That Sir Ian McGeechan pissed me off. On the one hand he praised Japan but the prattled on to say World Rugby have to decide if they let Japan become a tier one team. No they don’t it’s not a club why is there tier one and tier 2 anyway it’s old fashioned and elitist. Certain teams are desperate to protect the old boys club as they are likely to lose the most if other teams are free to play whoever they like.
Tier one or not Japan deserve to be where they are, amazing performance.
I agree with your point mate but I think you are doing Sir Iain a disservice. He was actually making the same point. The fact is that teams are not allowed to play who they like. The southern and Northern hemisphere leagues are of long and ancient standing. Rugby is a latecomer to many countries and some (Western Samoa, Romania etc) have fluttered briefly before sinking again. The whole dual purpose of the World Cup was to allow the two main leagues (4 then 5 Nations and the Australia/NZ/SA) to compete between each other and to allow developing nations a once in a while seat at the table. In the last 30 years only Italy have come close to making the step up and their contribution to the 5 nations other than a cracking weekend away has been fairly negligible. Given the distances involved, involving Japan or any other who look like making a fist of it, is tricky. It’s not an old boys club per se, it’s just difficult. Now though, the world is a smaller place and anything should be. possible. Given that fact, and the fact that Japan look better than at least three of the established “old boys” and clearly have the infrastructure, it should mean that including them is looked at seriously. That’s what he meant. Be clear though that ncluding them won’t be at the expense of anyone else. We’re not talking relegation here. To that extent, you have a point about the establishment.
Very good post Billy.
True regarding the World Cup in bringing together the north and south, but what about the autumn internationals etc, very much the same established teams playing each other in friendlies. Could the six nations have a second league with 1 team going up and down. Could include Russia, Georgia, Canada, USA etc? Doubt Italy and Scotland would agree as they are the most likely to have to spend a season down. I think Japan have blown the establishment apart and it’s about time but they are the exception. Of course it all comes down to money like all sports, England will always prefer a friendly against the All Blacks so they can charge £100 a ticket in a sell out than a friendly against Uruguay but I don’t think World Rugby should be assisting them in shutting developing countries out. At least make all teams have to go through qualifying for the World Cup like in football.
That Sir Ian McGeechan pissed me off. On the one hand he praised Japan but the prattled on to say World Rugby have to decide if they let Japan become a tier one team. No they don’t it’s not a club why is there tier one and tier 2 anyway it’s old fashioned and elitist. Certain teams are desperate to protect the old boys club as they are likely to lose the most if other teams are free to play whoever they like.
Tier one or not Japan deserve to be where they are, amazing performance.
I agree with your point mate but I think you are doing Sir Iain a disservice. He was actually making the same point. The fact is that teams are not allowed to play who they like. The southern and Northern hemisphere leagues are of long and ancient standing. Rugby is a latecomer to many countries and some (Western Samoa, Romania etc) have fluttered briefly before sinking again. The whole dual purpose of the World Cup was to allow the two main leagues (4 then 5 Nations and the Australia/NZ/SA) to compete between each other and to allow developing nations a once in a while seat at the table. In the last 30 years only Italy have come close to making the step up and their contribution to the 5 nations other than a cracking weekend away has been fairly negligible. Given the distances involved, involving Japan or any other who look like making a fist of it, is tricky. It’s not an old boys club per se, it’s just difficult. Now though, the world is a smaller place and anything should be. possible. Given that fact, and the fact that Japan look better than at least three of the established “old boys” and clearly have the infrastructure, it should mean that including them is looked at seriously. That’s what he meant. Be clear though that ncluding them won’t be at the expense of anyone else. We’re not talking relegation here. To that extent, you have a point about the establishment.
Very good post Billy.
True regarding the World Cup in bringing together the north and south, but what about the autumn internationals etc, very much the same established teams playing each other in friendlies. Could the six nations have a second league with 1 team going up and down. Could include Russia, Georgia, Canada, USA etc? Doubt Italy and Scotland would agree as they are the most likely to have to spend a season down. I think Japan have blown the establishment apart and it’s about time but they are the exception. Of course it all comes down to money like all sports, England will always prefer a friendly against the All Blacks so they can charge £100 a ticket in a sell out than a friendly against Uruguay but I don’t think World Rugby should be assisting them in shutting developing countries out. At least make all teams have to go through qualifying for the World Cup like in football.
I have had a sneaky feeling for a few years that the best, short-term, way of helping raise the quality of rugby outside of the established nations is to bring into the PRO14 effectively "national" clubs from the likes of Georgia, Romania, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Russia, etc. Mostly because I cannot see the 6 Nations expanding any time soon.
Canada is a good shout, but I think that the development of Major League Rugby in the USA could prove really beneficial. It could easily lead to similar international competition across the Atlantic.
Actually, while typing this, I've decided that the best thing that the 6 Nations could do is to assist in the creation of sister tournaments in the Americas and Pacific nations, with a series of play offs between their teams being organised as part of the Summer tours/Autumn internationals, guaranteeing decent quality opposition for developing nations every year (rather than the once every four to five years that seems common at the moment).
Bit disappointing that the final 8 are the top 8 teams in the world. Would have been nice to have at least one surprise team make it to the QF.
Like Scotland?
To be honest I thought Argentina would beat France so that was an upset in a way, and Japan are still a romantic story for the QF, home team, underdog v SA, playing a brilliant style of rugby.
Am currently in Tokyo for 3 weeks. Have really struggled with Jet lag so just about feeling normal again since landing last Wednesday. Saw the Scotland game in a packed pub in Shubiya last night, place went nuts.
The people here are beyond friendly and will definitely come back again if I survive this trip!
Off to Osaka on Wed and then onto Oita for the Qtr Final on Saturday.
That Sir Ian McGeechan pissed me off. On the one hand he praised Japan but the prattled on to say World Rugby have to decide if they let Japan become a tier one team. No they don’t it’s not a club why is there tier one and tier 2 anyway it’s old fashioned and elitist. Certain teams are desperate to protect the old boys club as they are likely to lose the most if other teams are free to play whoever they like.
Tier one or not Japan deserve to be where they are, amazing performance.
Im no rugby expert but enjoy watching 6 nations and World cup, cant say i follow club rugby. Can you explain what the tier 1 and 2 means please?
That Sir Ian McGeechan pissed me off. On the one hand he praised Japan but the prattled on to say World Rugby have to decide if they let Japan become a tier one team. No they don’t it’s not a club why is there tier one and tier 2 anyway it’s old fashioned and elitist. Certain teams are desperate to protect the old boys club as they are likely to lose the most if other teams are free to play whoever they like.
Tier one or not Japan deserve to be where they are, amazing performance.
Im no rugby expert but enjoy watching 6 nations and World cup, cant say i follow club rugby. Can you explain what the tier 1 and 2 means please?
Question Mark and the Mysterians tell us there are 96 tiers......
But in fact it's currently the 'traditional' top 10.
There are 8 in tier 2 Samoa Fiji Tonga Japan USA Canada Romania and Georgia
The IRB do excellent work supporting the 'other' nations, but in particular are focusing on Russia, Spain, Portugal, Namibia and Uruguay to climb into Tier 2. I'd like to see them add China to that list, having seen them play a few times and the considerable potential there.
There are 83 (?) ish 'other' nations, not Tier 3 for some reason.
Really looking forward to it. In my local Pub in CT (Peddlars Arms), they are opening at 9 am both days and the braai starts at 9.30. I will be wearing my Charlton shirt on Saturday (dont have an England one) and my son will be wearing his SA shirt on both days.
predicted semi finalists .. England, NZ, SA, Wales .. nothing too out of the ordinary .. then NZ beat England and SA beat Wales in the semis .. NZ repeat their earlier win to take the cup yet again
predicted semi finalists .. England, NZ, SA, Wales .. nothing too out of the ordinary .. then NZ beat England and SA beat Wales in the semis .. NZ repeat their earlier win to take the cup yet again
I think there is going to be one surprise along the way - i wonder which one.?
predicted semi finalists .. England, NZ, SA, Wales .. nothing too out of the ordinary .. then NZ beat England and SA beat Wales in the semis .. NZ repeat their earlier win to take the cup yet again
I think there is going to be one surprise along the way - i wonder which one.?
could be Japan beating SA .. referees so far have either given Japan a lot of leeway or have just not seen their subtle offences .. midfield obstruction taking potential tacklers out of the game and obstructing kickers and chasers after a kick ahead, not rolling properly away at the ruck & maul, coming in from the side, very slightly forward passes ignored or not spotted time and time again, players chasing the ball from offside positions .. all sides try it on, Japan get away with a lot more than others. Their coach Jamie Joseph. The ex All Black during a game against England at Twickenham, deliberately stood on the ankle of England scrum half Kyran Bracken after Bracken had kicked ahead, a nasty unnecessary foul (see the Rugby Career part of the KB wiki entry) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyran_Bracken .. this was over 25 years ago, I have not forgotten and since then have wished a plague on Joseph and all his teams. I still feel the same. I hope Japan lose in the quarter finals
What a post. Extraordinary. If you havent seen the Irish and Scots infriging at every opportunity, deliberately preventing Japan releasing the ball after a tackle then you've been watching from a very strange angle. Ditto the offside lines - Scotland and Ireland took the piss in their first halves, Japan rightly responded in both second halves and gave as good as they got.
How strange that a momentary event 25 years ago can cloud your opinion so badly.
Why do England fans sing Swing low,sweet chariot ?
I don't know for certain.
What I can tell you from years of playing the game back in the dark ages is that 'Swing Low' was always a staple of post match singsongs in the clubhouse.
The demographic of rugby crowds tended to comprise former or current players over the years ( when tickets at Twickenham were affordable for ordinary people we'd play in the morning and nip off to Twickenham afterwards via various hostelries) so my best guess is that is why it has crept in over the last 20 years or so.
Why do England fans sing Swing low,sweet chariot ?
I don't know for certain.
What I can tell you from years of playing the game back in the dark ages is that 'Swing Low' was always a staple of post match singsongs in the clubhouse.
The demographic of rugby crowds tended to comprise former or current players over the years ( when tickets at Twickenham were affordable for ordinary people we'd play in the morning and nip off to Twickenham afterwards via various hostelries) so my best guess is that is why it has crept in over the last 20 years or so.
Why do England fans sing Swing low,sweet chariot ?
I don't know for certain.
What I can tell you from years of playing the game back in the dark ages is that 'Swing Low' was always a staple of post match singsongs in the clubhouse.
The demographic of rugby crowds tended to comprise former or current players over the years ( when tickets at Twickenham were affordable for ordinary people we'd play in the morning and nip off to Twickenham afterwards via various hostelries) so my best guess is that is why it has crept in over the last 20 years or so.
Twenty..???
It's always been sung to some extent but I'd say it's about 20 years since it became recognised by the media as an unofficial anthem for English supporters.
Comments
ENG v AUS
WAL v FRA
SA v JAP
and the rest?....
KNOCKOUT STAGES
Sat 19 Oct QF1 England v Australia (Oita), 8.15am
Sat 19 Oct QF2 New Zealand v Ireland (Tokyo), 11.15am
Sun 20 Oct QF3 Wales v France (Oita), 8.15am
Sun 20 Oct QF4 Japan v South Africa (Tokyo), 11.15am
Sat 26 Oct Winner QF1 v Winner QF2 (Yokohama), 9.00am
Sun 27 Oct Winner QF3 v Winner QF4 (Yokohama), 9.00am
Fri 1 Nov Third-place Play-off (Tokyo), 9.00am
Sat 2 Nov RWC 2019 Final (Yokohama), 9.00am
Read more at https://www.rugbyworld.com/rugby-fixtures/rugby-world-cup-fixtures-2019#6UPATUl0pULWAGvz.99
Embarassing.
The fourth team in that top four? It’s them.
QF vs 8th
SF vs 5th or 7th
Canada is a good shout, but I think that the development of Major League Rugby in the USA could prove really beneficial. It could easily lead to similar international competition across the Atlantic.
Actually, while typing this, I've decided that the best thing that the 6 Nations could do is to assist in the creation of sister tournaments in the Americas and Pacific nations, with a series of play offs between their teams being organised as part of the Summer tours/Autumn internationals, guaranteeing decent quality opposition for developing nations every year (rather than the once every four to five years that seems common at the moment).
To be honest I thought Argentina would beat France so that was an upset in a way, and Japan are still a romantic story for the QF, home team, underdog v SA, playing a brilliant style of rugby.
The people here are beyond friendly and will definitely come back again if I survive this trip!
Off to Osaka on Wed and then onto Oita for the Qtr Final on Saturday.
But in fact it's currently the 'traditional' top 10.
There are 8 in tier 2
Samoa Fiji Tonga Japan
USA Canada Romania and Georgia
The IRB do excellent work supporting the 'other' nations, but in particular are focusing on Russia, Spain, Portugal, Namibia and Uruguay to climb into Tier 2. I'd like to see them add China to that list, having seen them play a few times and the considerable potential there.
There are 83 (?) ish 'other' nations, not Tier 3 for some reason.
Once we have left we will stuff em every time.
In my local Pub in CT (Peddlars Arms), they are opening at 9 am both days and the braai starts at 9.30. I will be wearing my Charlton shirt on Saturday (dont have an England one) and my son will be wearing his SA shirt on both days.
Their coach Jamie Joseph. The ex All Black during a game against England at Twickenham, deliberately stood on the ankle of England scrum half Kyran Bracken after Bracken had kicked ahead, a nasty unnecessary foul (see the Rugby Career part of the KB wiki entry) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyran_Bracken .. this was over 25 years ago, I have not forgotten and since then have wished a plague on Joseph and all his teams. I still feel the same. I hope Japan lose in the quarter finals
Extraordinary.
If you havent seen the Irish and Scots infriging at every opportunity, deliberately preventing Japan releasing the ball after a tackle then you've been watching from a very strange angle. Ditto the offside lines - Scotland and Ireland took the piss in their first halves, Japan rightly responded in both second halves and gave as good as they got.
How strange that a momentary event 25 years ago can cloud your opinion so badly.
What I can tell you from years of playing the game back in the dark ages is that 'Swing Low' was always a staple of post match singsongs in the clubhouse.
The demographic of rugby crowds tended to comprise former or current players over the years ( when tickets at Twickenham were affordable for ordinary people we'd play in the morning and nip off to Twickenham afterwards via various hostelries) so my best guess is that is why it has crept in over the last 20 years or so.