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26 Sep 11
Originally posted by CERThe 'A-side' can't play all the matches. Any 15 of 30 selected from the top teams are going to be world class side.
I would also like to see the return of the full tours, with condition is that they do not field a so called " B-side " team to play the clubs/PresidentXV, they deserve the respect and the oppertunity to play best.
During the "Super XV" tournament we also have a Vodacom cup for our provincial teams which also includes a team from Argentina and Namibia taking p ...[text shortened]... d of year tour. I guess we could do more for the development of rugby in the smaller unions.
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26 Sep 11
Originally posted by robbie carrobieYou know me normally I'd be supporting the Scots against the English, not this time though, if Ireland top the group and beat Wales I'd much rather see them playing England than France in the Semis.
fair enough, but dont talk to me until after the England game, i am preparing my mind, in the distance i hear the banners full of cheer!
27 Sep 11
Originally posted by Trev33Agreed. Some of the smaller teams are at a massive disadvantage. Commercial interests have taken precedence.
That's unfair, look at the first round of matches not the third when the minnows are too tired because of their unfavorable fixture lists. Look at Russia today, 3 games in 11 days. Samoa who had a real chance of beating Wales had to play 4 days before the Welsh match while Wales had 6 or 7 days to recover. Romania almost beating Scotland but having to field a ...[text shortened]... s later. Unless you're one of the preserved top sides you've been royally fecked in this RWC.
27 Sep 11
Originally posted by andrew93Well, the other side of the coin is: They shouldn't even be there.
Agreed. Some of the smaller teams are at a massive disadvantage. Commercial interests have taken precedence.
We have to have a balance here. We can't have a tournament that goes on for three months, so unfortunately someone needs to be shafted. It won't ever be the favourites, as they pay the bills, so the 'minnow' nations get it in the face.
Tough luck boys.
Work a little harder, get up in the world rankings and get yourself a favourable draw. Easy.
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27 Sep 11
Originally posted by CrowleyI do agree with you in regards to the likes of Russia, Romania etc but Samoa who had just beaten Australia had a real chance of competing against Wales, it's a shame for the WC that they weren't given a better chance.
Well, the other side of the coin is: They shouldn't even be there.
We have to have a balance here. We can't have a tournament that goes on for three months, so unfortunately someone needs to be shafted. It won't ever be the favourites, as they pay the bills, so the 'minnow' nations get it in the face.
Tough luck boys.
Work a little harder, get up in the world rankings and get yourself a favourable draw. Easy.
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27 Sep 11
Originally posted by CERI hadn't heard of that, but in fact as this championship progresses I've been thinking that it's about time they do. After all, they let Italy into the 6N, and I should think Argentina can beat Italy with a man fewer. Good news.
It is only going to get bigger as Argentina becomes part of the Tri-nations next year.
Richard
28 Sep 11
Originally posted by CrowleyBut nobody does need to be shafted. FIFA manage to avoid shafting the lesser teams in the football world cup. Most sports manage to avoid shafting them too much. Even rugby managed it, in previous world cups.
so unfortunately someone needs to be shafted
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28 Sep 11
Originally posted by Shallow BlueIf the All Blacks can play Australia(viceVersa) and then fly all the way to South Africa to play the Springboks 7 days later and Vice Versa. It will be more interesting logistically next year with Argentina joining the Tri-Nations(This includes the Suoer 15 rugby teams. So Why are the minnows complaining and the minnows have performed better this WC then any other.
I hadn't heard of that, but in fact as this championship progresses I've been thinking that it's about time they do. After all, they let Italy into the 6N, and I should think Argentina can beat Italy with a man fewer. Good news.
Richard
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28 Sep 11
1 edit
Originally posted by CEREngland... maybe wait another 4 years lol
Does anybody know who will be hosting the 2015 WC? I need to start planning 🙂
edit: yup wait 4 years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup
Had completely forgoten Japan were going to host it.
28 Sep 11
Originally posted by Trev33Oh man, my wife has bugged me for years wanting to go there.
England... maybe wait another 4 years lol
edit: yup wait 4 years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Rugby_World_Cup
Had completely forgoten Japan were going to host it.
"Hey baby, SURPRISE! We're going to Japan for our 12th wedding anniversary!"
29 Sep 11
Originally posted by CrowleyHow can they improve unless they get to test themselves against the best from time to time? When did any of the top sides last play friendlies in Georgia, Russia or Romania?
Well, the other side of the coin is: They shouldn't even be there.
We have to have a balance here. We can't have a tournament that goes on for three months, so unfortunately someone needs to be shafted. It won't ever be the favourites, as they pay the bills, so the 'minnow' nations get it in the face.
Tough luck boys.
Work a little harder, get up in the world rankings and get yourself a favourable draw. Easy.
29 Sep 11
Originally posted by Angry BoyThe development issue is tough. There are no easy answers.
How can they improve unless they get to test themselves against the best from time to time? When did any of the top sides last play friendlies in Georgia, Russia or Romania?
The top players have too little time off these days, plus a ton of money is thrown at travel already, so going to Romania for some friendlies is out of the question.
These guys are mostly amateur, so there's no money for them to travel for games to 'rugby centers' either.
Maybe if the IRB stopped flying 'officials' around in first and business class to meetings and workshops we could actually use the money to get national sides from these 'minnow' countries out to tough provincial type competitions. I'd get behind that.
So, then we get back to the WC. They want to be there, it's fine.
But they will get tougher schedules than the guys who pay the bills. The one 4 day rest is a little tough, but they will always have to have the odd short rest period. Tough luck kids, but there's nothing we can really do about it.