Rugby World Cup a total non event in 90 per cent of the world
Posted on Monday, October 03, 2011 at 09:41 PM
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The rugby world cup is electrifying Ireland and Britain and Australia, New Zealand France and South Africa.
Everywhere else, in about 90 per cent of the world's land mass, it is a non event.
Compared to that other British game, soccer and its' world cup it is about 5 per cent the size and scope.
If should really be called the former British colonies, plus France and Argentina and Italy world cup -- though most people in those latter two countries have no idea it is on.
We Americans are often criticized for calling our baseball game the World Series, but at least we have Canada and about 500 million people watching.
The rugby world cup has Ireland exploding in excitement. The top three stories on the Irish Times web site are all World Cup related because Ireland have made the quarter finals and have a shot at the final itself.
Yawn.
Rugby is an impenetrable game for most outsiders, memorably described as a 'thugs game played by gentlemen.'
Sure it can be exciting and good luck to Ireland, but it it is a measure of how insular the country is that they really seem to think the rest of the world is watching.
They're not and we won't.
I bet the final will merit no more than a few paragraphs in The New York Times, and not even get mentioned on major sports programs here.
So go Ireland, beat that other world power Wales next Saturday.
We won't begrudge you but hold the champagne please.
5 comments
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Aleeyne | Oct 04, 2011, 10:35 AM EDT
Rugby is the game for REAL MEN. American football is a game for pansies who pad every part of their bodies to boost their lack of real muscle and fitness. Most of them have such fat bums they should be ashamed to show themselves on camera. Some promising American rugby players showed good form when in New Zealand in the Pools matches. They too will have improved their game while in New Zealand,land of great rugby so there is every hope that more Americans will turn to the more manly sport of RUGBY.
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Fightin69th | Oct 04, 2011, 08:38 AM EDT
Rugby is a great sport. maybe you haven't given it time to grow on you. Most Americans love baseball & american football(as roibaird would say, it took me a couple of years to understand all the underlying rules of those sports, and I've come to appreicate them, I'm glad the NFL didn't have a lockout this year. Anyway, give rugby a chance, learn the rules, how the game is played, and you'll be able to enjoy a great game. In Rugby, you'll see a passion that you'll never see in any sport, (Youtube Ireland vs England Croke Park 2007 National Anthems) Still sneds shivers down my spine
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roibaird | Oct 04, 2011, 12:20 AM EDT
Holy Jaysus! What a report!Get a life Sean!Rugby is top class 80 minutes of complete physical endurance !! and very little padding I might add .
thugs game played by gentlemen.'????????????? Try telling that to the Welsh !! where rugby has been played in most mining villages in the past. try telling that crap to the Kiwis where rugby is more than a sport , its a religion !
worse still try telling that to the Boks! Y0ure away off beam mate
and
whats your point in saying
"If should really be called the former British colonies, plus France and Argentina and Italy world cup -- though most people in those latter two countries have no idea it is on.:"
to me that smells! of anti anti anti british
as for your American football----------thst is only known in America.
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AliceBernadette | Oct 03, 2011, 09:48 PM EDT
Well that's the difference between Irish and Irish Americans. I live in Australia and have followed the Irish rugby team for years. I've followed them through the highs and lows. Rugby is a wonderful game and very strategic. Not having America watching is not going to dampen Ireland's delight if they manage to knock off Wales this weekend one bit. Good luck Ireland.
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