'It's deja vu' says England's Robinson

Smit: 'Lots can happen between now and then'

World champions England were on Wednesday drawn into the same Pool as South Africa at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, while all indications are that they could again be joined by Samoa - the same trio that featured at the 2003 RWC in Australia.

"It's a bit of deja vu," quipped England forwards coach Andy Robinson after the draw was made.

"All indications are that Samoa could be the Oceania 1 team and that would see the three of us together again, which would make it pretty much the same (as 2003)."

England, of course, beat South Africa and Samoa en route to the RWC title last year - the Boks losing 25-6 and the gallant Samoans going down 35-22 - as well as brushing Georgia (84-6) and Uruguay (111-13) aside, but Robinson still sees the 1995 World Cup winners, SA, as tough opponents.

"South Africa are a great side and always quality opposition it should be a tough game," he said.

Added Robinson: "The great thing for us is that we will be playing all our games in France - we will be housed in one country, whereas we could have had Ireland at Lansdowne Road or Scotland at Murrayfield, for instance.

"We have got to play South Africa a number of times over the next few years, and I am sure that with Jake White coming in, they will develop a new identity during that time.

"In the World Cup last autumn, we had two really tough matches in our pool against South Africa and Samoa which enabled us to gather some momentum - it was good that we had those games.

"I am happy with it, it is a good draw. We will play anywhere, and you have to win these games anywhere in the world."

Veteran England flank Richard Hill, who was also present at the draw, said that Pool A had a "very physical look to it", before adding that his country had "the ability to defend their title".

"It's still three-and-a-half years away," said Hill, "but at least we have something to aim at."

New Springbok skipper John Smit, who was also present in Dublin, along with a whole host of rugby dignitaries, described the draw as "exciting".

"Lots can happen between now and then," said Smit.

"We face England, who are in our pool once again, at the end of this year and it should be a great clash as anything can happen in a Test match."

New Bok coach Jake White echoed the views of his skipper - SA's 51st Test captain: "We are probably now where England were four years ago, and the November Test at Twickenham now becomes a very important game.

"But it is wonderful that we will be able to measure ourselves against the world champions. We have a tough schedule over the next two years."

By Howard Kahn