What has the Rugby World Cup Taught us In regards to the Way forward for the Sport?

The Rugby World Cup is now coming into the knockout phases. All through the match, we’ve seen a collection of stunning upsets, awe-inspiring tries and beautiful particular person performances which have actually put the match on the map.

Now the pool stage has reached its conclusion, we thought it was time to take a step again and analyze a number of the wider tendencies and information tales from the competitors. We then requested ourselves the query, what has the Rugby World Cup taught us about the way forward for the sport? Listed below are 4 learnings…

#1 New Crimson Card Legal guidelines Have Modified Tackling Perpetually

The primary spherical of fixtures on this Rugby World Cup confirmed us that the brand new tackling legal guidelines are prone to have a huge effect on the sport as we all know it. Now, head-on-head collisions shall be considered in another way than ever earlier than… particularly if there’s no try to wrap.

From the second Tom Curry obtained a pink card for a excessive sort out two minutes into England’s opening sport with Argentina, it was obvious that the brand new ‘bunker’ system can be influential within the Rugby World Cup and past.

Nevertheless, because it has additionally grow to be clear that though this evaluation system is beneficial and can assist cut back head-on-head collisions, it does want some refinement. In any case, earlier than followers actually settle for it, the referees might want to present larger consistency of their decision-making course of.

#2 South Africa’s Bench Cut up Could Change the Manner Replacements are Used

Of their sport towards Eire, South Africa used a ‘7-1 cut up’ of their replacements. This was a massively controversial tactic that some claimed contravened the ‘spirit of the sport’. Nevertheless, Eire coach Andy Farrell applauded the innovation.

By deciding on seven forwards and only one again on their replacements bench, South Africa felt that they might get the sting upfront on this bodily matchup. In contrast, Eire went with 5 forwards and three backs as they felt it allowed them to be extra versatile and reply to accidents and tactical tweaks higher.

General, this dialogue has been a little bit of a storm in a teacup. Nevertheless, it will likely be fascinating to see whether or not extra groups use their alternative bench innovatively within the coming years.

#3 Rassie’s Site visitors Gentle System Could Change Communication

Rassie Erasmus isn’t any stranger to controversy. All through this Rugby World Cup, he’s used a site visitors gentle system to speak with folks within the stadium.

Rumors have circulated that the lights have been used for plenty of totally different causes, together with speaking techniques to gamers, getting data from coaches or discovering out harm information from the medical workforce.

A pioneer and an innovator, Erasmus has at all times regarded to vary the sport. So, will he ever reveal what the system really does and can different groups then comply with swimsuit? We are able to’t wait to seek out out.

#4 The Northern Hemisphere Groups are Catching Up

Groups from the southern hemisphere have historically dominated the Rugby World Cup. In any case, England stay the one workforce from the northern hemisphere to win the competitors, and this victory got here all the best way again in 2003.

However now, the northern hemisphere groups are arguably the favorites for the match, and 4 northern hemisphere sides have reached the quarter-final stage.

With France dealing with South Africa and Eire dealing with New Zealand within the subsequent spherical, you might argue that each of the northern hemisphere’s most interesting sides will exit the competitors on the quarter-final stage. Nevertheless, it’s equally believable that every one 4 semi-final spots shall be taken by groups from the northern hemisphere. These groups are undoubtedly catching up, and rapidly.

Which of those operating themes do you assume may have the largest impression on the sport within the coming years? Tell us within the feedback under.