I do try and enjoy RU, and lord knows I've watched the internationals on TV since I was 5 or 6, but Saturday's was a classic example of why it so frequently dissapoints me. Barely a couple of minutes of open rugby in the entire match and the team who wanted to play it (NZ) were stifled by the unfathomable rules and the oppositions desire to exploit them.

Used to play both at a decent level. I found Union was much easier to play ( I was a stand off back in the day ). League was much more physical and demanding on the body.

Agreed. The international game is just so much better though. Don’t you think watching England v Tonga almost feels like an amateur game (atmosphere/buzz wise) after watching big Union Internationals? Incredible how far behind we’ve fallen…..

Atmosphere wise we aren't even close, which is what really holds the game back. The loss of Kangaroo tour's, a casualty of summer rugby, and then ashes series robbed the sport ( in this country) of it's only compelling international spectacle. Such a shame because on the pitch the game is still far more exciting than RU. Here's hoping HQ sells out this week and it has the feel of a proper test match.

This is where they have the edge, even a mid tier game can suddenly with a bit of marketing savvy etc turned into an "Event" I mean look at when they had those double headers etc at Wembley - Packed out. I dont even follow the game but that story was everywhere to an extent that even myself, a RU avoider still know about it.

They might have an arguably inferior product but they cant half sell it.

The cracks are appearing though, especially in the Southern hemisphere. If the NRL play their cards they could wipe RU out of Australia and become the dominant code in oceana.

Problem they are having is getting youth through into the top echelons. (at least in some of the articles Ive been reading)
They are having to "buy in" talent to cover the gaps appearing as they just cant get them through the systems quick enough as the NRL is a far, far more attractive proposition to younger players with the exposure and $$$ available.

They've tried everything to speed up the game in the southern hemisphere to make the game more attractive to crowds etc but the NRL is far quicker and more attractive.

I think you have hit the nail on the head.
The marketing and publicity international games get in Union is streets ahead of our game.
Even non Union followers speak about a day at Twickers similar to going to the Grand National for example.
Most people who are not ardent League fans don`t even know there`s a test match on.
My kids who used to go to Headingley when they were young before moving down South now know very little about what`s happening in the world of RL.

WTF is wrong with RL? Even the pacific final was played in front of half empty stadium…..

One thing that really helps is the competitiveness of international RU. The game itself at that level is almost designed to let teams who have no passing ability or decent backs to compete with teams with really fluent attacking teams. No tries in you? No problem, just kick to the corners and win penalties.
The difference in quality between the All Blacks backs and England's for example is not far off as big as between the Kangaroos and England. RU allows England to compete regardless. In RL you cannot starve the opposition of the ball, or score enough points from kicks to win games. Our game rewards teams that move the ball around and aim to score tries. That's why most of us like it, but it does mean that gaps in quality get ruthlessly exposed, and I'm not sure there's any way to artificially close the gap even if everyone wanted to.

The way RU treats internationals as events is a huge difference. Forget the game and the score, its an event. Too many RL fans and pundits obsess about the game itself, and frankly make the whole thing sound boring. When minnows get smashed at the RL world cup, its all about what a joke it is and how fewer teams should be allowed in. When the same happens in RU its all about plucky underdogs doing their best.

RU fans also seemingly care far less about notions of 'purity' when it comes to international teams - the hysteria of some RL fans is unbelievable when someone could be selected to play for England under exactly the same rules used in RU, whether it be residency or grandparents.

The other major factor is the number of competitive teams and competitions at international standard. Every year you have a six nations which is relatively competitive, you have a tri nations with aus, nz, South Africa and Argentina which is again relatively competitive. You then have second tier nations players underneath, again relatively competitive.
You have an under 20 six nations and World Cup. You have a world sevens tournament and Olympic entry.

We basically have 3-4 teams in league that it is worth having an international game with. We play small numbers of games that aren’t very competitive or much of a spectacle. I have been to see England v France mid season and it is a total waste of time. It’s boring to watch England score 60 points against opposition they shouldn’t be playing.

For all the talk of growing the game. Having a team in London, a team in wales, a team in Dublin and a team in Scotland who try to make the game accessible in those areas and encourage some younger players to play would make a huge difference. There are so many people in Leeds, wigan, st Helen’s and the surrounding areas and that number of people isn’t enough to prop up a whole sport.

Perhaps everyone was listening to the game on the radio?