The Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Allocation Draw took place inside a very unique venue, Tourism New Zealand's 'Giant Rugby Ball' facility in the heart of London on Monday.

Defending champions South Africa find themselves in arguably the toughest pool, where they will face Fiji, the side who nearly derailed their charge to the title in 2007, and Wales, the 2008 Six Nations champions.

Tournament hosts New Zealand will be looking to avenge their RWC 2007 quarter final exit at the hands of France when the sides meet in Pool A, while England will meet long time rivals Scotland for the first time in the pool stages.

Australia, the Rugby World Cup champions in 1991 and 1999, will face three European teams in Pool C, headed by Ireland and Italy.

The RWC 2011 pools are:

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Americas 1, Asia 1

Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1, Final Place Playoff

Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, Europe 2, Americas 2

Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Oceania 1, Africa 1

Stunning venue

Members of the Maori community were on hand to welcome Bernard Lapasset, Chairman, Rugby World Cup Limited, and Jock Hobbs, Chairman, Rugby New Zealand 2011, into the Ball for the Draw, which was streamed live on rugbyworldcup.com.