Does anyone else think the WC is wrong

[cpwigan]

Not sure. Have to think.

The biggest downside to the groups of 3 is potential for dead rubbers come the last match. However, this has happened with the 4 team group already. The sacrificial lamb has been a problem though. I did think France would be better and ready to take that role.

The minnow groups has been a real success though.

[exile in Tiger country]

England were not a disgrace. They tried but they were up against the best. Scotland got beat by a French team who got trounced by a Fiji team that had several amateurs in it. Ireland were give 2 ludicrous tries and a massve penalty count and a 1 man advantage BUT still could not beat Tonga. The Northern Hemisphere has done badly.

The format is fine. Previous formats using suggestions you outline were far worse. Bar matches involving Australia we have seen an excellent World Cup.

A/B has a better suggestion lol

Maybe dilute the Aussies further. Aboriginee Aus, NSW Aus, Queensland Aus ..

A mate of mine said last year after state of origin that if Queensland and NSW entered the world cup as seperate teams, they would be the finalists. The aussies are that much better than everyone. I still think we can beat the Kiwis, but probably not aus.

[cpwigan]

He's probably right Exile

[robjoenz]

From a pool of 4 three go through. The others from a pool of 3 leave 1 another pool of 3 leave 1 then 1v1 so from 6 only one has a chance of the semifinal slot. I know these things have to be seeded but this takes the buscuit. England can go into the semi's winning 1 game. Scotland has to win a group a playof against a second group then semi and final A bit like 6th in the playoffs. Jim

Fair point but can you think of a better setup? There is no ideal format.

If England were in the same group as Scotland along with France then Scotland wouldn't have registered their first ever WC win

[cpwigan]

Maybe we can run 3 groups of 4 with Lebanon and Wales added. Still same structure of groups. Top 2 go through from elite group. The top goes straight to the final. The 2nd placed elite country then plays the outright winner of Pool 2 winner / Pool 3 runner up v Pool 3 winner Pool 2 Runner up for the right to play Top 1 from the elite group in the World Cup Final.