Fight for final two places

RUGBY: The scrap for Rugby World Cup 2003's remaining two places will begin in Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

A total of 18 countries, including first-time finalists Georgia, have already secured spots at next year's tournament in Australia. And eight nations are now left to contest final qualifying positions in Pool B, Scotland's group, and Pool D, which features New Zealand and Wales.

Port Moresby, capital city of Papua New Guinea, stages the opening repechage match this weekend when Papua New Guinea tackle the Cook Islands.

The return leg takes place in Rarotonga on Saturday week, with the winners progressing to face Tonga, again over a home and away format on November 29th and December 7th.

Whoever finishes on top in those games - Tonga would be firm favourites - will meet Korea, with the prize of a Pool D place alongside New Zealand, Wales, Italy and Canada at stake.

An identical format will decide the identity of Pool B's fifth team. Spain and Russia kick things off in Madrid on October 27th, with the return leg taking place a fortnight later. Tunisia will await the winners, and then it is a showdown, home and away, with the USA, who have featured in three previous World Cup final stages.

The USA, despite their poor form during earlier qualifying games, should have enough experience to progress, completing Pool B with France, Scotland, Fiji and Japan.

The 2003 World Cup finals begin in Sydney on October 10th when host nation and holders Australia meet Argentina.

Ireland take on Romania in Gosford on October 11th while England's opening game is against Georgia in Perth two days' later. Scotland kick-off against Japan in Townsville and Wales meet Canada in Melbourne, also on October 12th.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2003

Pool A: Australia, Argentina, Ireland, Romania, Namibia.

Pool B: France, Scotland, Fiji, Japan, Spain/Russia/Tunisia/USA.

Pool C: South Africa, England, Samoa, Georgia, Uruguay.

Pool D: New Zealand, Wales, Italy, Canada, Papua New Guinea/Cook Islands/Tonga/Korea.