Monye: Tier Two Nations deserve more support after thrilling World Cup Pool stages

BT Sport Ambassador Ugo Monye was speaking on behalf of the Urban Rugby Squad, a partnership between BT Sport’s The Supporters Club, Restart Rugby, the Official Charity of The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), and Premiership Rugby.

Former England international Ugo Monye believes that the Tier Two rugby nations have shown that they deserve to be playing competitive rugby more frequently after shining in the World Cup pool stages.  

The group phase of the tournament ended on Sunday which meant that some truly remarkable teams and their performances have departed from the World Cup.

Japan won the hearts of a nation, and maybe even the rugby world, with their history making victory against South Africa and considering an estimated 20 million viewers tuned in for their win over Samoa, just shows that the tier two sides should not be disregarded.

It wasn’t just Eddie Jones’ men who lit up the pool stages. The likes of Georgia, Canada and even Fiji certainly gave fans their money’s worth.

And Monye is keen that the value of these tier two nations doesn’t slip under the radar whatever happens post the World Cup Final.

Monye said:  “So much beforehand was said about what to expect and I said it could be the most open World Cup we have seen and it has really lived up to that.

“For me, up to now, it has been the story of the Tier Two nations who have really stepped up. I think something does need to be looked at in order to give them more consistent and competitive rugby. You look at Japan – what a story they were, Fiji, Tonga, Canada they have all been incredible.”

The clear improvement of the Tier Two nations is clear, but now all attention turns to this weekend’s quarter-finals with all four ties proving a northern hemisphere v southern hemisphere match-up.

Many people are still tipping New Zealand to retain the Webb Ellis Trophy, despite them not hitting top gear just yet, but Australia’s recent performances against England and Wales has highlighted that Michael Cheika’s men certainly have the capability of lifting the World Cup for the third time.

"Now we will have to sharpen our focus and concentrate on the Tier One nations,” said Monye who played 14 times for England during his career

“Its hard to call who is going to win. It’s hard to rule out the All Blacks and you’d be stupid to do that! But you look at Australia and they are probably playing the best rugby of the tournament, so I am really excited about what is going to happen over the next few weeks, starting with the quarter-finals.”

Monye played near enough all his career on the wing for Harlequins and England before retiring at the end of last season.

The 32-year old has been impressive by New Zealand’s wingers so far and believes that could give them the extra edge not only in their quarter-final v France on Saturday, but for the rest of the tournament.

He added: “Nene Milner- Skudder jumps out at me. Five caps and six tries scored is an incredible record.

“It’s not just about his try scoring, it’s about him setting people up and assisting them. He’s got a wonderful brain and the season just gone was his breakthrough season in the Super 15 so to translate that into playing into the World Cup shows he is an outstanding talent.

 

“On the other wing you have Julian Savea. Scored a hat-trick in his last game and if they continue to have excellent tournaments then I think New Zealand can go all the way.”