Argentina's seismic 29-23 victory over New Zealand in Buenos Aires has not only disrupted the 2025 Rugby Championship standings but also ignited calls for systemic changes in international rugby. Former England hooker Brian Moore, a vocal advocate for unpredictability in the sport, sees this upset as a pivotal moment necessitating action from World Rugby.
Moore, dismayed by the predictability that often plagued the Rugby Championship, contrasted it with the Six Nations, which he praised for its ability to churn out at least one unexpected result each year.
"For many years, the unique quality of the Six Nations has been its propensity to throw up at least one result that confounded the divinations of the best rugby oracles each year,"
Moore wrote in The Telegraph. He argued that while the Rugby Championship showcased higher quality rugby, it lacked the Six Nations' capacity for surprise, which is vital for maintaining fan interest.
Highlighting Argentina's monumental win, Moore pointed out the decade-long improvement of the Pumas, from regular underdogs to formidable contenders.
"Look at the decade-long improvement in Argentina, who have gone from the inevitable whipping boys of the Rugby Championship to a side that is capable of competing on a level with their opponents..."
This transformation, according to Moore, is the product of hard work and consistent opportunities to play against tier-one nations, regardless of immediate outcomes.
Moore's column concluded with a strong call to action for World Rugby: to create a clear and fair pathway for tier-two nations to ascend to tier-one competitions through mechanisms like playoffs every three years. Such changes, he believes, are crucial not only for the growth of the game but also for its survival against burgeoning commercial threats like the R360 professional league.
As the Rugby Championship moves into its third round with all teams evenly matched, the excitement Moore longed for is palpably back. Yet, his challenge to World Rugby remains—a call for bravery in governance to match the courage displayed on the field.
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Argentina's seismic 29-23 victory over New Zealand in Buenos Aires has not only disrupted the 2025 Rugby Championship standings but also ignited calls for systemic changes in international rugby. Former England hooker Brian Moore, a vocal advocate for unpredictability in the sport, sees this upset as a pivotal moment necessitating action from World Rugby.
Moore, dismayed by the predictability that often plagued the Rugby Championship, contrasted it with the Six Nations, which he praised for its ability to churn out at least one unexpected result each year.
"For many years, the unique quality of the Six Nations has been its propensity to throw up at least one result that confounded the divinations of the best rugby oracles each year,"
Moore wrote in The Telegraph. He argued that while the Rugby Championship showcased higher quality rugby, it lacked the Six Nations' capacity for surprise, which is vital for maintaining fan interest.Highlighting Argentina's monumental win, Moore pointed out the decade-long improvement of the Pumas, from regular underdogs to formidable contenders.
"Look at the decade-long improvement in Argentina, who have gone from the inevitable whipping boys of the Rugby Championship to a side that is capable of competing on a level with their opponents..."
This transformation, according to Moore, is the product of hard work and consistent opportunities to play against tier-one nations, regardless of immediate outcomes.Moore's column concluded with a strong call to action for World Rugby: to create a clear and fair pathway for tier-two nations to ascend to tier-one competitions through mechanisms like playoffs every three years. Such changes, he believes, are crucial not only for the growth of the game but also for its survival against burgeoning commercial threats like the R360 professional league.
As the Rugby Championship moves into its third round with all teams evenly matched, the excitement Moore longed for is palpably back. Yet, his challenge to World Rugby remains—a call for bravery in governance to match the courage displayed on the field.