12 replies to this topic

[bar red]

Having watched yesterdays game and although giving everything they were totally outplayed and afterwards seemed demoralised. It looks ominous for next years WC attendances if this remains the same. Its obvious they have talented youngsters for the future but for the present and for next years WC imo.they need a couple of marquee RU signings. Maybe the nutter Andy Powell who always seemed more suited to our game or even Gavin Henson. Not sure how this could be managed but am sure it would put 1000s on the gate and create mucho PR interest. Seriously think something has to be done or it could lead to another damp squib .At least Powell wouldn,t need to get a taxi home, only a shopping trolley and a motorway!

[EastLondonMike]

it might put a few extra bums on seats, but thats about it. The Welsh RL would probably be better off spending their time and money educating the current crop of Welsh lads on whats required to play at a higher level rather than wasting it on two old RU players who'd probably need more educating than the current young lads.

[cardifcrusaderrob]

Thats about as likely to happen as me playing on the wing for England in a pink tutu. The team are not dead and buried ,we were missing some key players like Williams and White as well as not being able to call upon much of the Australian contingent who have turned out in the past. The defence needs alot of work but Wales has not suddenyl gone back to the beginning in the space of one game. It just highlights the nature of international rl, the top three are well ahead of the rest at the moment. Wales v Italy next year wiill be a very different matter. Powell and Henson are over the hill now anyway.

The only thing they need to worry about attendance wise is that games in the 'Heartland' are as close to sell outs as they can get.

[Evil Homer]

England will probably struggle to break 10,000 for next week's match against France, so I hardly think this is an accurate measuring stick for the WC.

[Scubby]

In 10 months time everyone will have forgotten about this game. I predict 50,000 plus a Cardiff for the double-header and if Wales win it is all systems go. People have really short memories. A few years ago Wales RU side lost by 96 to SA on their summer tour. Come the following autumn internationals it was all forgotten.

[bar red]

Maybe i appeared a little flippant with my suggestions for the Welsh recruitments but i think my point is valid. We should not be considering 50,000 a great turn out, we should be aiming to fill the stadium! Its obvious Wales is a RU stronghold and their players are household names so why not try to utilise any players who are maybe willing to convert. I realise it is a little late in the day for this but i think the local interest and PR would be far higher if only to see if one of " their own" could compete against the best of RL

[Wolford6]

The game's finances are so parlous that: -
- the mighty Bradord Bulls with 10,000+ crowds can effectively go bust and then be bought for £150,000 by the owner of two curry houses
- the owners of the Crusaderas couln't afford to carry on in Superleague
- Salford and Castleford are reportedly struggling

How are we going to sign at least half a dozen Welsh RU players who are already on contracts and earning £70k pa wages?

[Griff]

Not going to happen.

[HKR AWAY DAYS]

England will probably struggle to break 10,000 for next week's match against France, so I hardly think this is an accurate measuring stick for the WC.

Yes, especially as our ground's limited capacity is a shy over 9k

I expect 5k to go.

[keighley]

I think there will be a good attendance at Cardiff. It's the opening ceremony, England V Australia is always a good draw and Wales are at home in their national stadium.

The big drawback will be if Wales lose to Italy which will effect the attendances at Neath and Wrexham and the 1/4 final at Wrexham if Wales don't qualify. Italy will have Minicello and many other heritage Aussie/Italians from the NRL so it's a real possibility that Wales will lose.

[Odsal Outlaw]

I think there will be a good attendance at Cardiff. It's the opening ceremony, England V Australia is always a good draw and Wales are at home in their national stadium.

The big drawback will be if Wales lose to Italy which will effect the attendances at Neath and Wrexham and the 1/4 final at Wrexham if Wales don't qualify. Italy will have Minicello and many other heritage Aussie/Italians from the NRL so it's a real possibility that Wales will lose.

Good point ref the Italians, a major risk at the WC is countries like Wales who are bringing through homegrown players and have a proper development programme are beaten by a bunch of Aussies pretending to be Italian for 3wks. Feels a bit wrong!

[flyingking]

Good point ref the Italians, a major risk at the WC is countries like Wales who are bringing through homegrown players and have a proper development programme are beaten by a bunch of Aussies pretending to be Italian for 3wks. Feels a bit wrong!

Perhaps before selection potential players could be asked what is their favourite meal. If they opt for lasagne accompanied with a glass of red wine, then they are in. If they go for barbecued shrimp and a crate of Fosters then they should be told they do not meet the eligibilty rules, bye-bye.

[Johnoco]

Perhaps before selection potential players could be asked what is their favourite meal. If they opt for lasagne accompanied with a glass of red wine, then they are in. If they go for barbecued shrimp and a crate of Fosters then they should be told they do not meet the eligibilty rules, bye-bye.

That might actually be a tightening up of the current criteria.