KEY POINTS:
There won't be any repeat of the Les Blues-inspired premature All Blacks blues when the rugby World Cup returns to New Zealand in 2011.
Having been grouped with their nemesis nation for the global showpiece's next incarnation, the All Blacks will likely face France in the tournament's opening game. From there, the only way the two sides would meet again would be in the final.
It's a scenario that will provide relief for All Blacks fans still smarting from last year's quarter-final calamity in Cardiff and a similar shock defeat in a semifinal at Twickenham in 1999.
An All Blacks rematch against the French appeared the obvious way of kicking off the 2011 incarnation, confirmed NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs.
"In many ways it adds a potential edge," Hobbs said.
"I can see real advantages in starting the tournament in that fashion, given the strong historical relationship we have with French rugby."
The draw and venue allocation will not be finalised until mid-March but All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and coach Graham Henry - who attended a function inside Tourism New Zealand's giant inflatable rugby ball at London's Tower Bridge yesterday - acknowledged the hype for the match against France had already begun.
Henry, who was celebrating the All Blacks' Grand Slam barely 24 hours earlier, responded wryly when reminded of the darkest day of his coaching career.
"It's nice to get them in a pool game where not everything depends on winning," he said. "It seems strange really just finishing a European tour and the day after you're talking about a tournament that's three years away."
The spectre of France was already casting a shadow over this season's achievements as Henry playfully suggested: "Great, give it profile [as 2011's opening game]. We want a bit of tension for a change - a bit of stress, just to relieve the happiness we've all got."
The captain when New Zealand were upset 20-18 at the Millennium Stadium, McCaw also predicted the rematch with the French would carry extra import.
"I guess my first thought was 'that's what the talk will be about - what happened last time'," said McCaw. "Because of that there'll be a bit more intrigue about the match."
Tonga and yet to be determined qualifiers from the Americas and Asia make up New Zealand's pool.
France coach March Lievremont was happy to be lumped with New Zealand though he already seemed to be conceding defeat.
"We reckon we will finish behind New Zealand. After that it is up to us to get out of our group.
"We are also conscious of the rest of the pool. Tonga are an unpredictable team and will be playing more or less at home."
New Zealand, defending champions South Africa, Australia and Argentina were seeded first in their groups on the basis of current world rankings.
Pool of death would be stretching it but pool B, where the Pumas, England and Scotland are grouped, appears to be the toughest.
Presuming the All Blacks get out of their group they will play one of that trio in the quarter-finals.
Should the All Blacks top their group - something they have done in every previous World Cup - and games go to form they will enter a section of the knockout draw that could pit them against defending champions South Africa in the semifinals and either Australia or France in the final.
Australia have been grouped with Ireland and Italy while the Springboks have to contend with Wales, Fiji and almost certainly Samoa - who are expected to claim the vacant Oceania spot.
The eight as yet unknown nations will not be finalised until 2010 but yesterday's announcement has already pleased Martin Snedden, the chief executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011.
Snedden had hoped for a couple of marquee match-ups and had his wish granted with the All Blacks assignation and the Anglo-Scots rivalry being staged in a pool stage for the first time in the tournament's history.
"I'm delighted with the way it's worked out," he said.
