Following the World Cup quarterfinals, the world’s media was gushing about one of the best rugby weekends in
history.
Genuine astonishment was expressed at how masterfully the four games were executed, highlighting both the core
principles of the sport and its distinctive characteristics.
The games between France and South Africa and New Zealand and Ireland were amazing in terms of speed,
intensity, and skill level.
Set-piece pressure, fearless defense, inventive offense, willingness to take chances, and a lack of breath that drove all
four sides to the limit of their aerobic potential were all present.
Although the next two matches lacked the same intensity and caliber of play, they were nevertheless interesting in
their own right, and nobody paid to watch England defeat
Six weeks have passed since the final, in which South Africa defeated New Zealand 12–11, and the focus of discussion
in the Southern Hemisphere has shifted to finding methods to alter the rules of the game.
In the weeks following the final, the attitude in New Zealand shifted to one of anxiety that international rugby
requires a reset in order to provide a consistently engaging product.
More specifically, Kiwis think it’s important to define the TMO’s responsibilities and their relationship with the
referee.
After discussing the matter, executives, coaches, players, and the media all agreed that they would want to go back to
a scenario in which the referee is clearly in command and the TMO only provides little assistance upon request.
Leading the charge is NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson, who told the media in Auckland last week: “We saw
some incredible rugby at the tournament [RWC], and early on we saw some incredible scenes around fans being able
to get close to teams, especially in southern France.” There were some fantastic plays as well as some big upsets.
“It’s safe to assume that as the tournament grew, fans’ anger with some aspects of the game increased.
We would be delighted to participate in the continuing conversation that will soon be held in an effort to remedy
that.
“In New Zealand, we are extremely clear; in Australia, we think so; and we think other areas of the world are
beginning to recognize that the fan
It makes sense that there is some dissatisfaction in New Zealand with the part technology plays in the game,
following a World Cup final that was occasionally unclear in its officiating.
Robinson is undoubtedly correct that the majority of other nations are eager to clear this area and solidify the
referee’s position as the top official.
However, New Zealand’s worries about the state of rugby internationally are more profound, and it’s clear that they
believe more needs to be done to enable a more rapid-paced, high-aerobic game.
That kind of open, flowing rugby fits the natural athletic production of both Australia and New Zealand and is
consistent with the type that is primarily observed in Super Rugby, where matches frequently result in ten or twelve
tries.
According to Robinson, there appears to be a growing consensus among his colleagues in the Northern Hemisphere
to scrutinize the game and pose tough questions about whether it is generating the kind of entertainment value that
he claims fans worldwide need.
“We’ll be examining the task of increasing the game’s fan base on a global scale,” Robinson stated.
“We, our Sanzaar partners, the Six Nations, World Rugby, and ourselves will hold important meetings in Europe at
the end of February. These discussions will be at the core of the………….
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