Eh - what's that got to do with it? I meant how participating in tournaments with better teams has helped improve a previously ****e team.
Jonathan Pearce on Cavani's barren spell for his country: "I remember Alan Shearer having a similar barren spell in the run up to Euro 2006." Don't worry John, you're only 10 years out, and making up tournaments...
Sorry, should have been clearer. It's not difficult to improve as a part of the 6 nations competition, when outside of those 6 nations teams the standard of Rugby Union is dreadful. Has anyone seen USA and Russia play Rugby? It was beneficial to include more teams in the 'Nations' Rugby competition as more teams equals more games equals more revenue from television. It also made the competition more interesting than when it was four nations etc. I still don't see the relevance of your point? Teams like Tahiti/San Marino/Faroe Islands won't ever become an Italy equivalent in Rugby Union, regardless of entry into as many competitions as possible, they don't have the population to support it. What on earth is a team going to benefit from getting hammered every game? I'd say nothing. They'd benefit more from playing other international teams of a similar standard.
That's exactly what everyone said when Italy got murdered in every game of their first 6 Nations appearance and that they should go back to playing Romania and Argentina. Which is precisely my point.
Agreed - there's no real spark from either team. Uruguay seem worried by Nigeria's pace and might sit deep in 2nd half as they have Tahiti in their last game. Probably more important for Nigeria to go for the win and try to get it done and dusted tonight as they probably won't get a result against Spain
Goal difference seems like it may be vital in this group - if Uruguay need to score loads against Tahiti, they will.
Wonder if he will make that his catchphrase for next season? Obviously not when talking about our defence!
