World Rugby has announced the venues and schedule for the Rugby World Cup next year.
Now we have the details, we can see the adjustments WR has made since the Irish World Cup three years ago. Despite its overall success it was sharply criticised on certain counts.
First, the gaps between pool matches: these have now been adjusted in the players’ favour. There are four clear days between –Saturday 18, Thursday 23 and Tuesday 28 September. This was a vital step towards proper player care.
Second (announced earlier), national squads will consist of 30 players. That figure has risen twice since 2014 when it was a mere 26; then in 2017 28; for 2021 there should be less need to take risks in over-playing squad members in such a high-intensity competition.
WR has still not seen fit to enlarge the number of nations involved. It remains stuck at twelve. So in this crucial matter there is not a whiff of progress. The fear must still be of presenting too many one-sided games to the watching world. The range in ability refuses to reduce. As second and third-tier nations raise their standards, so the top-tier do as well – even faster.
But sooner or later WR will have to grasp the nettle. Larger numbers were allowed into the WC in the past, when the women’s competition was still relatively new and finding its feet. If aspirant nations are to be kept away from the premium event for another four years, they must begin to wonder whether the effort is worth while.
Meantime, major unions like Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Spain will be fighting for the single spot available to them. It barely makes sense.
In all probability the same teams as before will be fighting out the top places. After eight versions of the World Cup there have still been only three winners: New Zealand (five times, in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2017), England (twice in 1994 and 2014) and the United States (once, the first in 1991).
Much as we would love to see new hands holding the trophy, it seems highly unlikely. France, the most ambitious, have recently failed to hold England at home and have yet to reach a single final; and for the first time the tournament will be held in the country of the favourites, the Black Ferns. Only England have ever beaten them on their own soil, twice.
The three venues announced are all in the far north of the country. The pool and quarter-final games take place at the Central Park Stadium Waitakere, out to the west of Auckland, and the Northlands Events Centre, far to the north.
Another complaint registered in Dublin was the clash of fixtures. They were played at two grounds a few hundred yards apart, each providing three consecutive matches for the price of a single ticket – excellent value. But it was not permitted to switch across.
In New Zealand the two pool stadiums lie many miles apart- there seems little chance of moving from one to the other.
The semis, third-place and final matches will take place, as expected, at Eden Park.
Who is going to beat the Black Ferns?
