Rugby 2011 World Cup teams
By Stephen Lars
New Zealand Rugby Union chief Chris Moller says some innovative ideas have already been discussed regarding the format of the 2011 event which include the reduction of the number of participating teams from 20 to 16.
Since 1999 the World Cup has featured 20 teams - there were 16 in the 1987, 1991 and 1995 World Cups - which has led to bigger financial returns but more mismatches and essentially tedious games.
A recent cut for the 2011 World Cup to 16 teams could see drastic changes to the tournament’s structure. Additionally, the IRB also announced changes to the qualifying system for the World Cup, basically a decrease in the number of international matches.
“In recognition of the amount of rugby now being played and the implications on the establishment of an integrated season the RWC board has decided that there should be 12 automatic qualifying places for future tournaments,” IRB chairman Syd Millar said.
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Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on online betting for many exceptional web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.
Technorati Tags: New Zealand Rugby Union, Chris Moller, World Cup, 2011 World Cup, IRB, RWC, Syd Millar
