The hosts are aiming to repeat their success of 2003, when Jonny Wilkinson's dramatic drop-goal saw them become champions for the only time.

About 2.3 million of the 2.45 million tickets have been sold for 48 games.

New Zealand are defending champions, Wales are in a competitive poolwith England and Australia, while Ireland and Scotland also hope to progress.

In addition to fourth-ranked England and fifth-ranked Wales, who meet in a hugely important match on the second weekend of the tournament, Pool A contains two more sides in the top nine of the world rankings - second-placed Australia and Fiji.

The 20-team World Cup, which runs until 31 October, will take place in stadiums across England and at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.