Overview
- Rugby World Cup organisers opened a two-week ticket application window Tuesday, using a ballot for high-demand games and closing on June 2 after more than 750,000 presale tickets were sold to fans in 135 countries.
- Brisbane marked 500 days to kick-off with a public event that featured Brad Thorn, James Horwill and current Wallaby Tom Lynagh.
- South Africa are widely tipped as favourites based on their Rugby Championship title and No. 1 world ranking, though Thorn warned the World Cup is a “different beast” where form can fail on the day.
- Australia’s plans took a hit with lock Will Skelton ruled out for the year by a ruptured Achilles, and Horwill backed Reds forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to step into the Wallabies’ enforcer role.
- Horwill said squad depth will shape the host’s run because finalists play seven straight weeks, praising gains under coach Joe Schmidt ahead of a midyear handover to Reds boss Les Kiss.