I think most of you are misunderstanding what we neutrals are saying. We're not dismissing your team, or not giving credit for winning with sheer guts and determination. All we are saying, is that the way your nation is currently playing is putting us to sleep and is not a display of how rugby should be played. We're not disputing that playing 10 man rugby might be the way to win knockout games, we're just saying that it shouldn't be that way. The World Cup final is when you have the greatest world wide audience at anypoint in time. So your game is on display for world to see. We're not talking simply about loyalists and the hardcore rugby fan who will watch the final regardless. We're talking about casual fans and non-fans. To get those people to become fans of the game you need to put on a show. Arial pingpong and players who lack creativity is not how you get people interested. No one wants to see a 15-12 game where the ball is in the air as much as it is on the ground.

 

As I said previously, I hope the ELV rule changes open up the game because it's been far too long since we've had this kick, defence, then wait for your opponent to make a mistake and counter attack style game. They're almost scripted. We need more athleticism in the game and we need to have the game allow skilled players to work their magic. That is currently not the case. I just want rugby to grow and be prosperous, but I fear that during the showcase that only happens once every four years will be marred by a team (or two teams) that refuses to use all the skills of rugby and choose to play the game close to the chest.