World Cup There for the Taking

The 2011 FIT World Cup is now only four months away, and the action is hotting up across respective nations as they prep for the ultimate global showdown. Whilst a lot of focus will be on the premier Open divisions, the absence of noted powerhouses, Australia & New Zealand, in other divisions will see the competition thrown right open .. with an opportunity for the overal World Cup to perhaps be 'stolen' away by another competitor.

Following the last World Cup, Australia holds #1 spot in the world in the coveted Mens & Womens Open divisions, whilst New Zealand are still claiming the Mixed as their own with wins in the Open and Senior Mixed when these two nations last met in South Africa. A lot of touch has been played since then though, and the Aussies clearly hold the psychological edge after their wins in the 2009 & 2010 Trans Tasman clashes. Can the kiwi's regain a stranglehold on the Mixed? Time will tell!

Despite sitting below the Old Dart in the Mens after Stellenbosch, the Scots' performance in recent times at the European Champs has seen them leapfrog the England lot and gain an upper hand in seedings for the forthcoming World Cup. They presently hug 3rd spot ahead of Lebanon and Wales, with England sitting in 7th behind South Africa. It remains to be seen if the Scots can do enough to force their way into the money game, but the antipodean influence has been strong the last 18 months, and they certainly won't die wondering.

In the Womens it's hard to see Australia being uprooted as the world powerhouse given their record at the international level - a record any Australia sporting team would be proud to boast - but if anyone can give them a run for their money it'll be their cross Tasman rivals, NZ. South Africa and England have been hard at it though, and they'll be hell-bent on ensuring the aforementioned duo don't have things all their own way.

New Zealand's withdrawal from the M30s divison has seen South Africa take the #2 seeded spot over England, but it'd be a brave punter not to back the Aussie's in on this one. The big question is - who will join them in the final??

Irrespective of who won what 4 years ago - the only thing that matters now is who steps up to the plate in Edinburgh in 4 months time. One can only play the opposition in front of them, and the eclectic mix of nations competing across the board is veritable feast for all touch enthusiasts.

Please find below the official seedings for the 2011 FIT World Cup in the Mens, Womens & Mixed Open, Mens 30s, Womens 30s, Senior Mixed, Mens 35s, & Mens 40s divisions.

Do you agree with the (unofficial) analysis above ... have a look at who's who in the zoo this time around and make up your own mind.