Why World Rugby?

Equilibrium in the universe was and always will be unbalanced. We see it daily at every level of society.The quadrennial Rugby World Cup is currently raging in France, with four groups and five teams per group. Where it should be a showcase for rugby, it is instead a source of annoyance and dismay for many passionate rugby supporters.This is an annoyance for emerging countries like Namibia, Chile, Uruguay, Romania, Georgia, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Portugal and even Italy. Yes, Italy included. The Azzurri has been playing in the Six Nations series against England, Ireland, France, Scotland and Wales since 2000, but at this World Cup they were demolished 96-17 by the All Blacks and beaten 60-7 by France.Namibia, Chile, Uruguay, Romania, Georgia, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Portugal and Italy’s presence at the World Cup in the current format deserves a rethink. It does these tier two countries more harm than good.World Rugby’s interest in developing and improving these rugby nations has come under scrutiny. How can anyone with a common sense let a country like Namibia play four killer Tests in just 18 days? It’s like a hit and run accident, in front of the world’s broadcasters.There is a huge flaw in World Rugby’s system and the decision-makers now have a lot to contemplate. The current format is unhealthy and out of touch with the harsh reality, or they simply don’t give a damn.As things stand, the Tier Two countries are just there to fill up numbers and play no significant role. World Rugby can host its World Cup with only the top eight countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and France. A country like Argentina and one other qualifier can also be thrown into the mix. Then there are ten countries, which is more than enough.Forget about groups. For balance, the top eight countries at the RWC can play each other once. After the round-robin round, the top two can clash in the final. Why quarter-finals and semi’s? It is only good for WR’s bank balance.At the One-Day Cricket World Cup that started in India on Thursday, there are ten countries. In the round-robin round there are 45 matches. Yep, 45, because the countries play against each other once from October 5 to November 11. This is over a period of 37 days. The top four have two semi-finals and the final will be decided on 19 November.The Rugby World Cup is currently played over 50 days. A few extra days won’t matter that much, with a balanced system where power meets power.World Rugby will have to seriously reflect on its role as the grand daddy of the sport. Is the World Cup just there to fill World Rugby’s coffers? Much can and will be written and said, but is it like reasoning against thunder.A country like Namibia must play at least eight tests a year. And not just against Zimbabwe and Kenya. How is WR going to help Namibia with that?Lastly. Give the Tier Two nations their own world tournament. As the milk cows, they deserve better and at least a recognition prize for their passion, contribution and love of the game.

Why World Rugby?

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Republikein 2025-04-04

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Why World Rugby?

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Republikein 2025-04-04

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