After wowing the crowds at Friday’s official World Cup opening with their signature haka ritual, reigning champions New Zealand will kick off the tournament against France tomorrow at 1pm at Griffith University’s Nathan campus.

In matches following, Ireland will meet Wales, Scotland will play Greece, and hosts Australia take on old enemies England.

Each team will play three pool matches before the semi-finals on July 16, with the Universities World Cup Final to be held at Brisbane’s Langlands Park on Saturday, July 19.

Tomorrow’s opening round of pool matches promises to showcase some exciting rugby league, culminating with the highly anticipated clash between old arch-rivals, Australia and England at 6.15pm.

New Zealand v France

The Kiwi boys will be out to continue their recent supremacy, as they attempt to win their third successive world title when they clash with France in the tournament’s opening match.

Having taken out the last two World Cup crowns, the New Zealanders are again tipped to be one of the main contenders, and with an average age of 24, the Kiwis should have a nice blend of youth and experience to get them through the tough times.

However, the Kiwis won’t have it all their own way, with the French team looking to improve on their third placing in the 2005 World Cup. France has selected a young and mobile squad for this year’s tournament, with only four players surviving from their 2005 World Cup campaign.

Can the finesse of the French upset the size and skill of the Kiwis?

Ireland v Wales

The Irish hit our shores with one of the biggest World Cup squads of the tournament, and will be looking to improve on their dismal efforts of 2005, where they failed to win a game.

The Welsh will be equally as determined for an improved showing, as the boys from Wales struggled in the warmer conditions, also failing to notch a tournament victory last time round.

In a match that promises to be both entertaining and full of mirth, one of these great nations will break through for a victory – but who will it be?

Scotland v Greece

Competing in their sixth World Cup, Scotland will see their opening match against the Greeks as their best chance of gaining competition points, given that these two countries are pooled with rugby league heavyweights Australia and England.

Competing in their first World Cup, the Greeks are the tournaments mystery team, with their place in the tournament only secured a few months ago. Ten players from the Hellenic Rugby League have this week joined their 14 Australian-based Greek players, but it remains to be seen how quickly the team will build combinations given their short time together.

Australia v England

The opening rounds festivities finishes with this mouth watering contest, with the host nation set for a fiery encounter with their traditional rivals.

The Australians have yet again named an exciting, skilful squad, and along with New Zealand, share tournament favouritism. The Australian squad contains a healthy mix of Jim Beam Cup and Queensland Cup experience, and is dominated by 14 Queenslanders thanks to the Maroons 48-4 thrashing of the Blues in May.

Having never beaten Australia, the English will be confident of an upset given their experienced squad, with the team containing a sprinkling of Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves juniors. The English will also be looking to improve on their fourth placing in 2005, and can finish top of their pool with an upset here.

By Stephen Petroff and Travis Meyn