Thread: 2011 Rugby World Cup. Who will win?

when it comes to the WC the AB's are like the English and the soccer WC...WON it once 1987 ,usually favourites and choke.Only Aussie or Sth Africa a hope to beat them.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

It just seems unlikely the chockers will get that far.

Fair point.

Originally Posted by shadow role

like the English and the soccer WC...

Nonsense. NZ are a very decent rugby team; England are an average football team...

Originally Posted by shadow role

WON it once 1987

4 years before it started properly. Should've called it the Half World Cup.

from today's Bangkok Post

International rugby board watchful over NZ quake
Published: 23/02/2011 at 12:31 AM

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has set up a crisis unit to monitor the situation in the earthquake-hit New Zealand city of Christchurch which is due to host seven games during the World Cup later this year, a French rugby official said Tuesday.

The president of the French Rugby Federation Pierre Camou said that he had been in touch with IRB chief Bernard Lapasset who had informed him that a unit had been set up and that there were fears there could be aftershocks.

"Before anything else, we must think about the well-being of the people down there," Camou said.

"They are in direct contact with the New Zealand federation and he (Lapasset) will keep us posted with developments. But for the moment there is no question of us talking about rugby.

"I do not think that the World Cup is in any danger. For the moment, the tremors are localised. I think that if it comes down to it New Zealand will have fallback positions in place.

"I have no news of the stadium itself and neither does the IRB as of this morning. But for the moment for us and for world rugby, what matters is helping anyone still trapped underneath the rubble."

The city of Christchurch on the south island is one the strongholds of rugby in the country and is down to host five group games and two quarter-finals in the World Cup during September and October at the city's 45,000 capacity stadium, which is also home to the Canterbury Crusaders Super 15 side.

Lapasset said that the IRB would send a message of support to the New Zealand people and to Prime Minister John Key and that the situation would be further discussed at a meeting later Tuesday and on Wednesday.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake which struck at lunchtime on Tuesday killed at least 65 people and provoked widespread structural damage to buildings throughout the city.

England manager Martin Johnson, meanwhile, expressed sympathy for victims of the earthquake which hit the city where his team are due to be based for the World Cup.

"On behalf of the England squad I want to extend our sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and all affected by the Christchurch earthquake," the former England captain said in a statement.

"Many of us have a close association with New Zealand and its people and our hearts go out to those suffering as a result of this second disaster in six months," added Johnson, who also represented New Zealand at Under-21 level.

Two of England's likely World Cup squad -- Dylan Hartley and Shontayne Hape -- are New Zealanders by birth, while several members of the squad including Tom Palmer and Tom Wood spent early parts of their careers playing there.

England are due to play two of their World Cup first phase matches at Christchurch's Lancaster Park Stadium, against Argentina on September 10 and against Georgia on September 18.

SA in line to host 2023 World Cup
18th February 2011 14:13

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset announced on Friday that South Africa has a "real chance" of hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

"In terms of the World Cup we have certain key unions and South Africa is part of that. Now it has these new stadiums it has the capacity to run very big tournaments." said Lapassete in reference to the 2010 Fifa World Cup stadiums that could be used.

Lapasset and IRB CEO Mike Miller are in South Africa to meet new Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula to discuss the growth of rugby across the African continent.

Minister Mbalula indicated to the IRB officials that the South African government would back the 2023 tournament bid.

Lapasset admitted that the IRB had taken a risk in awarding the 2019 tournament to Japan and said that in all likely hood the tournament would return to one of the traditional powerhouses in 2023.

"South Africa is clearly one of those," he said.

The decision on which country will host the 2023 tournament would probably be taken in 2013 according to Lapasset.

full article here

England host the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Japan for 2019

South Africa in line.....who'd a thunk it....

There are few countries genuinely capable without outside help, I'd actually put SA at the top of the list....

SA (probably the most genuine rugby stadiums of decent size in different locations)
England (only with the football stadiums, every tournament to date has relied on other UK stadiums)
France
Australia
NZ (just about)

incapable

Ireland
Wales (getting better than when they actually did (sort of) host it)
Scotland
Fiji
Samoa
Argentina

Originally Posted by genghis61

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobcock
I see Giteau has signed to play for Toulon, that means Wilkinson, Henson and Giteau will be in the same backline next year.......
and another addition to 'rent-a-team'

According to reports in the French press, Springbok and Bulls lock Bakkies Botha has signed a three-year deal with Toulon.

French newspaper Midi Olympique reported on Monday that the 31-year-old signed a contract believed to be worth 700 000 Euros per season starting after the 2011 World Cup.

700000 Euros. By comparison - NZ $1,277,581

NZ Herald has published a list of the highest-paid 10 All Blacks for 2011, I've added Euro conversions

Richie McCaw, Dan Carter NZ $750,000 E 410,000
Mils Muliaina NZ $550,000 E300,000
Rodney So'oialo NZ $500,000 (old contract, not playing but still being paid) E274,000
Ali Williams NZ $500,000 E274,000
Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu, Andrew Hore NZ $480,000 E263,000
Brad Thorn NZ $450,000 E246,000
Joe Rokocoko NZ $430,000 E235,000

Go north, young man!

Originally Posted by Bobcock

South Africa in line.....who'd a thunk it....

With the stadiums they have from the football they're the best set-up anywhere

I'd add good ol' NZ to the incapable list, the joint (with Oz) scenario that failed in 2003 was a better option imho. A country with population of 4m simply not big enough for an event like this. Exciting in a small-town way for my friends who get to see USA v Russia, Wales v Namibia at the local ground, capacity 24,000, but not what an event of this scale deserves.

When England 'host' won't some games be played in Wales? or is an England-only affair?

Dunno what the plan is this time, but it does seem silly to have the greatest rugby stadium in the world going begging, they certainly have enough stadiiums using football grounds, but many of them leave a very small in goal area.

What I object to it when they use the Millenium, Murrayfield, Stade De France and Lansdowne for an English, Welsh or even French World Cup and then base those teams in a group at their own stadium all for revenue.....fuck Wales will sell out any World Cup game in the British Isles without bother, so we should have to play wherever we are drawn, worst case of draw rigging in sports. (not that it's ever helped)

Some news from NZ

Earthquake causes major damage to AMI Stadium


It's understood the Crusaders will have to find a new home for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.

Liquefaction, after yesterday's devastating earthquake, has caused major damage to the playing surface with bubbles of up to half a metre high surfacing all over the AMI Stadium playing field.

It could take at least five and a half months before it's capable of hosting a game of rugby.

The Crusaders are due to host seven Super rugby matches at AMI Stadium this season, including a match next Friday night against the Waratahs.

Prime Minster John Key is hopeful however that the city of Christchurch can recover in time to host its part of the Rugby World in September and October.

"If we can host the Rugby World Cup as we intend to in Christchurch I would like to do that, Key said at a press conference in Wellington this morning.

"It's some way into the future (but) it's a very important city to New Zealand.

"It would be a demonstration Christchurch is back up on its feet."

Christchurch is down to host five pool matches and two-quarters, including the All Blacks' expected last-eight showdown against the runner-up of pool B on October 9, but Key concedes there will be some major challengers in the coming months.

"One of the issues might be accommodation; there has been substantial damage to hotels."

"Again that is something the Rugby World Cup minster (Murray McCully) will be looking at."

Tournament organisers had contingency plans but would not speculate about the effect the quake would have on the World Cup, Rugby NZ 2011 communications manager Mike Jaspers said.

"Right at this moment it is too early to talk about any implications for the tournament. Right now all that has got to take a back seat while Christchurch deals with the aftermath of this tragedy.

"Our thoughts are very much with the people of the region. Any assessment must wait while rescue and recovery efforts take priority."

His sentiments were echoed by the International Rugby Board in a statement saying its "thoughts and deepest sympathies" were with the people of Christchurch, adding that it was "inappropriate to comment on the status of the World Cup infrastructure or operations".

"The focus at this point must be on the emergency response," the IRB said.

There were no reports of earthquake damage to AMI Stadium, the ground due to host seven matches during the World Cup from September 9-October 23, including two quarterfinals.

A New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) spokesperson told The Dominion Post that it was too early to know if Saturday's Super 15 match between the Canterbury-based Crusaders and the Hurricanes in Wellington would proceed.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) wrote to the NZRU to express its condolences and offer solidarity with New Zealanders and their rugby community following the earthquake.

"Our rugby community feels a special bond to New Zealand and what has happened in Christchurch has been deeply felt here," said Oregan Hoskins, president of SARU.

-With NZPA and Newstalk ZB



http://tvnz.co.nz/rugby-news/earthquake-causes-major-damage- ami-4038762

Originally Posted by genghis61

Richie McCaw, Dan Carter NZ $750,000
E 410,000 Mils Muliaina NZ $550,000 E300,000
Rodney So'oialo NZ $500,000 (old contract, not playing but still being paid) E274,000
Ali Williams NZ $500,000 E274,000
Tony Woodcock, Kevin Mealamu, Andrew Hore NZ $480,000 E263,000
Brad Thorn NZ $450,000 E246,000
Joe Rokocoko NZ $430,000 E235,000

Easy to see why the pride of the All Black jersey can evaporate, they all said Haymen would come back but why?...with the money he's made in UK and making in France....

I see Nick Evans has started to raise his head above the parapet saying he'd be available if selected....hahahaha

Hayman went for three years at a million NZ per year, 350,000 pounds at the time
In NZ he was reported to be on under $400,000
Don't know what his latest contract would be paying.
Reported last week NZRFU running a 10 million loss this year due to player salaries, more will head offshore.

Pretty much sums up the fact the advertiser's money is definitely in the Northern Hemisphere.

Sad for the local spectators that mostly the best players end up playing where the money is and shame on those local administrators for banning these players from representing their countries after the move.

Sour grapes if there ever is an example and these white collar pricks should work on a plan to keep their best players down under instead of imposing such bans.

I guess you just don't realise how small a market it is until you read figures like that, even the WRU isn't in that sort of strife and we have a smaller market. I guess having a stadium that pulls in money is the big plus for us.

yeah, when I read of the Euro football players signing for 50 million pounds each, that would run the entire budgets of a few countries rugby unions
But more to worry about in NZ right now than rugby; see one of the directors of the Canterbury Rugby Union among the dead.

^ I watch the local competition with the Wasps, Harlequins, London Irish including the French sides and it seems that it has a strong spectator following.

Bloody good Rugby mostly and you can't blame any player for chasing the bucks.

^ There's a large part of me that cannot wait to leave Thailand and get back to watching real rugby in the flesh, got the support of the kids as well who love going to Harlequins every other week. Personally I'd rather be going to Cardiff myself.

For decent RWC Final tickets its NZD1,278....Jesus!

NZD, so that about 20 pounds?

^ I don't know how people can afford it; so many minimum-wage workers in NZ on $12.50/hr - impossible!
My brother and nephew are seeing one ABs match (v French . . .oh the agony!) and paid $468 for those tickets, apart from that they are sticking to pool games and watching the big ones on tv - the costs of travel (from China and Scotland) plus insane accommodation prices, pleased I never agreed to go back.
Years ago my employer shouted me tickets at $1000 a head to an AB match, all the hospitality before/after etc, to be honest I'd have enjoyed it more with my friends in the cheap seats. One benefit of refereeing was we got priority options on test seats, though am doubtful that would apply for a RWC event.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

NZD, so that about 20 pounds?

or in Vietnamese dong, VHD 18,404,030. Make it 20 million and keep the change.

only mention this as was at local shop on Friday when shady characters trying to exchange dong-for-baht, woman there had no idea; Mr 'Currency Exchange On Cellphone' helped her out, the shady boys severely pissed off.

Yeah, it's fair to say the excitement of the RWC comming to your country can be tempered by the awful amount of profiteering that goes on. Local fans interests are scrapped and tickets are just farmed out to agencies who tout them on the world market disguised as tour packages.

LC, keep your eyes open close to the event, 3 days before the AB's France Semi Final in 1999, thousands of tickets returned from these overpriced operators suddenly appear on general sale. I had 4 tickets for that match face value, no bother.

Wish I'd known you then, you'd have enjoyed what turned out to be a great game!!

^Don't know what you are talking about...

Minister dismisses gloomy Christchurch Rugby World Cup reports
Last updated 11:30 10/03/2011


AMI STADIUM: Traces of liquefaction are visible around Christchurch's main sports venue. The Government is guarded about engineering reports on the damage.

The Rugby World Cup minister has rejected reports from the UK suggesting that earthquake-devastated Christchurch will inevitably lose its matches.

Murray McCully is today expecting an initial engineering report on how much damage AMI Stadium sustained in last month's earthquake, but could yet require further information.

Rugby World Cup is also refusing to say how many tickets remain unsold for games in Christchurch, after confirming last year that 50,000 of the 119,000 available tickets for Christchurch games were still to be snapped up.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has the final say on whether five pool matches and two quarterfinals scheduled to take place at the stadium will go ahead.

The grounds at the stadium are bulging from liquefaction from the quake, silt has piled up in some places and there may be structural damage.

Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported this week that there was "a growing sense that the IRB will have no choice but to take matches elsewhere".

Mr McCully today dismissed that report.

"It doesn't seem like an accurate view to me," he told Radio New Zealand.

"I've been the person talking to the IRB, and the IRB have said that they want to deal with facts here, that they want to see reports from professional engineers and others."

. . . .

The Rugby Football Union in England would not be drawn yesterday on whether it had been in touch with the New Zealand Rugby Union about a change in venue, or whether its players were worried about playing in Christchurch. A spokesman said it was inappropriate to talk about England's plans for the tournament "when so many people have lost loved ones".

The Government has conceded there is likely to be a downturn in ticket sales due to the quake though the official travel programme organisers insist there have been no cancellations so far.

Rugby World Cup said yesterday the figure of 50,000 unsold tickets was misleading because that dated back to December. But it would not disclose more up-to-date ticket-sales figures.

Taxpayers are underwriting the event and will have to shoulder a portion of any losses.

^ so even pre-earthquake Chch was not an in-demand venue from fans

I wonder what options are available to people who have booked/paid package tours when their accomm may no longer be available, venue in doubt (or the opposite - hotel standing but games may be played elsewhere) - insurance?