Rugby World Cup

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HappyG(rrr) Sep 2023 8:36am, 25 Sep 2023 47,818 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) It's pretty amazing that countries with 5M population (NZ, Ireland, occasionally Scotland) or even 3M (Wales) can be as good or better than countries of 25M (Aus), 55M (England), 67M (France) etc. So, at least 3 Northern Hemisphere teams in with a shout of final and win? Wales, Ireland and France. Only two for the South - New Zealand or South Africa. Is it time for a North win? G
Little Nemo Sep 2023 9:00am, 25 Sep 2023 13,906 posts	0 Little Nemo It would be great to have a final without NZ/Australia/SA for once. I haven't checked the draw but France vs another NH team would be my dream
paulcook Sep 2023 9:17am, 25 Sep 2023 3,255 posts	0 paulcook I think anything final pairing is theoretically possible given the way it's drawn and 1st/2nd places. I was thinking Ireland - France (Ireland look likely to play New Zealand in the next round for example).
Nellers Sep 2023 9:27am, 25 Sep 2023 41,290 posts	0 Nellers I agree, HappyG(rrr), except that I wonder what the comparable "rugby-playing population" is? I wouldn't be surprised if more Welsh kids are playing school and club rugby than in England. It's mainly posh schools in England that take Rugby even half seriously, unless they have a welsh PE teacher. In Wales I believe there's a very different ethos. (Kind of like Kenya producing runners at a much higher rate than most other countries because it's just what they do there)
Ocelot Spleens Sep 2023 9:35am, 25 Sep 2023 37,967 posts	0 Ocelot Spleens There might be 55 million in England but we play football, hardly anyone plays Rugby Union, even less Rugby League.
larkim Sep 2023 9:35am, 25 Sep 2023 22,063 posts	0 larkim On this basis, it's a wonder that England doesn't just win everything, all the time.
larkim Sep 2023 9:36am, 25 Sep 2023 22,064 posts	0 larkim Though I am sceptical about that data.
Ocelot Spleens Sep 2023 9:38am, 25 Sep 2023 37,968 posts	0 Ocelot Spleens 3.4% of 55 million. I really don't think so. Besides it's the elite that counts, not the lumbering fat blokes.
Ocelot Spleens Sep 2023 9:43am, 25 Sep 2023 37,969 posts	0 Ocelot Spleens Anyway. I watched on Sunday. First games where I had the privilege of Welsh punditry. Warburton said they'll be watching in pubs and clubs up and down the country (Wales), they players know that. Well I think you will find they'll be doing that in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Australia, NZ, SA and any other country you care to mention. The Welsh are not exceptional. Thomas said how unpredictable Zammit is, then showed film of him doing that same thing 3 or 4 times, and then said that's what makes him so unpredictable and then predicted he round do it again. It was utter drivel from start to finish. I will watch again with sound off, or swith the TV on the second the game starts. Wearing a suit doesn't make Union pu dits any good. Thanks for reading. Bye.
Nellers Sep 2023 9:44am, 25 Sep 2023 41,291 posts	0 Nellers How are the RFU defining "Plays rugby"? 1.87million English Rugby players? That seems so far on the high side as to be comical. I'd love to know a bit more about that stat. It's certainly not been my experience (and I know that's not exactly a scientific sample). In my adult life I think I've known 3 people who play rugby regularly. I know dozens who play football and I won't count runners and cyclists because my sample size is hugely biased!