After the euphoria of beating New Zealand, the world champions, England yesterday faced the sober reality of what it will take to win their home tournament in 2015. Stuart Lancaster’s side were drawn against Australia, the top seeds in pool A, and Wales, the third-ranked side, a scenario that will no doubt cause the England head coach some sleepless nights in what is the most demanding World Cup pool.
It could get worse if the Anglo-Welsh tie ends up being staged at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as Roger Lewis, the WRU chief executive, was keen to suggest last night. And he is not a man to miss an opportunity. That is unlikely, however.
If recent history repeats itself, England could well open the tournament