All Blacks still the team to beat
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New Zealand remain firm favourites to retain the World Cup title they won on home soil in 2011, a year out from the 20-team tournament in England.
Thursday will mark exactly a year to the day until the first match of Rugby Union's showpiece event, which will be staged in the sport's birthplace from September 18 to October 31 next year.
The All Blacks buried 24 years of hurt by not, for once, choking and going on to scoop rugby union's ultimate prize three years ago although not before a desperately close 8-7 win in the Final against France.
It was the All Blacks' second global titl…
Thursday will mark exactly a year to the day until the first match of Rugby Union's showpiece event, which will be staged in the sport's birthplace from September 18 to October 31 next year.
The All Blacks buried 24 years of hurt by not, for once, choking and going on to scoop rugby union's ultimate prize three years ago although not before a desperately close 8-7 win in the Final against France.
It was the All Blacks' second global titl…
