England to face Aussies in 'super pool'

England have been placed in a so-called 'super pool' including holders Australia and New Zealand for the 13th Rugby League World Cup.

England will kick off their Pool One campaign against Papua New Guinea on October 25, 24 hours after hosts Australia and New Zealand have clashed in the opening game of the tournament in Sydney.

The top three teams from the 'super pool' will qualify for the semi-finals - the make-up of the last four will be completed by one of the other six nations in the other two pools of three.

The 2008 World Cup final will be played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, which will also stage a semi-final, on November 22.

Seven teams have already secured their places in the tournament with qualifiers Tonga and Fiji joining automatic entries Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea.

Seven other teams - Ireland, Lebanon, Russia, Scotland, Wales, the United States and Samoa - are vying for the remaining three places in the Australia finals.

Rugby League International Federation chairman Colin Love said: "Already the tournament has achieved an enormous amount in promoting the game in developing nations.

"There's a real sense of anticipation building in those countries still working to qualify. There's enormous enthusiasm for the game internationally and the spirit of World Cups in all sports is to respect the so-called minnows as much as the established stars.

"It will also, as shown in last year's Tri-Nations final, showcase the remarkable rivalries of traditional powers such as Australia, England and New Zealand.

"It's a compelling event not only for rugby league fans but for all sports fans. Australians love to give an 'underdog' a go and World Cups are a celebration of that very spirit."

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