Two years ago, England became the first World Cup hosts not to reach the knock-outs after they were grouped with Wales, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay. Wednesday's draw could complicate Jones's oft-repeated vow to dethrone top-ranked New Zealand, who have won the World Cup three times. England have a mixed World Cup record against France and their last meeting was a quarter-final defeat in 2011 in Auckland. Hansen's New Zealand are striving to complete a hat-trick of World Cup victories and underline their dominance of the sport. Japan will become the first Asian country to host the World Cup, a move which aims to ignite rugby passions around the region.

Source: Daily Nation May 10, 2017 09:56 UTC