Tri-Series - good or bad decision?

[The Observer]

If we are going with the Tri Series exclusively as our intenrational competition, what format should we use? Considering that people were a fan of the 3 match test series model as well, why not have each test nation play the others three times each and have the top placed team at the end crowned tri series champions? This way the Trans Tasman Series, the Ashes series and the Baskiville/Baskerville Cup could all be contested and integrated into the Tri Series.

If we use this season's draw as a guide, then the Roos and the Kiwis could play the ANZAC Day test in April (it is rumoured to be coming back), then play two more tests in the two weeks after the NRL Grand Final to decide the TT series. The last test would fall on the same weekend as the SL Grand Final.

The the Kangaroos could fly over and play the Ashes series over three weeks against the Lions. Finally the Kiwis could fly over and play the 3 test Baskiville Cup against the Lions. It would finish on the last weekend of November, each nation would play 6 tests against the other two top nation, and the fans would not get short changed.

The current proposal for a round robin of one test each followed by a final short changes the fans of enough football. This format is the same as 1999, and that was a joke. GB lost two games and suddenly they were the worst team in the world.

Even playing two games between each starves the League fan of the magic of the test series.

Some might say this will be overkill, and will give the teams too much top football, but the players and the fans want quality international football. The broadcasters, whether it be BBC or Sky, would also love to have this number of tests.

 

[yakstorm]

The Ashes are gone until 2007, which just happens to be the year of games centenary in Australia. Surely an excuse for some special extravaganza.

Perhaps this period should also be used for more matches between the lesser nations.

Anyway, it gives the sport some breathing space, some time to plan ahead.

Why do the Ashes have to disappear till 2007? Why not capitalise on what the Tri-Nations (Union's SANZAR one) does, ie. having the nation specific shields still up for grabs as well? )

That means the likes of Britain could win the Baskerville, Ashes and Tri-Nations trophy all in the same year.

Edit: Sorry should of read Jokers post before adding mine.

 

[Big-Hitter]

Speaking as a Brit, I can see the merits in a tri-series (although serious thought has to be given to the format) even if it may come at the expense of traditional three-test series (although not necessarily).

However, staging three in a row in England is a REALLY BAD IDEA.

Why not take the middle one to NZ? At least the British players (and the fans for that matter) would be able to look forward to an overseas tour.

The current plan is the probably the worst case of overkill I've seen and gives British players no hope of touring Down Under (something we all dream about when we're kids).

How many times can us Brits be expected to get excited about tests at the McAlpine or the JJB, without getting the chance to venture Down Under? Can you blame people like Iestyn Harris for switching to Rah-Rah when this is all they have to look forward to?

WHY DON"T YOU GUYS START A CAMPAIGN TO HAVE THE 2005 TRI-SERIES MOVED TO NZ!

 

[The Observer]

The RLIF may have offered to stage the next 3 Tri Series in GB in order to give Richard Lewis & the RFL good leverage to secure a better TV rights deal from the BBC and/or Sky. While British players won't get to tour the SH for a while, ATM its the best thing for RL in the UK that you do host the series.

Also, the RFL have always been enthusiastic about staging tournaments at that tie of year; NZ are too but may not be as capable or as profitable and the ARL simply apathetic. I do hope that Aus/NZ tests are staged in the SH as I suggested above.

 

[knights 2004]

what are they gonna do if NZ and Aus get into the final? and its held in england? maybe they should hold the 1st leg of the tournament over here and the 2nd half ova there or vice versa

 

[Razor]

what are they gonna do if NZ and Aus get into the final? and its held in england? maybe they should hold the 1st leg of the tournament over here and the 2nd half ova there or vice versa

There isnt' going to be a final

GB-Aus
NZ-Aus
GB-NZ

2 pts for a win. Whoever finshes on top wins. If they are tied on 2 pts each, then f&a will decide. Still even then whoever won the match between those 2 countries decides.

 

[knights 2004]

thats the dumbest thing ive eva heard