NZ rank outsiders to host World Cup

Centrebet rates New Zealand's chances of hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup at just $20 or 20-1.

The agency puts rival competitor South Africa at a $1.72 and Japan at $2.

"The Kiwi bid is a relative no-hoper against those of South Africa and Japan ahead of the International Rugby Board's decision in Dublin on November 17," Centrebet spokesman Gerard Daffy said today.

He said New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs was talking a good game but the arguments for supporting the other two countries were much more compelling.

The All Blacks are a much better bet to complete a Grand Slam in Britain and Ireland, the Australian betting agency said.

The agency has New Zealand at $1.65 to complete a Grand Slam against Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland, and $1.16 to win the tour opener against Wales on Sunday morning (NZ time).

- NZPA