chippy64

+1

barnsleymat

One huge difference, Rugby is a minor sport in England and doesn't have the pull to 95% of the population. It's never going to be a similar success as not that many people care about the sport. I read last week that Soccer stadiums were going to be used, doesn't this prove Rugby has no pulling power as if it did there would be big enough Rugby stadiums throughout England. So it's been a success in a small country that's mad about Rugby and it's be a bit of a wash out in a big country that isn't Rugby mad, there's just not enough Hurray Henry's about in Eng to fill the stadiums. Vast areas of Britain just hate Rugby Union, I know, I'm from one of these areas, The North.

The Olympics will be a massive success dwarfing the RWC, if we had have got the Football World Cup it would have been a massive success but a Rugby World Cup in a country that apart from the odd international and occasional final gets 3rd/4th division football attendances.

So well done NZ for hosting a decent RWC.

Buzzy--Bee

I seem to remember England hosted a lot of games in 1999.

BB

barnsleymat

The reason RWC has been such a success is its captivated the nation, I was a bit worried as some of the crowds at rugby games in NZ are poor but I've got to say NZ did well. A RWC in England will not captivate the nation, apart from the odd area no one will give a monkeys.

That's what I'm getting at.

Stormer999

I think as long as Rugby attracts real followers and people who are interested in the game and not the win at all cost mentality then I think 2015 will be a massive success for us. For obvious reasons people who are not Rugby minded will not be interested in what we celebrate. So long as we never attract the moronic crowd following that other "sports" claim then we will always be in the position that we can go safely to watch a game without worrying about frightening behavior and language of those around us.
Please God that we never attract the same following in "successful numbers".

barnsleymat

You mention a moronic crowd, are you on about the England Rugby Team?

Leither

You are supposed to be Welsh so should know that the RWC is being hosted by England (population 51 million) rather than the UK (population 61.8 million).

There is only one ground outside of England being used and for the purposes of this tournament the Millenium stadium is in England (according to this map)...

As for whether or not it has been a success: as far as NZ is concerned undoubtedly. As for the rest of the world: I was in Greece when England were playing Namibia and stopped at a bar for a refreshment. If it had been football the place would have been packed...as it was there were 2 people watching the game and it was a similar story for all the other venues showing the game so the rest of the world couldn't really care.

Bo-Jangles

RWC captured 'the nation' (actually just about half of them) because they've had stuff all else to do, but think about it, talk about it and plan for it for the past six years.

Between now and 2015 RWC in the UK there will be countless other things going on to occupy hearts and minds and Rugby will be but a relatively minor event. Certainly nothing like the be all and end all that it was to NZ.

Stormer999

You could be right there Though Wales with their winning ways have now dropped down to 8 in the World rankings whilst England are 5......

Stormer999

Totally wrong Leither the ones that really matter were watching the game the rest can go carry on and stay out of the way.......If it had been soccer it would probably been wrecked....

Leither

Soccer...........THE World Cup is organised by FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations). Soccer is for spams.

lardyl

I wonder why rugby union is a minority sport and most people thing it's played by thugs?
Cause of people like you mate, your arrogance and ignorance of what sport really involves surely beggars belief.

Stormer999

Says it all really.....

Stormer999

sheene

That looks like a very shiny watch he is wearing - could be a Rolex - wonder what the inscription on the back might read?