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Rugby League

Smith backs World Cup format

20/04/2007

Tony Smith, the new national rugby league coach, has defended the unusual format for the 2008 World Cup.

Smith, who is currently in charge of Leeds Rhinos and is the part-time head coach of Great Britain, will take over the coaching role of England at the end of the season when the Lions side is broken up into individual nations.

And he has said that while onlookers may find the group draw for the rugby league tournament in Australia next year "surprising", it was in the best interests of the game.

"I think at first fans will be surprised to see three of the top seeds in the same group," said Smith.

"However, on closer inspection they'll see it's a great move for producing a highly competitive World Cup."

Smith added that the draw in the current format, which features one 'super pool' of Australia, New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea from which three teams will qualify, would avoid the early tournament mismatches of previous years.

The winners of the two other three-team groups will then play-off for the fourth semi-final spot and Smith claimed it would be the perfect opportunity for the lesser nations to enjoy a competitive tournament.

"The draw is great news for some of the developing nations of rugby league," he said.

"Often in World Cups you see mismatches in the early rounds which aren't good for the teams taking part, nor the fans watching in the stands or on their TVs at home."

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