This week the groups for the next Rugby world cup were announced. With the tournament still 3 years away, it seems ridiculous that the groupings, which are based on the current world rankings, have been allotted.
As it stands the top 4 in the world are New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina. You wouldn't argue with these countries retaining these positions come 2011 but with the northern hemisphere struggling to come to terms with the new ELVs surely a later draw would have been appropriate. This would have given the European teams more time to adjust, which the southern hemisphere has had, and closer to the tournament we would have had a far more accurate representation of who are the best teams in the world at that time.
England are one team who will be pretty happy with their lot. Finding themselves outside of the world's top 4, they have been grouped with Argentina, surely the weakest of the southern hemisphere sides and Scotland, who will always be a tough proposition at the world cup, but who are also a less fearsome prospect than some other teams who we could have ended up with.
Wales on the other hand have a tough draw with South Africa and Fiji. Of all the northern hemisphere sides Wales look strong at the moment and you'd have to back them to be right up there if they can continue to develop their strong looking squad and their fluid way of playing. They are one side who, given another year or 2, could displace Argentina in 4th spot in the world, which would have afforded them a better world cup draw. Allocating the groups now, had not worked in their favour.
Anyhow, what's done is done. Once again, it seems a bit odd but the actions of the IRB are not always easily explained.
One things for sure though, Martin Johnson will be pleased to have something positive to celebrate for the first time in his tenure as England manager.
Sort of agree, Ferd, but Wales' group is not a great deal more fearsome than that faced by Eng at the last two WCs. There's always a Pacific Island banana skin in there, and you will have to beat one of the S Hemisphere teams to proceed anyway. Given that you think the N Hemisphere teams will be more up to scratch come 2011, I expect Wales to be very competitive. Either that or total bilge as they are unable to maintain current over-performance.
I have to begrudgingly admit to being very impressed by Wales this Autumn. They have some excellent players (Williams, Byrne, Powell, Wyn-Jones) but it's their style of play which really caught the eye. They play a far more free flowing game than England. They create quick ball, move the opposition around the pitch and make ground when they have ball in hand. Hate to say it but they could win the 6 nations again!
Yes, I have to agree. I think they're probably the best I ever seen them. Playing with pace, creativity and commitment. England haven't done that really since the 2003 6N. Expect a very Welsh Lions team then I suppose. Would it make it a friendlier tour (i.e. less niggle/controversy - see Bentley v. Small 1997) with less English players for the proteas/boks to get upset about? I hope not.
Viz this weekend's H Cup results, do we think there's is something wrong with French rubgy. Looking at the tables, only the mighty Toulouse seem to be pulling their weight.
On the boxing front, if Carl Froch doesn't get his left hand up soon he'll suffer.