If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 3 minutes ago
If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would be even worse. Big teams playing their kids and still scoring 20 over 2 legs.
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 13 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 3 minutes ago
If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would be even worse. Big teams playing their kids and still scoring 20 over 2 legs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It would have negative effects for entertainment I agree, though you're clearly exaggerating there.
However, it would have positive effects on competitiveness and fairness in football.
Sadly, those two things don't generate money, which is all UEFA and FIFA are interested in.
The gulf differences are even worse than football. Suprised USA aren't more competitive given Rugby is similar to there national sport.
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
comment by Shaun M - Ran out of usernames (U9955)
posted 1 minute ago
The gulf differences are even worse than football. Suprised USA aren't more competitive given Rugby is similar to there national sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rugby and Baseball are not that similar to be honest
Dont Americans hate baseball now? Heard the popularity of it was way down.
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 4 seconds ago
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe it should have. Give a bit of interest to the lesser nations, have them play more big games and cut some crap at the World Cup.
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
These are very good points.
Look at cricket as another example where this helps.
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 6 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
But it didnt work, so they have cut them off again.
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 4 minutes ago
Dont Americans hate baseball now? Heard the popularity of it was way down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think so really, but that said Baseball has never been all about the winning and is as much seen as a good night out as much as anything else.
81 home games a season and the absolute worst teams average 10,000 people a night, the best average 43,000 a night, the middle of the road teams get 27,000 a night. Quite remarkable really in this day and age.
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 36 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 6 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
But it didnt work, so they have cut them off again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Was that the reason given?
Too early to make a judgement about whether reducing the numbers would have a positive effect.
never bother watching the rugby WC until the KO stages tbh
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
I think the truth is that the ICC, like others, are more interested in the entertainment factor than the good of the game.
It's a fair argument that the rugby world cup is structured in such a way that it is good for the game. Of course, that may also come at the expense of entertainment in some cases.
Depends what you value the most.
comment by peks..#free el chapo (U6618)
posted 2 minutes ago
never bother watching the rugby WC until the KO stages tbh
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watched Ireland Scotland, SA NZ and today's Englsnd game.
Hope the Argies beat England and shake up that group a bit.
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
The gulf in rugby between England & USA is like Spurs and Colchester
This is always the worry when increasing the numbers in tournaments when the quality isn’t there. It’s a bad idea for the World Cup like it was for the Euros.
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 38 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It wasnt working because the minnows weren't improving and becoming competitive.
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 13 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 38 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It wasnt working because the minnows weren't improving and becoming competitive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where's the evidence the minnows weren't improving?
Noncompetitive matches are certainly not evidence of that, particularly in such a short space of time.
It’s surprising the USA are so bad at rugby.
Sign in if you want to comment
Rugby World Cup
Page 1 of 12
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
posted on 26/9/19
If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 3 minutes ago
If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would be even worse. Big teams playing their kids and still scoring 20 over 2 legs.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 13 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 3 minutes ago
If the CL were champions only it probably wouldn't be a league format, negating a lot of the potential boredom.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That would be even worse. Big teams playing their kids and still scoring 20 over 2 legs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It would have negative effects for entertainment I agree, though you're clearly exaggerating there.
However, it would have positive effects on competitiveness and fairness in football.
Sadly, those two things don't generate money, which is all UEFA and FIFA are interested in.
posted on 26/9/19
The gulf differences are even worse than football. Suprised USA aren't more competitive given Rugby is similar to there national sport.
posted on 26/9/19
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Shaun M - Ran out of usernames (U9955)
posted 1 minute ago
The gulf differences are even worse than football. Suprised USA aren't more competitive given Rugby is similar to there national sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rugby and Baseball are not that similar to be honest
posted on 26/9/19
Dont Americans hate baseball now? Heard the popularity of it was way down.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 4 seconds ago
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe it should have. Give a bit of interest to the lesser nations, have them play more big games and cut some crap at the World Cup.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Sporty and Portly - LFC (U8531)
posted 0 seconds ago
This is pretty short sighted.
These are the biggest games for some of the smaller countries that they will ever play. The purpose is to try and grow the game in those countries. There isn't the player base that football has, this is one way to improve it.
Besides, we're spoilt for top class international rugby matches, we have the 6 nations and Rugby Championship every year, autumn internationals every year and the Lions tour every 4 years.
This is far better than you get from international football. We can spare a few games in the World Cup against lesser opposition for the good of the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add, Rugby doesn't have endless qualification matches against teams of plumbers like football does, they really only get to play the tier 1 nations at the World Cup itself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
These are very good points.
Look at cricket as another example where this helps.
posted on 26/9/19
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 6 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
But it didnt work, so they have cut them off again.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 4 minutes ago
Dont Americans hate baseball now? Heard the popularity of it was way down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think so really, but that said Baseball has never been all about the winning and is as much seen as a good night out as much as anything else.
81 home games a season and the absolute worst teams average 10,000 people a night, the best average 43,000 a night, the middle of the road teams get 27,000 a night. Quite remarkable really in this day and age.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 36 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 6 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 33 seconds ago
Cricket has cut the lesser nations out of its world cup and gone back to the 10 best (down from 14)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wasn't the point I was making.
Cricket is an example where the inclusion of so called lesser nations has helped develop the game in those nations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
But it didnt work, so they have cut them off again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Was that the reason given?
Too early to make a judgement about whether reducing the numbers would have a positive effect.
posted on 26/9/19
never bother watching the rugby WC until the KO stages tbh
posted on 26/9/19
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
posted on 26/9/19
I think the truth is that the ICC, like others, are more interested in the entertainment factor than the good of the game.
It's a fair argument that the rugby world cup is structured in such a way that it is good for the game. Of course, that may also come at the expense of entertainment in some cases.
Depends what you value the most.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by peks..#free el chapo (U6618)
posted 2 minutes ago
never bother watching the rugby WC until the KO stages tbh
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Watched Ireland Scotland, SA NZ and today's Englsnd game.
Hope the Argies beat England and shake up that group a bit.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
posted on 26/9/19
The gulf in rugby between England & USA is like Spurs and Colchester
posted on 26/9/19
This is always the worry when increasing the numbers in tournaments when the quality isn’t there. It’s a bad idea for the World Cup like it was for the Euros.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 38 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It wasnt working because the minnows weren't improving and becoming competitive.
posted on 26/9/19
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 13 seconds ago
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 38 seconds ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 27 seconds ago
ICC chief executive David Richardson said that the aim of reducing the number of teams at the World Cup was to ensure that there were far fewer dud games.
"Every match should be very competitive," Richardson said.
"Having 10 teams at the 2019 World Cup will make sure that will be the case."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
So nothing to do with the previous format not working then, as you claimed. (in terms of the development of smaller nations).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It wasnt working because the minnows weren't improving and becoming competitive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Where's the evidence the minnows weren't improving?
Noncompetitive matches are certainly not evidence of that, particularly in such a short space of time.
posted on 26/9/19
It’s surprising the USA are so bad at rugby.
Page 1 of 12
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10