Rugby World Cup so far

[Lethargic]

I have to be honest I do not understand people who say the smaller teams do not have a right to be at the World Cup - its the World Cup not a closed meeting of the elitist British Empire, how are these temas meant to improve if they are not allowed to compete?
This arguement exists in other sports and it is equally bullshite, if we had followed this attitude in football would we have no African or Asian temas in the World Cup they seem to have caught up.
I personally am enjoying the games, and unlikely as it seems imagine the headlines if one of these minnows does beat a top 10 team, although unlikely it might happen.

 

[Grendel]

I have to be honest I do not understand people who say the smaller teams do not have a right to be at the World Cup - its the World Cup not a closed meeting of the elitist British Empire, how are these temas meant to improve if they are not allowed to compete?

One could also argue that they gain nothing from losing by cricket scores every four years. Japan have played in every World Cup to date, and their solitary win came in 1991 against Zimbabwe. Can you honestly say that a 91-3 defeat last week represents any sort of improvement over the last 20 years that they have competed?

 

[wehatepalace]

One could also argue that they gain nothing from losing by cricket scores every four years. Japan have played in every World Cup to date, and their solitary win came in 1991 against Zimbabwe. Can you honestly say that a 91-3 defeat last week represents any sort of improvement over the last 20 years that they have competed?

A good point, but on the other hand look at Georgia's game yesterday, they gave the Argies a decent game (even if the scorline is a bit one sided) and it was only a few years ago that Argentina were classed as a"minnow". Italy have come on leaps and bounds since they joined the 6 nations so I really do think the smaller nations do get something from playing the big boys even if they do get spanked and lets not forget Japan did have out a very weak team (even by their standards) against NZ

 

[Simster]

One could also argue that they gain nothing from losing by cricket scores every four years. Japan have played in every World Cup to date, and their solitary win came in 1991 against Zimbabwe. Can you honestly say that a 91-3 defeat last week represents any sort of improvement over the last 20 years that they have competed?

Fair point that. Except that Japan seem to represent the minority of the minnows. These cricket scores were commonplace 8 or 12 years ago, yet this time round only NZ and Australia have inflicted this sort of damage.

I have to say the old boys network are doing nothing to help Japanese development. An economically developed nation with a population of 150m and a sprinkling of brand new stadiums bidded to host the rugby WC in 2011 - but the old boys network sprung into action and gave it to NZ again. Despite having SHIT stadiums and despite having hosted it in 1987. How exactly is the game meant to develop then?

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

I have to say the old boys network are doing nothing to help Japanese development. An economically developed nation with a population of 150m and a sprinkling of brand new stadiums bidded to host the rugby WC in 2011 - but the old boys network sprung into action and gave it to NZ again. Despite having SHIT stadiums and despite having hosted it in 1987. How exactly is the game meant to develop then?

Indeed, I must say I was in a state of shock when I heard that NZ got it.

 

[wehatepalace]

Fair point that. Except that Japan seem to represent the minority of the minnows. These cricket scores were commonplace 8 or 12 years ago, yet this time round only NZ and Australia have inflicted this sort of damage.

I have to say the old boys network are doing nothing to help Japanese development. An economically developed nation with a population of 150m and a sprinkling of brand new stadiums bidded to host the rugby WC in 2011 - but the old boys network sprung into action and gave it to NZ again. Despite having SHIT stadiums and despite having hosted it in 1987. How exactly is the game meant to develop then?

Don't get me started on that I really do think it's disgusting that NZ have got it agin. Japan would have been a great host

 

[Grendel]

A good point, but on the other hand look at Georgia's game yesterday, they gave the Argies a decent game (even if the scorline is a bit one sided) and it was only a few years ago that Argentina were classed as a"minnow". Italy have come on leaps and bounds since they joined the 6 nations so I really do think the smaller nations do get something from playing the big boys even if they do get spanked and lets not forget Japan did have out a very weak team (even by their standards) against NZ

I missed the Argentina - Georgia match, I'm afraid to say. I'm sure that joining the 6 Nations has helped the progression of Italian rugby but I'd say that Argentina's improvement has been largely down to the majority of their players now playing their domestic rugby in France, England and Ireland.

 

[Grendel]

I have to say the old boys network are doing nothing to help Japanese development. An economically developed nation with a population of 150m and a sprinkling of brand new stadiums bidded to host the rugby WC in 2011 - but the old boys network sprung into action and gave it to NZ again. Despite having SHIT stadiums and despite having hosted it in 1987. How exactly is the game meant to develop then?

I couldn't agree more with you on that, it was a bizarre decision to say the least.

 

[Cian]

Is the World Cup not a closed meeting of the elitist British Empire

Argentina was part of the British Empire when, exactly?

 

[Simster]

Argentina was part of the British Empire when, exactly?

Erm, I don't think he was suggesting it was.

 

[Cian]

Erm, I don't think he was suggesting it was.

It read as implying that to me, of course France and Italy weren't either but every other "strong" rugby country was (or is) British controlled.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Well that was an exciting game!

Japan 31 vs 35 Fiji.

Marvellous scenes and well done to the Fijians.

 

[severnside gull]

one thing I have noticed is how much the smaller teams have improved since the last world cup

absolutely

its what brought teams like bangladesh and zimbabwe on in cricket and its justified by results like today when the oz bigheads got stuffed in the 20:20 cup