Author(s): Spiro Zavos

New Zealand

Since the Rugby World Cup tournament began in 1987, its powerful players, speed-charged runs, soaring kicks, brutal scrums and controversial refereeing decisions have gripped billions of people around the world. In 2011, the tournament returns to its birthplace, New Zealand, where teams from 20 qualifying nations will battle to win rugby's most coveted prize. For players and coaches, this is the ultimate test. • Will Robbie Deans bring the Wallabies to glory? • Can Graham Henry's All Blacks break their 20-year jinx? • Will reigning champions South Africa overcome a season of disasters, or England recapture the brilliance of its 2003 victory? • Can France, Wales, Scotland or Ireland win for the first time? • Will a newly emerging team such as Argentina shock the world? Zavos also unveils the inside stories and controversies surrounding all six Rugby World Cup tournaments to date. This is a book that thrills from start to finish.