The News Review:
- Rugby: McAlister backs the old firm
- David Leggat: Netball shares rugby’s dilemma
- BBC SPRT / RUGBY UNIN
- BBC SPRT / RUGBY UNIN
Rugby: McAlister backs the old firm
New Zealand Herald – Nov 17, 2007
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David Leggat: Netball shares rugby’s dilemma
New Zealand Herald – Nov 17, 2007
Some games were horrible. Just as at the Trusts Stadium too often you’d arrive knowing the result the only issue being the size of the win or more pertinently the chasm of the defeat. But the issue for both sports is this: do you offer the incentive for the lesser nations to test themselves against the heavy hitters or make the world championship a narrower more elite event? In the International Rugby Board’s case they are deciding between 20 and 16 teams for New Zealand in 2011. Netball should be looking at eight. The top four – and show me another sport where the gap between the fourth and fifth-ranked countries is as massive as it is in netball – and a second division competition held in advance with the prize for the best four being a trip to the top table. If the top four fancy a crack at each other every other year in a super duper special challenge fine. But you can’t completely shut the door on the lightweights or we’ll be stuck in Groundhog Day 20 years from now.
BBC SPRT / RUGBY UNIN
BBC News – Nov 17, 2007
The first half was a scrappy affair lit up only by Nick Easter’s burst-through from the line-out to score a try in stoppage time. The quality of play improved after the break with Jason Spice’s try giving the Blues the lead for the first time. But Chris Malone promptly kicked Quins level and neither side did enough in the remaining stages to merit the win. 606: DEBATE "What do you think of the Team of the Week?" Sean_D Harlequins dominated the opening quarter but all they had to show for it was Malone’s penalty conceded after Ben Blair had struggled to gather a towering up and under.
BBC SPRT / RUGBY UNIN
BBC News – Nov 17, 2007
A woeful first half defensive display from the home side saw the outstanding Fraser Waters score two tries and help create the third for George Skivington. The Scarlets got a Simon Easterby try and exerted early second-half pressure. The Wasps defence held out and Danny Cipriani and Riki Flutey completed the rout before a late Mark Jones score. 606: DEBATE "What do you think of the Team of the Week?" Sean_D After an emotional tribute to Llanelli and Wales legend Ray Gravell whose funeral was held at Stradey Park this week the visitors took an early grip on territory and possession.