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/ 30 November 2007

Rugby World Cup 2011 to stick with 20 teams

The 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will remain a 20-team competition, the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Friday. Before this year’s World Cup, where South Africa beat England in October’s final in Paris, plans for a reduction from 20 teams to 16 were being considered because of the numerous mismatches that had taken place in the previous five editions.

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/ 24 October 2007

Leave rugby’s rules alone, says Eddie Jones

Former Wallabies coach and Springbok consultant Eddie Jones on Wednesday dismissed calls for changes to rugby union’s rules after a drab World Cup final that featured no tries. Jones, who helped South Africa to their win in Paris, said the demand for change was ”Australia-centric” as the calls in that country have grown since the Wallabies’ defeat by a defensive England side.

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/ 21 October 2007

World Cup leaves mixed emotions in France

France’s first hosting of rugby’s World Cup will leave mixed emotions on the home front. The six-week long tournament was superbly organised, the grounds were packed, and there was colour and drama aplenty. But the script that had the French hosts taking on the mighty All Blacks in the final in Paris failed to materialise.

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/ 12 October 2007

Rugby revolution is coming

Spectators at this Rugby World Cup have had the privilege of ringside seats at a revolution. If there is one overarching conclusion to be drawn from the emergence of Argentina and the Pacific Islanders into major powers it is that the shape of international rugby between the quadrennial tournaments cannot stay the same.

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/ 5 October 2007

IRB must play ball

A Rugby World Cup featuring upset results pleases many, but not the International Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB likes to hide behind the profitability of the Rugby World Cup, stating that the funds raised from it go towards helping to grow the game globally. What they don’t like to see is any sign of the boat rocking.

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/ 6 September 2007

Boks get some Madiba magic

Former South African president Nelson Mandela met the Springboks in Paris on Thursday, his office announced. ”Mr Mandela wished the Springboks well after receiving a Springbok jersey from the team,” said Mandela’s spokesperson, Zelda la Grange, in a statement.