Pool A/Australia 91 Japan 3:Japan coach John Kirwan has lashed out at the International Rugby Board (IRB) over the World Cup match schedule, saying the draw is unfairly stacked against the weaker teams.

Kirwan, speaking to reporters after Japan were thrashed 91-3 by Australia in their opening game in Lyon on Saturday, accused the IRB of putting profits ahead of player welfare by giving preferential treatment to the sport's traditional powers.

Japan never had any real hope of beating Australia but Kirwan said they could have kept the scoreline more respectable if the draw had not prevented them from choosing their best players.

The former New Zealand winger said he had wanted to pick his strongest side against the Wallabies but was left with no real choice because Japan's second match is against Fiji in Bordeaux just four days later.

Japan have targeted that match as their best chance of winning while Australia have a full week off before their next game, against Wales in Cardiff.

Asked by reporters whether he had any regrets about fielding an inexperienced team against the twice champions, Kirwan replied, "You need to ask the IRB that, about whether they have any regrets about giving us a draw that is unfair."

The IRB have proposed ditching some weaker teams from the next World Cup in 2011 to reduce the length of the tournament and make scheduling easier.

Kirwan, though, said that would not be a solution.

"Some people have said that less teams is the answer but that is wrong," said Kirwan, a World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 1987.

"If we are going to change the structure of the World Cup, we can't forget that rugby is a great game played all over the world.

"I believe the future of the game is in Asia and it is our responsibility to grow the game."

Australia began their quest for a third world title with a 13-try blitz. Rocky Elsom scored a hat-trick of tries, while Berrick Barnes, making his Test debut off the bench, celebrated by going over twice in the second half.

Chris Latham (twice), Drew Mitchell (twice), Nathan Sharpe, Adam Ashley-Cooper, George Smith and Adam Freier also crossed. Stirling Mortlock kicked 20 points, and Matt Giteau six.