NZ's World Cup bid impresses Australia

The Australian Rugby Union are impressed by New Zealand's bid to host the 2011 World Cup.

Australian union chairman Dilip Kumar said yesterday that his New Zealand counterparts had constructed a "very strong" bid which was "seen in an extremely good light" by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

It also seems to be finding favour with the Australian union as Kumar, one of two Australian delegates to the IRB, hinted it would support New Zealand's bid when the council votes in Dublin on November 17.

A Wellington daily newspaper reported today that Kumar also dismissed suggestions South Africa and Japan had a financial advantage over New Zealand.

He said all three met the minimum guarantees and was confident the World Cup would not go to the country with the biggest cheque book.

Kumar will host New Zealand union chairman Jock Hobbs and chief executive Chris Moller at a dinner in Sydney on Thursday. The two New Zealanders will then talk to the ARU's board on Friday.

The two days in Sydney mark the start of a two-week lobbying blitz that includes Hong Kong, Europe, Britain, Canada and Argentina. They will present a bid that Kumar said was "very strong".

"Have you seen the IRB's evaluation?" Kumar asked yesterday.

"New Zealand's bid is very strong. It (the IRB's evaluation) sees New Zealand in a very good light. It (the bid) shows New Zealand in a very good light in fact."

The IRB council will vote on the successful bid on November 17 in Dublin.

- nzpa