 1
Americas 3
Repechage 2

Pool B
Australia
Wales
Oceania 2
Americas 2
Asia 1

Pool C
New Zealand
Scotland
Europe 1
Europe 2
Repechage 1

Pool D
France
Ireland
Americas 1
Europe 3
Africa 1