Could Rugby have a World Series?
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Reports from the Daily Mail in the UK have claimed the IRB are looking at organsing a Rugby World Series that would occur every two years.
The World Series would start as a round robin as part of the Six Nations and the current Tri-Nations teams including Argentina with results counting towards the World Series. Tests between the hemisphere’s rugby teams would continue to take place between June and November.
The top two teams would play-off every two years, most likely at the new Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 people where the winner could take over in excess of AUD $20 million.
Chances are any plans of getting this up and running before the next World Cup would be unlikely but if the IRB can get all the Union’s on board then it could start by 2010.
Rugby Poll: Best Openside Flanker
The Ruck and Maul’s new Rugby Poll is on the best openside flanker in world rugby. Every year the question is posted, who is the best openside flanker?
More often than not it has been Richie McCaw in recent years but Australian’s George Smith and Phil Waugh have shown they are more than capable of going toe to toe with the All Black captain.
Let’s not forget Schalk Burger from the Springboks, Burger has been sensational since he came onto the scene and is as tough as nails which is a key attrbute of a world class openside flanker.
Even Lewis Moody has delivered at the highest stage for the English team and earnt the tag Mad Dog Moody in the process. So who is the best openside flanker in world rugby?
Vote in The Ruck and Maul Poll and share your thoughts in our comments section. Do you have a favourite openside flanker not on the poll, share what makes them the best in the world at their craft.
Scotland coaching shake-up
The Scotland coach Frank Hadden has added Mike Brewer and Graham Steadman to his coaching squad. In a canny recruitment move they have secured the former All Blacks captain Mike Brewer and former Irish assistant coach Graham Steadman.
Mike Brewer, 43, who has most recently been with Leinster as forwards coach will become the new Scotland forwards coach. Brewer’s international experience and pedigree will be of huge assistance to the Hadden and the Scots.
Graham Steadman, 46, the former rugby league international has been appointed as the defensive coach for the Scots. Steadman has delivered a similar role in recent times for Munster and the Ireland.
Scotland have recruited very shrewdly and look to be on the cusp of a rejuvenation at the international level. Hopefully with the strong coaching team they can bring this on sooner rather than later.
Scotland’s next match is on 8 November against New Zealand.