Wales can go far at Rugby World Cup

Former All Black Xavier Rush believes that Wales have the pedigree to go far at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

The Cardiff Blues number eight insists that Wales are closing in on the major teams and have the ability to cause an upset at this year’s tournament.

“They  have had their hiccups in the past, but I think when Wales are playing at their best, with some of the exciting players that they have got, they can - on their day - compete with anybody,” added Rush.

“They probably (have) a bit of ground to make up if you are being completely honest,” said Rush, “But... they have some good players.”

Rush says that the teams people should fear from the north of the equator at the World Cup are England and France.

“The two teams which really stand out above all teams in the northern hemisphere so far are England and France. They seem to be the teams that are doing the most damage at the minute.”

"I think England looks particularly good at this stage. I hate to say it, sorry! But they do look very good."
Rush joined Cardiff Blues in 2005 and has represented the All Blacks eight times.

Wales open their World Cup campaign against defending champions South Africa in Wellington on 11th September, before taking on Samoa and Fiji.

Earthquake Recovery minister says Christchurch has to be 'realistic' about hosting World Cup games

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee urged the stricken city to be "realistic" about holding Rugby World Cup matches in September and October after the earthquake caused widespread damage, including to the rugby stadium.

"To lose the Rugby World Cup from Christchurch would be a massive blow," Brownlee said.

"I don't want to see it happen, but we've got to be realistic about the prospect."

Rugby-mad Christchurch is one of the main venues for the seven-week competition, and is slated to hold two quarter-finals on October 8 and 9.

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But Tuesday's earthquake reduced much of the city centre and some suburbs to ruins. Although AMI Stadium has only minor damage, the pitch has been hit by liquefaction, when soil becomes a quagmire because of the ground's shaking.

Stadium officials also reported serious damage around the venue, which is just two kilometres from the rubble-strewn city centre - where Christchurch's biggest hotel is tottering and in danger of collapse.

On Saturday, engineers said as much as a third of the central district, where office buildings folded like packs of cards and entire streets lost their shop frontages, may be demolished and rebuilt.