New Zealand will host the 2011 World Cup after winning yesterday's vote by members of the International Rugby Board council in Dublin.

The Kiwi delegation, supported by Prime Minister Helen Clarke and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, overcame competition from populist choice Japan to win the rights to stage rugby's showpiece tournament.

In a shock twist to the first round of voting favourites South Africa - expected to at least be in the final two --were eliminated, leaving New Zealand and Japan to battle it out for victory.

New Zealand staged the inaugural event alongside Australia in 1987. They had also been due to co-host the 2003 tournament with Australia before being stripped of the right by the IRB after a dispute concerning stadium advertising.

Concerns existed over whether New Zealand had the infrastructure to stage such an event but for rugby pedigree - New Zealanders cherish the sport above all else - few could argue with their success yesterday.

After announcing the result IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar said: "I'm confident that any of three could have hosted a successful tournament as all three bids were of the highest order. But I would like to congratulate New Zealand, a great rugby nation."

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs said: "I want to acknowledge Japan and South Africa. It was a very tough day so we feel their disappointment. We thank the IRB councillors and we won't let them down.

"Winning the right to host the World Cup is an enormous honour and great responsibility. We will honour that responsibility. It's a proud day to be a Kiwi."

Japan, beaten in the second round of voting, were left reeling by the decision with former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori saying the IRB had missed a crucial chance to develop the game.

He said: "Our bid was not for the benefit of the Japanese Rugby Football Union but for the benefit of the world and that is why we are so disappointed.

"The established nations keep passing the ball around their friends. World rugby has lost a big opportunity because of this decision. I'm not sure which union voted for who but they have kept it among themselves."

No details of the voting are to be revealed in order to protect the "sensitivities" of the losing delegations, according to an IRB spokesman.