Well, the players seem to have got what they wanted out of the contract negotiations. They were threatening to forfeit the English game this weekend. So, Wales vs England is still going ahead. We've reduced the cap requirement to be called up, allowing players with less caps in their clubs to play for the national team. Something that WRU put in place, which unfortunately only hurts the Welsh team, since we're a rather small nation to begin with.
Honestly, if I had my way I'd scrap it altogether, and just allow the manager to call up who he thinks his deserving. It'll likely be more experienced lads anyway, but at least it gives some of the youngsters a chance, and we might have some hidden talent which could help us out. You know, when Wales is only around 3 million in population wise, we need all the help we can get to compete in the competitions. Especially, when London alone has more population than our who country.
Anyway, I expect us to lose, but hopefully we get to see some of that hidden talent
. We definitely do have some youngsters that were deserving to be called up. Hopefully, that happens now.
Fair play to them anyway, they were definitely being pinched by politics and falling
salaries, not good.
I thought that 60 cap rule was also to do with a player playing outside Wales?
In Ireland we have such a rule, even more restrictive, if a player wants to play for
a club outside Ireland he is welcome to do so but he wont be considered for the
national team
unless you are Johnny SextonBest example was Simon Szebo of Munster and Ireland, went to play for Racing 92
in France which ended his career for the National team, he was a brilliant winger/full back.
The trouble also with a small population is the pool of players to pick from and Rugby
competes with other sports as it does here in Ireland, the biggest codes are Gaelic Football
and Hurling, then Soccer and Rugby after them.
If the clubs and national team do well the chances are kids at the grassroots level will
be more interested and inspired to choose Rugby.
Putting restrictions on the senior teams only damages the game in the long term.
I've only just been able to place bets on the New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific games for round one.
To win, I'm going with: Crusaders over the Chiefs, Waratahs against the Brumbies, Fijian Drua to edge out Moana Pasifika, the Blues over the Highlanders in a close match, the Hurricanes will blow over the Reds, while the Western Force will outclass the Rebel Scum.
Its certainly a busy time for Rugby, we are half way through our competitions here
and you lot are starting your seasons there. Too much to keep up with!
