Nick Farr-Jones: Down, definitely not out

COMMENT

Some have been critical of the lopsided nature of many of the rugby pool matches so far.

From day one it was inevitable, but you certainly cannot be critical of the spirit and courage that many of the minnows have displayed in the face of their Mt Everests.

Before the smaller nations climb on board their planes and disappear to the four corners of the world, it is worth again repeating that those charged with taking the global game forward need to develop properly resourced strategic plans to reduce the ever-widening gap between the professional heavyweights and the amateur rest.

It seems to happen that every time world rugby gets together there is discussion about the need to plan ahead and assist the small, but as we disappear administrators naturally return to concentrating on the wellbeing of their own backyard. Sadly that agenda rarely has room for the minnows whose corporate attraction is minimal.

But surely it is not too difficult to have, say, the eight members of the International Rugby Board assigned three nations each, with a simple brief to assist in whatever way in developing the game in those countries.

When we get back together in 2007 in France each of the IRB members could then present the ways they have gone about their brief.

Provision of coaching and sponsorship resources, accommodating tests and tours by provincial teams are obvious ways that the big brothers can provide assistance. If the IRB profit expectations from this year's event come to fruition then surely some of those funds can be directed towards the programme.

Long-term structures also have to be implemented.

There has been talk of expanding the Super 12 tournament to accommodate more teams. The plight of the amateur Argentines was passionately expressed by their captain, Agustin Pichot, as he pleaded with Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill to consider including the Pumas.

But O'Neill's priority is to nationalise the game in his backyard. He has said many times he wants Super 12 teams in Melbourne and Perth. The Japanese, too, want in and there has been talk of a combined Pacific team.

With the different cultures this would be disastrous so Fiji, Tonga and Samoa would also put up their hand. And there ain't enough room for everyone's ambitions.

Let me propose a simple solution.

A second-tier Super 12 which would also include Canada, the United States, China/Hong Kong, Korea and Namibia if Zimbabwe can't get their political act together.

The obvious question would be the costs and funding. As to costs, have a pool of four teams stay in one destination for a month rather than travelling vast distances. Play each other and move on.

On the funding side, I think I am going to have to get in Lachlan Murdoch's ear in an upcoming match. But for starters get some big hitters on board to grow the interest of the game in certain countries.

A few years ago we took the World Cup to Japan. The then Prime Minister, Mori san, a former player, expressed a great desire to become patron of the Japanese team.

Ask another former charismatic leader and player, William Jefferson Clinton, to take on the same role maybe with a promise that the US would down the track host a World Cup.

I am not sure how good Bill was as a player in his days at Oxford University but one thing's for sure: he would be an interesting guy to go on a rugby tour with. I can't imagine with such initiatives corporate sponsors wouldn't climb on board.

The structure would also solve O'Neill's dilemma of Melbourne or Perth: include them both. And to add some spice to both divisions of Super 12 have a system of promotion and relegation - two up, two down. That would keep the bottom dwellers honest for once.

One final thought as we farewell the minnows: Is there any chance we could get rid of the dastardly third/fourth playoff on the Thursday before the final?

The previous four matches have been duds. The players don't want to be there, nor do spectators, still disappointed their team were beaten a few days earlier in the semifinal.

Replace it with a Barbarian game comprising players from all teams who excelled in the pool matches.

To add some spice make it Northern Hemisphere v the South. At least this way some of the players from the smaller nations would get to hang around a bit longer, rewarded for their enterprise.

* Nick Farr-Jones captained Australia to victory in the 1991 World Cup.

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