League is the new Yawnion. Yes I am a long standing RL fan but you cant get away from the fact that in terms of entertainment Leagues going backwards whilst Union is going forwards.

Controversial but I fear it's TRUE.

Personally I prefer league (even though I played union), but where union wins out is the international game. Having more than 3 or 4 top flight teams (though union still has the same problems as league with failure to support the second tier nations) really helps having meaningful internationals year after year and not randomly every year.

In terms of style/game play I know what you mean about league becoming more boring (5 hits and a tackle), though union isn't immune to that with endless phases - both are testament to how good defences have become (largely based on league defence in both games) and how little space there is on the pitch.

Warched one of the union games that involved one team (NZ?) having twenty plus drives from forwards one out of the ruck each making less than a yard eventually after about 5 minutes touching the bottom of a Canberra Raiders milk bottle style post protector with the ball to be awarded a try.

The ball didn't get within 6 inches of the try line and impossible to defend once you are near the posts.

Honestly I was so excited. Fortunately there was a scrum awarded shortly afterwards so I had at least 5 minutes to compose myself before the ref awarded the inevitable scrum penalty for a random unattributable offence allowing for an attempt on goal giving another three minutes of edge of the seat excitement to find out whether the kick was successful.

Rugby Union media and fans are constantly positive about the game to the extent of Emperor's new clothes whilst the general media and its own fans like nothing better than talking rugby league down.

Super League fans, especially Wire fans, criticising RU for lack of entertainment brings one saying to mind - something about glass houses and stones?....

I quite like the other code too, don't get me wrong I much prefer league. Their professionalism (for the most part) and organisation has to be admired. I've enjoyed the world Cup so far.

Apparently 50m Japanese watched that game between Japan and Scotland.

It was a good game, the quarter final lineup looks good.

Was a great game. Best game of Rugby from either code this weekend.

Japan have done really well. With their home advantage, I would fancy them against any northern hemisphere side. Their match with the Springboks will be a belter.

The All Blacks are still massive favourites though. Will take them having an off day to blow this.

Japan are so quick ... feet, hands & thought. Lovely to watch.

Agree, they haven't beaten ireland and Scotland by accident. Japan v South Africa will be a brilliant game. I think they all will, great match ups in the quarter finals.

Always thought our refs and video refs are shocking but for the TMO to say that forward pass was inconclusive was laughable, at least the actual ref had the good sense to over turn the TMO. Why can’t our refs do that. Btw it was that far forward it could of been a Saint Helens special