FORZA!!! Italy beats the Wallabies...

[ism22]

Time for Marky Mark to either backflip or defect to Italy? Hate to say it but the Wallabies are going nowhere. Earlier in the year they were talking as if they were primed to beat NZ. Now it's pretty clear they're nowhere near being a world cup contender.

Swahili was carded I see. IDK... unless there's biiiig coin on the table I wouldn't personally bother switching codes in order to play for the Wallabies. Italy's better chance of winning the world cup as it stands... Japan's odds are about equal to ours :P

[Paddo Colt 61]

These blokes have a Rugby heart, doubtful coin comes into it.

[Bates]

These blokes have a Rugby heart, doubtful coin comes into it.

Do you think Suaalii moves across to RU if their best offer was $800k a year?

[Paddo Colt 61]

Do you think Suaalii moves across to RU if their best offer was $800k a year?

If coin is comparable they'll go Union. NZers probably would take less for a shot at the ABs like Roger did.

Despite the success and the obvious future potential of RL's Pacifica Championships, the Pacific is, culturally and historically, strong RU (those upper class missionaries started it) so doubtless Aussie Joe had Rugby ambitions. Besides there is the international fame consideration - lifestyle, post career job prospects, endorsements and social cache among the well healed.

[Bates]

If coin is comparable they'll go Union. NZers probably would take less for a shot at the ABs like Roger did.

Despite the success and the obvious future potential of RL's Pacifica Championships, the Pacific is, culturally and historically, strong RU (those upper class missionaries started it) so doubtless Aussie Joe had Rugby ambitions. Besides there is the international fame consideration - lifestyle, post career job prospects, endorsements and social cache among the well healed.

Nailed it as per usual PC. Your posts are always interesting, very informative and enjoyable to read.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Kind of you Batesy and likewise.

The Pacifica Champs this year were the best yet. We got an extension of the NRL season with a focus on super impressive Islander talent and an enthralling final. Brilliant by the NRL to create this growth direction which has been nurtured for several years now and could, eventually, unseat Union as the dominant sport in Pacifica though NZ will be a tough nut, Union put them on the map.

Pacifica is the future and in 30 years time will be as big as SOO. Over in the UK, by contrast, we continue to see the waning of a once glorious rivalry that sustained fans' interest for a century. Now it is doubtful that England would/could beat any of the Pacifica sides. Evolution!

[Vasco]

For someone like me that hasn't followed rugby for more than 25 years, I find it hard to get my head around Australia losing to Italy in rugby.