ninetynine says...

Can't quite see the point of NZ doing the haka against Tonga, Fiji or Samoa, given that half of the AB team seem to be 'naturalised' Tongans, Fijians or Samoans.

No-one from the SANZAR countries is in any position to finger point about 'spreading the word' - the continued shut-out of the Pacific Islands and Argentina from meaningful competition is a disgrace. SA vs NZ (again!) this w/e - yawn!!!!!!!!

Posted 08:35 30th July 2009

ninetynine says...

I guess that would be the same enthusiasm and passion that saw the Lions playing to half empty stadiums last month. There were even empty seats at the SA / NZ game last w/e - in a ground with 45k capacity! Try getting tickets for a 6N game in Dublin, Cardiff, Paris or Twickenham, all of which seat 75k plus.

South African passion for rugby extends no further than South Africa. If they can't even be bothered to go and watch the Lions, what hope for Georgia vs Fiji in a pool game?

England will attract supporters from all over Europe; it's the right call. Besides the IRB have to find some way of getting money back in the coffers after the shameful SANZAR stich-up that saw the 2011 RWC (which is set to make a thumping loss) go to NZ instead of Japan

Posted 13:53 29th July 2009

rugbyref says...

As our estimed colleague states it was RWC99 - and it was not England responsible for the promotion and running of the tournament.

Many places all over the country showed the matches, it was also on free to air TV so could be seen on all TV sets. The lack of planning in organising a place to watch the matches is the fault of whom?

Posted 18:58 28th July 2009

arthurfuxake says...

I was lucky enough to be in England in 99, and I remember missing the entire 1st half of the SA v Aus semi final in 1999 because I couldn't find a pub that was showing the game. I must have run into at least 10 pubs, and none were showing the game, they all had a premiership football game on instead. I know Wales were the official hosts, but many games were played in England, and the lack of interest in Rugby in England was embarrasing. I was also in SA in 95, and I bet 95% of ALL functioning TV sets in the country were showing the games. So well done IRB, another wasted opportunity, Italy are embracing and developing rugby while it's dying in England. Never mind, it won't be long before Italy are 6 Nations champs.

Posted 16:17 28th July 2009