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.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.
All for Belgium to win the Repechage. It would give a whole new influx of viewers and interest if you would get the likes of Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany to perform well in international Rugby. The Netherlands already beat Chile last year so I think Belgium definitely has a shot at taking Samoa. Great things happening in the Rugby Europe Championship the upcoming year.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.
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.
Yes.You mean the blatant corruption & rampant nepotism? Unless WR (World Rugby) (World Rugby) starts doing proper audits & withholding funding until those issues are sorted the admin will just keep blaming the players lack of pride or similar as they've been doing for decades now.
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.
All for Belgium to win the Repechage. It would give a whole new influx of viewers and interest if you would get the likes of Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany to perform well in international Rugby. The Netherlands already beat Chile last year so I think Belgium definitely has a shot at taking Samoa. Great things happening in the Rugby Europe Championship the upcoming year.
Agree. I like seeing the new participants but also don't want to see scores get to 100+ which they could if Sweden draws NZ in a pool game. Doesn't help the sport at all.I hope there's at least 4/5 world cups at 24 teams before we talk about further expansion.
Sounds like poor form but Rugby can only benefit from independently wealthy countries being involved in major events. Untapped region for Rugby.There's a renewed focus on the RE Super Cup for the likes of the Netherlands and Belgium around providing more games for their domestic based national players as a unit. Similar for the Czechs for that matter.
I hope there's at least 4/5 world cups at 24 teams before we talk about further expansion.