Re: Rugby World Cup Final: South Africa vs England ]]
From a neutral point of view i hope Argentina are given the chance to compete in the Tri Nations as for their performances in this World Cup they deserve to be given that oppurtunity.
Even from a non-neutral point I agree with you. Unfortunately Sanzar, the ruling body in the Three Nations, only meet every 5 years (I think) to reconsider the set-up and the next change will only be in 3 years time.
One problem with Argentinia playing in the Three Nations is that they might be thumped each time they play. All their professionals are playing in Europe and the clubs might not be willing to give them off. Maybe Argentinia should take the initiative and form a third group of nations playing together grouping them, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa in a leaque for starters. As they build up their local players they later might get into the Three Nations.
Your suggestion that Ashton should continue to coach I disagree with. Rumour is that Jake White is considering applying for the job and I believe he is better than Ashton. If Jake gets the job, England might get a more expansive and better playing plan than the up-and-under type they presently play.
South Africa has their problems and will not do well in the next World Cup. I expect that quotas will be forced down on the rugby administrators and many of the present team might not be picked again due to this quotas. Already the politician in charge of the Sport portfolio in parlement, Khompele, stated last week that Jake White will not be allowed to continue as coach as he is considered a racist for not picking more non-whites. The same person also threatened before the World Cup to refuse the Springboks passports to play in this years World Cup! :(