I thought the demo was alright actually. Yeah it is a bit like 08, buttons are about the same (bar the dummy), animations etc but still a step up.
Hard to judge as it is only a demo but there are parts that are pleasing and some that are not so much. From my point of view...
Pros:
-The rucking system, admittedly a bit worried about this but actually quite like it
-Being able to face the ball carrier when on defence when you hold L2. Bit fiddly on the control, just got to get used to using my middle finger on L2 I guess. Definitely the best addition IMO.
-The chip kick is a long overdue addition and is great, although I havn't managed to regather one yet.
-The option of having balanced/forwards or nearest man to the rucks is another great addition. Able to be a bit tactical here.
-Player movements are more realistic. Players don't turn on a dime anymore changing direction. Instead it takes slightly longer, well fractionally.
-Being able to pick up the ball from an isolated, tackled, player. Prompt is there for a second so you have to be pretty on to it when it does appear.
-Advantages appear to have been fixed. High tackles are no longer pulled up on the spot, instead an advantage gets played.
-Short kick off just to the right for your centres no longer works as well, this was one of my weapons in 08 lol, good to see it gone though, or minimised. Looks like the winger has been moved slightly infield to stop it?.
-Option of commentary, few options here. Gutted the Aussie hogs all the air time though on the NZ/Aus commentary. Better than having Mexted though.
Cons
-The drop goals... far too easy. IMO they should be kept the same buuuut take out the shadow that goes along the ground under the arrow. Either that or throw in rush defence so it can be stoppped, online I can see people hitting drop goals all day long (I'd put money on it).
-Kicks are still too long IMO. I nailed one from the 22 and got it near the opposition try line with Steyn. Admittedly on the bounce which I think goes for too long. Drop goals are marginally short. Steyn can nail them from about 40m out. We all know he can hit them from 50-55 on a good day.
-The cut out passes still aren't up to scratch IMO. Need to be a bit smoother. Normal passes are ok but has anyone else noticed that it's harder to draw a defender? probably just lack timing but I'm sure it's easier to draw on 08.
-Set plays appear to be the same on 08 and look exactly the same, probably more options in the full game.
-CPU still takes out the opposition player when they jump to catch the kickoff. Everyones whos ever played 08 enough will know what I'm talking about. Doesn't happen often but still seeing it once is enough on an updated version. Grrr.
-5m Scrums are almost indefensible when the no.8 peels off the back. Comes down more to luck as to what happens i.e. if the no.8 breaks your tackle/s they'll score or you might get lucky and nail them. Flankers should peel off faster.
-Penalty taps are still too similar to 08. i.e. tap and you get nailed.
-Grubbers are still not fast enough IMO, still probably just a timing issue on my part.
-Replays, too many. All it shows is the dive for a try (pretty much) not the break, set up etc. Nit picking here as you can skip it. I'd like to see replays of the set ups that lead to the try not the try scoing dive everytime.
-The CPU still takes drop goals and kicks way too much, not sure if this is due to the difficulty being set on easy but could be. Also the CPU still takes shots at goal when down by 30 odd points, another frustrating carry over from 08.
-Bunching
. Also CPU players chasing you down when your on a break. They sort of cut across field and then fall back waaay behind, looks funny and unrealistic.
Nuetral:
-Graphics. Not amazing. Not amazingly crap. average.
-Offloads, same as 08. Not a con not a pro. Seem less prevailent though.
-Still not sure about the new dummy pass set up. A bit awkward on the ps3 control but again probably just takes getting used to
-Recycling I'm still not too sure about. Some teams obviously take the tackle and recycle instantly in real life (sometimes), takes a second or two too long in the demo, again IMO. Be nice to get ultra quick ball as well as ball you have to work to get.
-Goal kicking gauge has been moved to the other side of the screen. Or am I just imagining it?
All in all I enjoyed it. It is similar to 08 but I think there are enough improvements there. I'll probably buy Rugby Challenge first and hire the full version of this game to get more of a gauge. Basically due to the ABs/ITM/NZ super 15 franchises being in RC. Must say I am getting concerned about the gameplay on RC though. They have 94 teams in there compared to 20 in RWC. It's obvious as to who had more time in perfecting gameplay, something to think about.