An even more expanded version was tried in 1997 but attendances were generally pretty poor. That was at least partly because most of the games were horribly one-sided, but even the semi-finals and the final, involving only Southern Hemisphere teams, were poorly attended.

[urlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_World_Club_Championship[/url

Not a great idea then or now in my opinion.

Certainly is their loss – the Challenge Cup is superb and historical competition

I would be happy with SL runners up or Challenge Cup winners

Or Wales, France or New Zealand

I did actually mean that! I meant here and Australia as in SL & NRL. So if Crusaders, Catalans or NZ Warriors were involved then obviously the relevant game should go there.

I don't think it's big enough to take abroad to other countries like the US yet. The only place I think it might possibly work in the US is Vegas with a massive load of Russell Crowe inspired media hype beforehand, but it would be a big media & financial risk.

I agree. Russell will only hype it up if Souths are playing but if they get Maguire I'm sure they will be in the WCC in a couple of years. Don't think taking it abroad would work yet - would be a big financial risk taking the sport to a country that has not had a real taste of it

the wwc in 97, was fantastic, 4 weeks, no wife/kids and australia & new zealand to explore, more of the same please!