Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
Well I guess they're 4th in the world because they made it to the semis, but I find it hard to say that they should be ranked on the basis of one game, and even one tournament in that way. I mean let's say they run the table and win, do you really rank them ahead of the All Blacks, SA and Australia? That doesn't seem quite right.
I would have a hard time slotting them ahead of the Welsh, Irish, Scots, France and England really. The trouble with these rankings is that they really reflect recent history only at this point. Like Ireland lost to Argentina this weekend, so clearly they drop back to 6th. I think that as with any sport the rankings here are pretty subjective. I would think that Ireland wins that game more often than not if everyone is healthy.
This ranking from 6 months out pegs the Pumas at #9 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...3236258(Canada at 11, before a terrible summer). Is 9th too low...maybe, but it depends on where you drop the countries above I mentioned. |
The problem with the rankings is that the country's being ranked don't play each other enough to affect the rankings.
As they continue to develop players through the RC and Super Rugby they will get better and better. Remember for much of the 2000-2010 their best players left to go to mainly France. Now they will stay home, the most recent results are a reflection of the increased level of play in the RC. The 6 Nations doesn't hold a candle to that competition. They will be playing the top teams in the world since 2005 or 2006?
I don't agree that a top choice Irish side win that game "more often than not".