Since the Rugby World Cup tournament began in 1987, its powerful players, speed-charged runs, soaring kicks, brutal scrums and controversial refereeing decisions have gripped billions of people around the world.

In 2011, the tournament returns to its birthplace, New Zealand, where teams from 20 qualifying nations will battle to win rugby’s most coveted prize.

• Will Robbie Deans bring the Wallabies to glory?
• Can Graham Henry’s All Blacks break their 20-year jinx?
• Will reigning champions South Africa overcome a season of disasters, or England recapture the brilliance of its 2003 victory?
• Can France, Argentina, Wales, Scotland or Ireland win for the first time?
• Will a newly emerging team such as Argentina shock the world?

Spiro Zavos has the unvarnished truth about key players, national strategies, desperate measures – and the battles and controversies that have fired up past tournaments.

Bookings

Bookings in advance essential. Book online or book and pay in the Library. Adults $10, pensioners and students $8 (passes must be shown). Enquiries 9978 4091.