I think the 2017 World Cup could be held solely in New Zealand IF they already had a second team in the NRL. I'm sure Gijou and the other Aussies/Kiwis will know better than me but the idea of two New Zealand based teams in the world's best rugby competition really appeals. It opens the door for 'Island of Origin' and of course a bigger pool of players for the New Zealand national team.

I have to say Dico that I'm unusually confident about the 2013 World Cup. I'm already saving up as my idea is to take the month of work and get to as many games as possible. If the fixture list is sorted and tickets go on sale early enough I see no reason why we shouldn't see full houses and plenty of interest.

My thoughts were quite similar.

The idea was to tie it in with the introduction of a second NZ team in the NRL. Whether before or just after I think doesn't really matter although I could be persuaded to one course over the other.

The reintroduction of the NZ 'State of Origin' - the traditional North Island/South Island match - is another part of it. This has been a sad loss for the New Zealand domestic game.

I would have half the competition played out of Aus and half of NZ as to cut down on travel costs between nations and teams could be based out of one camp/city for the majority of the tournament. Two quarters in NZ and the winners playing in the NZ semi and vice versa in Australia imo. I dont know of many stadiums and their (potential) size in PNG, would they be able to generate revenue for a quarter final?

Lastly the final in Auckland would be a great idea but isn't Mt Smart the biggest stadium and only holds 35,000? Is there a 'national stadium there'?
I think it would be fantastic to see games like for example Fiji V France in places where international rugby hasn't been seen in this generation however I'd definately be looking to hedge my bets with Australia. Two different cultures and a large geographical spread playing out of one competition, would be fantastic.
Lastly I hope Wales and possibly France gets games in '13, I know the WRL are in negotiation with the RFL and third party sponsors about using the Racecourse for Wales' games. A WC should be played in a region, not a specific country imo

I actually wrote out an in depth response before hitting the delete key and my browser took me back a page losing everything so I've kept this one pretty short.

Catalancs, it's when you see things like the turnout for the All golds game in RL heartlands, or not being able to sell the DW out for games against Aus or the pathetic crowds for last years Euro cup that really worries me.

You seem to be forgetting that your fav sport will be assisting with some ground improvements for next year's kick-a-thon.



PNG are getting a new stadium in Moresby.

I also think it is about time that Baskerville's contribution is properly honoured.

The RLWC could in fact be named after Baskerville given Paul Barriere's (another natural candidate for the honour) reluctance for it to be named after him. We should, in my view, respect the (late) man's wishes in that regard.

After all, Baskerville did give his life for the game at the age of 25. During peacetime.

I don't think the World Cup should ever be named after a person.
How about renaming the Golden Boot? but it shouldnt be the wc

And which spelling would you use

Without Baskerville, there would be no international game.

You guys would, at best, probably be playing amongst yourselves within the UK.

I think it's daft to say it wouldn't have spread in some form or other.
But hey, we'd be the best at something.
The WC should always be just that The World Cup.
If not the Golden Boot the four nations. I just don't believe in naming the WC after a player, at all.

His name is used for the shield for the Test winner between you (GB) and the Kiwis already btw.

And as he preferred to use Baskerville (and had it legally changed to that), although the family name was Baskiville, most historians tend to go with the former to respect the personal choice.

I read about that although I never realised he legally changed his name.
A century ago it was common for people to adapt their names anyway, or it was in England. I'm sure 'Dally' Messenger is another

getting back on topic...

agreed that NZ should host a world cup...rather they host a 4nations solely first...to test the waters..afterall you can count the number of tests they've hosted over the last 10 years on 1 hand..(just about)

The game that never was. The (non) marketing of the All Golds game was embarrassing. My dad only knew about it when he turned the tv on and they were playing.

I knew about it for an eternity before.
It was just put across with about as much enthusiasm as a funeral and I knew no one was bothering (especially my mates i'd normally go the HJ with) so I didn't bother either