Ireland 24 def Scotland 22 (last minute try to Ireland)
Wales 74 def Russia 4 (highly dissapointing effort by the Ruski's, they have the squad to compete with anyone but were disgraced on the night)
Editorial: Euro Nations Cup is already a success
Mon Oct 27, 12:48am (UK)
Written by: Steven Birchall
Well the inaugural European Nations Cup kick off would have to be deemed a success, despite limited promotion and the event being treated as a rather ‘low key’ affair the matches have been well received by the crowds that did turn up and by the players.
This tournament isn’t meant to be Rugby League’s answer to compete against the likes of Rugby Union’s 6 Nations or Soccer’s Euro tournaments, it is meant to lay the foundation so say by the next time a Rugby League World Cup comes around (with either 2007 or 2008 looking likely) there can be an Irish team which isn’t just brought together other night, a Welsh team which has played together before and a Scottish team which has a nice mix of locals and journeymen.
Already in the first game of the tournament, everyone is waiting for next years clash where the Scottish will be seeking revenge against the Irish Wolfhounds for stealing victory from them in the final seconds.
Russia will be looking to improve and look the two heavy weights of the tournament, France and England A both haven’t even laced up the boots yet in this tournament.
Some people have already asked the RFL why hasn’t the tournament been heavily promoted and been played at huge venues and so on, the answer to that is, the RFL are taking the steps to ensure that in 5 or 10 years time, this tournament is still around. League has seen enough flash in the pan concepts and I’m sure most fans are sick of it.
This tournament will develop the players, develop the grass root following, and it is even developing new international referees such as Glen Black (New Zealand) who officiated Wales V Russia. By giving officials from the nations outside of Australia and Great Britain a chance to referee, perhaps we can one day see again when the Ashes is controlled by a neutral referee.
There are a number of huge benefits this tournament is will bring, and they are far more important than just crowds in the short term.
Wales 74 def Russia 4 (highly dissapointing effort by the Ruski's, they have the squad to compete with anyone but were disgraced on the night)
Editorial: Euro Nations Cup is already a success
Mon Oct 27, 12:48am (UK)
Written by: Steven Birchall
Well the inaugural European Nations Cup kick off would have to be deemed a success, despite limited promotion and the event being treated as a rather ‘low key’ affair the matches have been well received by the crowds that did turn up and by the players.
This tournament isn’t meant to be Rugby League’s answer to compete against the likes of Rugby Union’s 6 Nations or Soccer’s Euro tournaments, it is meant to lay the foundation so say by the next time a Rugby League World Cup comes around (with either 2007 or 2008 looking likely) there can be an Irish team which isn’t just brought together other night, a Welsh team which has played together before and a Scottish team which has a nice mix of locals and journeymen.
Already in the first game of the tournament, everyone is waiting for next years clash where the Scottish will be seeking revenge against the Irish Wolfhounds for stealing victory from them in the final seconds.
Russia will be looking to improve and look the two heavy weights of the tournament, France and England A both haven’t even laced up the boots yet in this tournament.
Some people have already asked the RFL why hasn’t the tournament been heavily promoted and been played at huge venues and so on, the answer to that is, the RFL are taking the steps to ensure that in 5 or 10 years time, this tournament is still around. League has seen enough flash in the pan concepts and I’m sure most fans are sick of it.
This tournament will develop the players, develop the grass root following, and it is even developing new international referees such as Glen Black (New Zealand) who officiated Wales V Russia. By giving officials from the nations outside of Australia and Great Britain a chance to referee, perhaps we can one day see again when the Ashes is controlled by a neutral referee.
There are a number of huge benefits this tournament is will bring, and they are far more important than just crowds in the short term.
