New Zealand won the rights to host the 2011 World Cup after beating the favourites Japan in the voting. South Africa had been eliminated in the first round of voting.I think the East Terrace website summarised it well:
(http://www.theeastterrace.com)
Risk of global spread of rugby union successfully prevented
The leading rugby unions of the world have successfully staved off a dramatic attempt to spread rugby union around the globe by stopping Japan from hosting the 2011 World Cup.
In a tense stand off at the International Rugby Board headquarters in Dublin, the founding members of the IRB managed to repel the Japanese delegation that were striving to claim the chance to host rugby’s most prestigious event.
The rugby world had been rocked over the past few months as Japan, a country not renowned for its rugby, threatened to host the 2011 World Cup and risk spreading the rugby union gospel to the Asian world. There were even rumours that the Japanese insurgents had managed to recruit support for the Japanese coup from various famous ex-players from the major unions and a sizeable group of rugby supporters throughout the planet.
However, the IRB councillors managed to hold firm and successfully handed over the legal rights to the New Zealand rugby union. The Kiwi delegation then escaped the premises moments after by helicopter.
And for those who are interested, tickets are currently available for the 2007 World Cup in France at http://www.france2007.fr/ticketing.php
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