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17:44 GMT, Monday, 1 December 2008

Hadden happy with World Cup draw

Rory Lamont battles for possession with England's Jonny Wilkinson

Frank Hadden says Scotland can qualify again for the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup after being drawn to play their oldest rivals England.

Head coach Hadden said: "As far as our Pool B opponents are concerned, I'm happy with the draw.

"We have every chance of maintaining our proud record of being one of only five countries to qualify for the quarter-final of every World Cup."

Scotland also face Argentina in Pool B at the 2011 tournament in New Zealand.

The winner of the European qualifying pool - which includes Georgia, Romania and Portugal - will join the Scots in Pool B.

And the winner of a play-off will complete the pool and the 20-country line-up that will compete for the seventh William Webb Ellis trophy.

"It looks as if we've missed the Pacific Islands' countries as they are pretty much playing on their home patch so that's a bonus."
Scotland head coach Frank Hadden

"The draw is the first piece of the jigsaw. The second piece is the scheduling of games and I believe it is absolutely imperative that games are scheduled to allow players proper recovery and preparation time given the intensity of international matches," Hadden continued.

"We haven't played England in the World Cup since the 1991 semi-final and we lost out at last year's World Cup to Argentina in the quarter-final.

"It looks as if we've missed the Pacific Islands' countries as they are pretty much playing on their home patch, so that's a bonus."

Scotland captain Mike Blair was excited by the draw.

"In England and Argentina, we have two extremely tough sides in our pool who have a very proud record in the tournament," said the scrum-half.

"It will take a big effort from us, but that's what we will be setting our minds on."

MY SPORT: DEBATE
Can Scotland qualify from World Cup Pool B?

The only previous occasion Scotland have played England at the World Cup was the 1991 semi-final at Murrayfield, which Scotland lost 9-6.

Full-back that day, Gavin Hastings, said: "I think to face England in New Zealand will be a terrific occasion. We've got to be pleased to have the opportunity to play England again and I'm sure that fixture will inspire the players."


The full World Cup draw, made by IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset and Chairman of New Zealand 2011 Jock Hobbs:

Pool A - Asia 1; Americas 1; Tonga; France; New Zealand

Pool B - Play-off winner; Europe 1; Scotland; England; Argentina

Pool C - Americas 2; Europe 2; Italy; Ireland; Australia

Pool D - Africa 1; Oceania1; Fiji; Wales; South Africa

Should Scotland win their pool, they would face the runners-up in pool A in the quarter-final.

If Scotland are second in their pool, they would face the winners of pool A in the quarter-final.




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Related to this story:

England meet Scots in World Cup (01 Dec 08 |  Rugby Union )
Hadden delights in Scots display (22 Nov 08 |  Scottish )
Scotland 41-0 Canada (22 Nov 08 |  Rugby Union )

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