Johnno’s men avoid Tri Nations in group stages

There was a 75% chance that England would end up in a ‘group of death’ for the 2011 World Cup, with either New Zealand, Australia or South Africa, all of whom they lost to in recent weeks.

But they got lucky, and landed in a group which they will expect to win. Argentina may be top seeds, based on their higher world ranking, but England will start as bookie’s favourite to win Group B, ahead of the Argies, Scotland and two minnows.

Poor Wales, the only British team to defeat a southern hemisphere side this autumn and the side that will provide most of the British Lions who tour South Africa next year, have drawn the shortest straw. They face world champions South Africa and Fiji. Pick of the group games New Zealand vs France, no question.