I still think we should ditch the tradition knock-out method in the cup and use a system RL is renowned in our play-off system. Will guarantee closer matches and make better use of the seeded super pool
format.
/>
I'd go one of two ways, using either 4 groups of 3 (with three SPs) or 3 groups of 4 (with 1 SP).
Already said my method for the 4 groups of 3 on the other
post.
/>
If it was 3 groups of 4, I'd go...
Super Pool - NZ (Winner), Aus (Finalist), Eng (Host), Qualifier 1
Pool 2 - Qualifer 2, Euro 2, Pacific 3, Repechage
Pool 3 - Pacific 2, Euro 3, Pacific 4, Euro 4
Qualifying competition for the European teams (Lebanon) and the Pacific teams (including USA). Everyone that makes it to the semi-finals qualifies for the WC. The winners play each other for a place in the super group (which guarantees you a place in the PO), with the loser being placed in the other groups along with the other qualifiers. A tournament for the last place can be done in a similar fashion to last
year.
/>
Play-offs as follows:
A) 1st in SP vs 1st in P2
B) 2nd in SP vs 1st in P3
C) 3rd in SP vs 2nd in P2
D) 4th in SP vs 2nd in P3
E) Loser of A vs Winner of D
F) Loser of B vs Winner of C
G) Winner of A vs Winner of F
H) Winner of B vs Winner of E
I) Winner of G vs Winner of G (Final)