This is a big year in the rugby world with the World Cup in New Zealand the climax. Here are the 11 things I would like to see happen in 2011…
1. No three-figure scores at the World Cup
Let this be the most competitive World Cup ever, with no runaway scores and a few surprises too.
2. Dwayne Peel to be picked in the Wales squad
With Richie Rees banned for the Six Nations, Wales should call Peel into the squad. Yes, he’s not as a physical as Mike Phillips but he’s got a superb pass and a sniping break – and would be a great asset on the bench.
3. An end to the scrum problems
Games this season have been fractured by the endless resetting of scrums. It’s boring to watch and the IRB need to step in now to sort out the problem.
4. A reduction in the number of players retiring from injury
Every week emails drop announcing the retirement of yet another player from injury, many of whom are under the age of 30 and are forced to start a new career. Player welfare is crucial and the powers that be need to ensure that all steps are taken to cut injuries.
5. Focus on the effects of concussion
The long-term effects of concussion need to be properly investigated because it is all too often ignored.
6. Danny Cipriani to excel in Super Rugby
He’s one of the most talented players of his generation so let’s hope Cipriani makes headlines with the Melbourne Rebels for what he does best than what he’s doing off the pitch.
7. Australia find a decent front row
The Wallabies have a back-line to trouble any side but until they get some good scrummaging props they can’t make the most of them. If they do, they could pose a serious threat to New Zealand’s World Cup bid.
8. The women’s game to continue to grow
After the success of last year’s World Cup, I want women’s rugby to continue to get media coverage and for the sport as a whole to grow worldwide. Girl power!
9. Referee uniformity
The range of interpretations of referees in the north and south, or even from different countries, is frustrating for players, coaches and supporters. It makes it hard for new fans, or even old ones, to understand the game and there needs to be uniformity across the globe.
10. Say what you think
Brendan Venter’s gone back to South Africa, but let’s hope there are still players and coaches who are happy to say what they really think rather than be tight-lipped and toe the party line. Honesty is appreciated by fans (and can make good headlines!) – more than such random replies as this!
11. Growing crowds
Rugby is growing in popularity for TV audiences, especially with the Magners League on free-to-air channels, but the sport needs more people through the turnstiles and enjoying it in the stadiums.
