As the Rugby League World Cup reaches the semi-finals stage, it seems like an appropriate moment to reflect on the pool stages and analyse the fortunes of the home nations thus far.
Issues for the English
Although this is supposedly the best prepared England team ever to take part in a World Cup, it has, up to now, been a hollow experience for Tony Smith’s men. Following a calamitous 54-4 defeat to the Aussies they then went and blew a 24-8 lead against the Kiwis on Saturday. They face the same opponents in this weekend’s semi-final and their primary concern will be to tighten a frighteningly leaky defensive line.
Facing a barrage of flack from the Aussie press, the English boys could do worse than to look at how their cross code contemporaries picked themselves up at the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup. After a similarly awful start, Brian Ashton’s ‘siege mentality’ paid dividends; driven by a desire to prove their doubters wrong his side stormed to the final. Smith et al should note that a big 80 minutes could revitalise their campaign and give them a shot, albeit a long one, of being World Champions.
Mixed opinion
Opinions appear to be divided on the success of the competition. Critics appear convinced that the competition is meaningless due to the inability of the English and Kiwis to get anywhere near matching the rampaging Kangaroos . Purists will argue that the reduction in teams combined with a confusing pool system is an illustration of a game, from an international perspective, in decline. Yet there is an argument to the contrary.
By having a ‘drawn’ group that included all three big guns has meant each weekend has bought a high profile game, generating interest and financial clout from viewing figures. This profit can be re-invested into the game aiding developing nations and improving the game globally. By not pitting the big boys against minnows in the group stages has kept both players and fans motivated with a root to the semi final a realistic option.
Hope for the future
In fact the new structure has allowed teams like Scotland and Ireland to flourish, with the latter just losing out to Fiji in Monday’s quarter finals. Although it is early days, it seems the RFL’s decision to break up the home nations competing as Great Britain, have benefited the smaller Celtic nations. Wales’ absence from the tournament, with the likes of Iestyn Harris, Lee Briscoe, and Keiron Cunningham sitting at home, is disappointing but they will have 2013 qualification on the horizon. Another team eying the event in four years team is Lebanon…yeah you heard right, Lebanon! ‘The Cedars’ were close to beating the Irish in qualification and possess a decent playing base through a large community in Sydney.
Critics should take note that a World Cup is not always about who picks up the winners medals, but also about promoting and developing interest in the game on a global stage. With a reported 126 countries signing on to take television coverage for this tournament the game is in a healthier state then many perceive.