Guaging the gaps

Plate competition proposed to IRB

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Posted: Friday October 08, 1999 07:06 PM

Romania feels a plate competition would be more attainable for countries not seriously in contention for the World Cup. AP

DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) -- Romania's rugby technical adviser John Phillips proposed the introduction of a "plate" competition for future World Cups at a meeting with International Rugby Board officials Thursday.

Under the plan, teams which missed out on the quarterfinals would have their own playoffs to help determine world rankings.

IRB tournaments manager Fraser Neill said the idea would get "full consideration."

"You've got to go through the benefits and detriments of an idea such as this," Neill told The Associated Press.

Phillips said the playoffs for the weaker teams would help gauge the gap between the top sides and the next tier.

"When that's done then discussion can take place on how best to bridge that gap," said Phillips.

"I've spoken about this to the IRB today and I'm looking at officially forwarding this as a proposal for the IRB to consider before the next World Cup."

Neill said the cost involved could prove a problem but Phillips disagrees.

"You've flown the sides in and you'd have to fly them out again but apart from some extra accommodation I don't see how it could be a huge financial strain on the tournament," Phillips said. "Not when they're making 50 million dollars profit from it."

The World Cup, which will next be hosted by Australia in 2003, is run by a private company and not the IRB.

A plate competition would mean more matches, but would also lead to more ticket revenue and perhaps television money.

The extra play might also prove helpful at the end of the tournament when the real finals are stretched out with big gaps in between.

Phillips, a New Zealander, earlier in the tournament called on the IRB to increase funding for the second tier rugby nations.

The plate scenario is used in Sevens competitions, notably in Hong Kong where Phillips says teams often set their sights specifically on winning that playoff.

"I honestly think the support will be there from the other nations for this idea," Phillips said. "It gives them something to keep going for."

Neill said rugby playing nations gathered in April to discuss ways to improve the World Cup, but said the plate concept was raised for the first time Thursday.

"You've got to look at what the standard of competition is like," Neill said. "People are calling for things like this now because there are disparities. But the goal is for the World Cup to move forward and become more even."

His job is to help nations organize tournaments to increase their standards.

 

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