Rugby: Treble or nothing at Rugby World Cup as All Blacks face major test

TOKYO: Treble-chasing New Zealand's supremacy looks set to face a serious test from multiple challengers as the clock ticks down to an eagerly awaited Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Organisers hope to ignite rugby passions in Japan and the region at large, saying the World Cup is on course to sell out and that Friday's opener will set a tournament record for viewing figures in a single country. But questions have been raised over the mighty All Blacks after a rocky patch of form which saw them lose their long-term grip on rugby's world number-one ranking.

However, Wales's hopes were dealt a blow when long-standing attack coach Rob Howley was sent home over a suspected breach of rules against betting, badly disrupting their preparations. Australia also shape up as potential dark horses after they shook off a turbulent period - marked by poor results and the controversial sacking of fullback Israel Folau for homophobia - to hand New Zealand a record defeat in Perth.

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