Prince William. Pic: NZPA

Wellington, Jan 18 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key delivered Prince William some bad news today -- New Zealand is going to trounce Wales and England when it hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Speaking this morning before Prince William opened the Supreme Court building in Wellington, Mr Key said New Zealand was delighted to have the second in line for the throne visit New Zealand in an official capacity.

Mr Key said he was pleased that the prince was getting the opportunity to do some New Zealand activities like sailing on Auckland Harbour and a bush walk, planned for this afternoon on Kapiti Island.

"He is also a great rugby enthusiast and is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union," Mr Key noted, recalling the Prince's visit to Eden Park yesterday.

"I regret to advise Your Royal Highness that I confidently expect that the All Blacks will trounce Wales -- and England for that matter -- when New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup in 2011."

Tackling the serious matter of opening the court building, Mr Key talked about the importance of the judiciary and its independence.

Mr Key did not touch on the irony of a member of the Royal family opening a building that houses a court replacing access to the Privy Council in England, but noted the Supreme Court was the highest appellate court in the country.

In 2003 New Zealand abolished appeals to the Privy Council for all cases heard by the Court of Appeal.

Prince William was expected in his speech this morning to tell the New Zealand public that the royal family was willing to serve as long as the people wanted it.

Mr Key said earlier this morning that the republicanism debate was not something the royal family feared.

"I don't think that would be as if it's some sort of shocking revelation to him. Obviously there's discussion about republicanism around the world in places that currently still have constitutional monarchy like New Zealand. That's something that the Queen herself has said to me that she recognises there's a debate in and that's a matter... for New Zealand.

"I personally don't think New Zealand is going to become a republic anytime real soon, but it's not something that they are afraid to debate as royals."