The Rugby World Cup closes the second day of the groups and results begin to be observed, which determine the trends and dynamics from which more or less categorical readings and conclusions can be drawn. The main thing is Rugby geopolitics are changing, likely to the chagrin of Home Associations and World Rugby’s apostolic leaders Always skeptical of the community’s new neighbors.
In this World Cup, which has its own characteristics at the beginning, as the matches progress, predictions are confirmed, sensations intensify and surprises that were not included in the predictions emerge. For starters The good role of these forgotten nations in the Tier 2 drawer has been confirmed; Another step would have to be taken here, taking three steps for Tier 1 and 2 and Tier 2 and 5 countries.
Rebellion of Level 1… and a half
Japan and Fiji are not invited to sit at the Tier 1 table, and the Tier 2 table is too small for them. The two countries are producing results as a result of the implementation of a structure that has grown recently.
Fiji became the team that profited the least from World Rugby’s “reciprocity” with the island nation’s play-off against the All Blacks after garnering votes for Beaumont. Fijians, with a population of less than one million, They formed a franchise (Fijian Drua) that united the group competitively and handed the baton of command to local coach Simon Raiwalui. He has experience in France, knows his team’s characteristics very well and turns them into a disciplined team with his wide play (7 shots to Australia’s 18 shots). More than a very strong and respectable offense in contact, his shortcomings are a disastrous touch and a hinge without hierarchy. After Caleb Muntz was injured in the 10th round, scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli brought the team into the squad. They lost questionably against Wales but got two bonus points and beat Australia in a match they dominated from start to finish, 69 years later. end Therefore, Wales-Australia will be key and bonus points there will take them into the quarter-finals. Fiji has made the sport of open rugby very physically demanding for competitors.
Japan’s growth is based on a strong and wealthy league where companies recruit stars to increase the competitiveness of local players. They add to thisThe team is committed to a dynamic sport of rugby that suits the Japanese idiosyncrasy perfectly; they are also a respected team in touch and ‘set-piece’ (‘melé’ and ‘touch’). He needs to climb one more step to make it to the quarter-finals, but he is selling his skin dearly. Japan offers an industrial volume of play with an XV with many interchangeable players with similar conditions without the level being affected. However They lack different and dominant names that determine the matches and get them to take the next step. What the British call X Factor.
eruption in south america
Argentina has become a driving force in the sport of rugby, fueling the exponential growth of the South American region, with Uruguay and Chile capitalizing on their inertia. The Pumas are beyond doubt from their defeat against England, already part of the Wolrd Rugby aristocracy and naturally reaching the semi-finals ahead of some of the Home Unions they have subjugated. The creation of Sudamérica Rugby’s High Performance structure and the Super Rugby Americas competition were decisive. Thus, teams like Uruguay can create a professional competitive environment. If Argentina showed the way in 2007 when they were left to their own devices without playing the Rugby Championship or Super Rugby, in 2019 the Charrúas achieved another milestone by beating Fiji. And the focus of this World Cup is Chile, which is making its debut as it leaves the United States and heads to France.
There is a recognizable pattern in Pumas, Teros and Cóndores rugby. A game that is supportive in defense, aggressive in attack, and effort is indisputable. There is courage in their attacking offerings and tremendous commitment without the ball. His rugby has an emotional point too This is explained by the sense of identity of some teams, in most cases amateurs (except for the Argentines), which are a priority for these players. Something that doesn’t exist in other countries. This resilience is also reflected in the play of Chile, who took on Japan (42-12) and Samoa (43-10). Beyond the fight against France’s B unit in Uruguay (27-10), serious problems were created. Rugby with strong touch and heart. Rugby with its smart scrum-halves, brave centres, sharp wings and hard-working forwards. Picks that perform better than most people had planned. Uruguay announced that it wanted to sign a direct ticket to the next World Cup, forcing it to beat Namibia and Italy. Ambitious plan that was convincing after the match against France. Spain periodically beat Uruguay, who are running to beat Italy, from whom we are light years away. But whether they can win remains to be seen, and Hourcade has already landed in France to help prepare for what will be the next World Cup final on their calendar.
The face of Portugal and Georgia
Within each other’s borders, the Lobos and Lelos left the field smiling. And that doesn’t just mean they give it their all, it also means they enjoy having the almond in their hands. Despite being defeated, Georgians put a strain on Australia’s spine (35-15) They scored two tries and managed to score two more goals. Portugal employed three-quarters of the Dragons as they claimed an honorable victory (28-8) against Wales and scoring a touch try that would rank among the World Cup’s best. Tough, excited, determined… Competitive and valuable results showing that more games against Tier 1 opponents would benefit both greatly. But World Rugby is not interested in developing countries questioning the Status Quo. Georgia has been knocking on the door for years, not only with its senior team, and there is no answer on the other side. It is good news that Georgia and Portugal come out of this World Cup stronger. For them, for rugby and even for Spain.
Romania and Namibia, cross
Romania was for many the biggest disappointment of the World Cup. And it’s strange because it was known We are facing one of the most mediocre Robles teams of recent years. Recently, they cannot dominate the front that Georgia, Spain and Russia have subordinated to them. His performance against South Africa was painful. The Springboks didn’t need to be at their rugby best or get into the rhythm of the game (76-0) to win; They played in the second row and without pressing, so as not to reach the centenary of wins and not to tarnish the World Cup in an ugly way. conclusion.
If Romania is bad Namibia as usual. A team that monopolizes the African space that World Rugby provides to the black continent. Other votes were decisive in Beaumont’s victory over Pichot. Africa is being ‘guided’ by the French through their tentacles in the north of the continent, but on a sporting level these teams are still not at the level where South Africa can topple Namibia, C or D. Enough to add pressure after pressure to the World Cup. The cheapest venue for the World Cup.
Marketing of Samoa and Tonga
The handing over of votes to the current president of World Rugby in exchange for being able to recycle Polynesian and Melanesian ‘all blacks’ for their respective teams has boosted the prospects for these two Tier 2 teams; are subject to club contracts that prevent them from being selected. The emergence of Sopoaga, Piutau or Fekitoa invited many to be optimistic. However, these are picks about Barbarians rather than teams. Groups that meet every four years. Even though they have elite players, they don’t seem to make any moves. Vote marketing did not serve to gain competitiveness even in the short term, which was the aim.
The vanished Spain
It is great to predict what results Spain will get if they qualify for the World Cup. And we won’t do that here. What I offer is this Which model will the Lions, or rather their leaders, choose to improve our rugby? We spent years settling into a short-term approach that would get us closer to the World Cups, leaving no structure or legacy. Calling the players who raise the level of the team at the right time with the famous passport dance, without creating a routine for the arrivals. The only planning option is based on the sacrifice and dedication of the players, either heroes or villains. The other option, which is the path that FER has started, is to bet on the medium term with elements such as proven youngsters (Cup champions), top-level nationalizable players and, above all, to create a structure. This does not exist in Spanish rugby and the national team because there are no resources.
Openly Now that we have to start from the bottom and without money, since Ferraz doesn’t even have a euro in his coffers, it’s time to think about what we want to be and in what mirror we want to look at ourselves.. Yes, in Uruguay, which has won two World Cups in a row, beat Fiji, beat France and is looking to seal its ticket to the next World Cup. Yes, in Fiji, with a franchise that brings its players together and employs a local coach. In reference to the Black Lion series, if we look at the Cóndors or the Wolves with pride rather than meaning… Even so, the ‘minors’ are showing their face in this World Cup. In this World Cup where Spain had to re-emerge We should rejoice in these modest victories, in how these small teams have shaken the pillars of the Home Unions’ age-old leadership. and open the windows so the mothball smell will be less. However If anyone is in danger these days, it’s us. What do we want to be? What do we want to play?