IRB must put some sanity into world rugby records

Lithuanian National Rugby President, Rolandas Alksnys and Coach/General Secretary Irmantas Kukulskis said they had been waiting with bated breath as the New Zealand “All Blacks” edged ever closer to their 18-match record, recognised by the IRB (International Rugby Board). New Zealand's 16-match run ended when Australia (known as the Wallabies) held them 18-18 in Brisbane last month, allowing the Lithuanian team to remain in the history books for the years to come. "We were waiting for this moment and today we can only thank the Australian national team for helping us to keep this record,'' Kukulskis said after hearing of the result. "Rugby is not very popular in Lithuania. We're amateurs and the federation's run by enthusiasts, so we're very glad and proud to have such a record'' he said. Though the result united many Australian Rugby fans due to their ongoing world famous rivalry with the All Blacks the result did spark conflict with one Australian fan, journalist and ‘expert’ David Lord. Attacking the IRB in a disgusted tone through his Australian sports blog, Lord stated that Lithuania did not deserve such a record due to the fact that they defeated much less challenging opponents. After detailing the little significance of our Baltic nation’s contribution to world Rugby Lord wrote “Lithuania’s standing is that company is an IRB embarrassment. Fix it” before declaring “Only top eight ranked countries should hold world records”. As a Lithuanian fanatic of all walks of life it’s important to note that although my Rugby knowledge may not match that of other sports I found Lord’s contention valid only to the extent where cultural ignorance was accepted. Lithuania was a country deprived of its freedom for a majority of my mother’s and my grandmother’s lifetime. Thankfully, in the space of two and a half decades, (since the downfall of the Soviet Union) its people have got back on their feet breaking many records on the world sporting scale through dedication and integrity. Therefore when President Alksnys or Secretary Kukulskis thank Australia, I thank them in return for their participation and motivating ambitions in International Rugby. May this Lord hear us.

Dear Mr Lord, In relation to your article no rugby follower could argue what you have said in relation to the World record of most consecutive international rugby wins in history and what it would mean for New Zealand to surpass it. But your suggestions that the IRB should have a two tier record book defeats the word International in IRB. If New Zealand break the record that will be a statement in its own. But don’t use this argument as a reason to suggest that small rugby Nations should not be allowed to be mentioned near records. If it takes a Nation like New Zealand with the massive amounts of finances, professionals, medical facilities etc to gain a world record what can you say about nations that have annual budgets of less than 100,000 euros, that have the majority of players in the National team being amateurs and still have the opportunity through hard work and determination to hope to get near the record books. Cyprus is a team like that, and they only have started playing international rugby in 2007.

To be honest, I see no problem with Lithuania's name as the world record holder with 18. Sure they got the record playing teams ranked 30 to 80 in the world but they are ranked low themselves. Its not like a powerhouse beating 18 minnows to get a record. Would also boost the game considerably in their country. Anyway I wouldn't be overly concerned with the Lithuania record as I have a feeling that might be overtaken in a month, provided we don't see a miraculous Wallaby win next week. The Henry/Hansen Blacks have come close a few times already with two recent tallies of 15 so its due. With Australia, Scotland and Italy the next 3 opponents I think the Aussies are the only genuine chance to railroad the record attempt and with no Pocock and Genia that will take one huge effort. Wales and England follow them and victories in those 5 games will see 21 matches in a row with 3 more in New Zealand next June to extend to a possible 24 before a Rugby Championship game in 2013. And the biggest danger to this record? Believe it or not it is Cyprus who is currently riding a 15 match unbeaten streak.

What is record for most tries by a player in an official RWC qualifier?

Great point Dasilva!

Not to mention the socceroos and Archie Thompson have the record of most goals in an international match. 13 goals for Archie and 31-0 for the socceroos. If people like David lord have their way then these will be expunge from the record books. Records like these just make interesting trivia

I can't believe the elitist mentality in his article? What are you suggesting? The logical conclusion of your article is that while its ok for some countries to sit on he security council of the UN, they are not good enough to be considered nations for the purposes of IRB statistics. That sounds rather old fartish to me mr lord

If this is proactive trolling then kudos to DL

Thanks Jacket: I'm not really a 'Union' man, and I really learned something from those vids. (David's article, not so much)

lets be honest if that fella had grown up in NZ or australia, he'd be sitting on as many tries most likely. fair play to him.

Ummmm, the Wallabies didn't hold the Cook Cup. They lost that when they lost to England at the end in 2001 at Twickers . . . so the Wallabies were not quite as all conquering as you might think . . .

I was being sarcastic. I got to see Ohata play albeit at the very tail end of his career. He ended up rupturing both archilles and was never quite the same.

If you asked most Rugby supporters, they would say good on Lithuania, its not easy winning that many games on the trot no matter what level is played at. Nor is easy to score that many tries without being skillfull. So the IRB is correct in recognising the records. End of story,

What an insulting article, we need to grow the game outside the 'big 8' nations not demeaning them...... Well done to the Lithuanians you can only beat what’s put in front of you

And the Americans are the current rugby gold medalists (1924) beating France (sounds familar) in the final.

In the unmade sequel, he miraculously recovered from his bullet wound, fled across the English Channel to Belgium, and had gender realignment surgery.

Brilliant idea David, cunningly presented - matches against teams outside the top eight (like Scotland and Samoa) don't count. Undo them out of the record and that should keep us safe come RWC pools time. Let's do it!

Nice!

Wow, fantastic player, throughly deserved record holder, why would you not acknowledge that D'Lord?, nonsense article

Argument for the sake of it You blokes are talking crap "Did Ohata get to play outside one of the greatest attacking first fives ever"? What the ......????? What sort of BS is that.?