KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks are likely to be spared some 2011 World Cup embarrassment with a change to the seeding system for the tournament.
Under the present format, the All Blacks would be drawn below the top layer of South Africa, England, Argentina and France after they lost their quarter-final against France in Cardiff.
World Cup seedings have been based on results at previous events, a flawed scheme which had England as top seed for last year's event although they were well down the global rankings by the start of the tournament.
It seems the International Rugby Board will adapt their ranking charts to better reflect World Cup seedings, with some announcement expected this week while a group of their officials are in New Zealand looking at preparations for the next tournament.
The Springbok world champions are rated the best side in the world followed by the All Blacks.
Meanwhile, IRB chief executive Mike Miller claimed there were no concerns about progress, plans or details for the 2011 World Cup. He expected the tournament would produce a similar profit to the last and that major matches would be televised free-to-air. There were also strong reasons to continue with a 20-team tournament while the debate about the laws - persisting with some or any of the ELVs - would occur at the November meeting of the IRB.
Chairman Bernard Lapasset said planning for 2011 had made considerable progress in the two and a half years since New Zealand was awarded hosting rights.
NZ campaign boss Martin Snedden said: "This is a critical time in New Zealand's planning to host Rugby World Cup 2011 so any insight we can gain that will help avoid pitfalls or enhance the presentation of the tournament will be an asset."
The All Blacks look set to play an extra test against Argentina during the Tri-Nations.
Miller confirmed Sanzar had officially invited Argentina to play against the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies this year. It is on the condition Argentina fielded their strongest side and get players released from their European clubs.
