Is this just another Tri Nations but in a bigger spot light?

Question

Is this just another Tri Nations but in a bigger spot light? - It seems as though it is just a 3 horse race, between NZ, Aussie & South Africa. Does the thrill of the game get lost when it is just another tournament we see every year? Is it more interesting when Northen Hemisphere teams give us a run for our money than an opponent we play half a dozen test matches against each year?

Answer 1

But haven't the tri nations teams only beaten italy so far?

Answer 2

I agree that the favourites are New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, but I still believe France, Argentina and Ireland are dangerous outsiders, even if France lost against Argentina and all three outsiders play in the same pool.  

I believe the final will be between New Zealand and South Africa.

Answer 3

Yeh the Northern Hemisphe are teams are pathetic ! But this IS the Biggest stage NZ need to show some class, and live up to expectation. But don't worry the Aussies will take care of SA in the Final for us both.

Answer 4

I hope you are wrong!

I hope that there are some interesting upsets (hey, Argentina/France was a good start!) and that the Tri-Nations teams get a good run for their money. Wait and see - there's still a lot of surprises and excitement to unfold in this World Cup.

Answer 5

Nonenzedder  are you on crack ?

How could the tri-nation teams only have beaten Italy ?

Italy have only played one game!

And to answer the question, no. This is the world cup. If there seems to be a disparity between NH and SH teams it shouldn't be a concern. May the best team win where ever they come from because then, and only then will rugby be the winner. And that's what the RWC is all about - celebrating rugby - and growing the game.

When England won the world cup they didn't really seem to take the chance to push the game forward. The continued to play boring, plodding football with big forward plays based on possession and territory, not great to watch or play. It was a hollow win for rugby which diminished the game.

But I can't help thinking that your question scratches at the ugly underbelly of the IRB.

The game has pushed forward despite England being the world champions. The sad thing is that the IRB seems out of touch with what needs to be done to help continue to push the game forward. There are a few big issues that need to be addressed.

1) Standard of international refs

2) Rules which inhibit and confuse the modern game

3) Devolution of test matches.

The third point is interesting. I would much rather watch exciting pro rugby between NZ teams in the National provincial comp than some of the tests between NH nations. That seems insane, but it's a truth that would probably extend to many rugby fans. It's just better rugby - Why ?

Answer 6

I'll back you up on that. It would be more of a challenge if the competition was between the two hemispheres.