Rugby-England pooled with Argentina in 2011 World Cup

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters) - England avoided the three Tri-Nations teams in the draw for the 2011 rugby World Cup on Monday when they were grouped with Argentina, Scotland and two qualifiers yet to be decided.

England, winners in 2003 and runners-up last year, slipped out of the top four in the world rankings and missed out to Argentina on a number one group seeding.

Hosts New Zealand were drawn with France and Tonga, the first time in the history of the competition that the French have been grouped with a Tri-Nations team.

Holders South Africa were grouped with Six Nations champions Wales and Fiji while twice winners Australia were pooled with Ireland and Italy. (Editing by John Mehaffey)