The Webb Ellis Rugby Union World Cup 2019

16 matches a year. What happens with the more than 100 other emerging nations? And who gets to choose which ones the top nations play?

 

Many “minor nations” have taken up and play 7s rugby in the many competitions. This gives them the opportunity to develop (especially as 7s is now an olympic sport) and has created a huge amount of interest in the game.
Gradually (it is hoped) this may trickle down to the 15 a side game (as it has with Fiji, Tonga, etc).
It is not feasible to add extra games to the current calendar of “major nations”, but the RWC gives everyone a chance to qualify and the players, coaches, etc will learn a massive amount from the experience.

 

Scotland v Japan is on.

 

Uruguay, who never play a Tier 1 nation other than at a World Cup, are, in the first half against Wales at least, completely disproving Lapras’ point.

 

Lol at PL for including Scotland in the top tier of anything

 

Glad for sporting reasons, although cancelling it was in the rules. The Scots can't argue now whatever the result.

To quote P G Wodehouse: ‘It has never been hard to tell the difference between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine.’

 

Gorgeous try from Japan

 

Japan are romping this, brilliant rugby again!

 

Scotland looking shell shocked, a third Japan try at the end of the first half.

21-7

 

Scotland clearly need to arrange more matches against the top teams to become competitive

 

Aaaaaaaand there’s the bonus point!

Scotland are done.

 

...or are they?

28-21

 

Wish they would bring back the dislike button .

 

Japan win one of the best games of rugby ever. Not necessarily the best skill levels, but the passion and commitment from Japan was first class.

As Craig Doyle says, isn’t that what a Tier 1 side looks like?

 

That was a fantastic, fun, exciting game. Think S Africa will need to be very, very wary next weekend.

 

Japan's win also means that England is still the only host nation to not get out of the pool stages

 

Sir Ian McGeechan says World Rugby should give Japan Tier 1 status, and that they should be admitted either to the Rugby Championship or to the 6 Nations.

Certainly their performance in this World Cup has vastly exceeded that of either Argentina or Italy. Perhaps there should be regional Tier 2 tournaments, with promotion and relegation?

 

What about Lapras, what does he think?

 

Is he now the director of World Rugby?

 

I think he wants to be.