RWC 2027 Australia

[Major Tom]

Would love to get Leota back. Western force could do with a THP.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Paraguay are through to the repechage after winning the second leg of their play off with Brasil 24-31 in Sao Paulo. Hell of a turnaround in fortunes for both sides.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Would I be alone in rooting for Belgium or Paraguay to qualify for the WC over Samoa? I've defended Samoa and do feel for them in regards to having player not available for selection but I think it'd be great to read some new nations names in the draw. Especially a country like Belgium which very long term is a viable place for a pro side in one of the European Leagues.

I do think it sucks that Samoa could miss out and they have a big supporter base for a WC in Aus.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Would I be alone in rooting for Belgium or Paraguay to qualify for the WC over Samoa? I've defended Samoa and do feel for them in regards to having player not available for selection but I think it'd be great to read some new nations names in the draw. Especially a country like Belgium which very long term is a viable place for a pro side in one of the European Leagues.

I do think it sucks that Samoa could miss out and they have a big supporter base for a WC in Aus.

Nope. Not because I don't want to see Samoa feature but it would represent a step forward for the game if anothet new nation makes the step up.

It may also force the change needed to address the structural issues at play within the Samoan Union and issues around player availability in general.

And while I'm not convinced of Paraguay's ability to do it. If Belgium have the besr squad together and Samoa don't get the bulk of their best squad to feature then it isn't beyond the realsm of possibility as Belgium gave the US a game in July. So that coukd be a close run game.