The International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed both New Zealand and South Africa are interested in staging the tournament.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) are no doubt still stinging from losing the co-hosting duties in the run-up to the 2003 tournament, but in their favour is the fact the country has gone the longest without seeing World Cup action, having hosted the first finals back in 1987.
South Africa’s bid is being headed up by the only man to lead the Springboks to World Cup glory, Francois Pienaar.
Yet the bid has already hit stumbling blocks. These include the likely absence of corporate or government support due to the fact South Africa is hosting the Soccer World Cup in 2010, and it is keen to bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
However, according to RUGBYeNEWS.com, Japan is believed to have strong support in the corridors of power at the IRB.
A final decision on the hosting arrangements will be made by the IRB Council in November 2005.
