Stransky slams voting process

WHILE South Africa was dealt a hammer blow yesterday with respect to its bid to host the 2023 World Cup, the 1995 hero Joel Stransky saw his warnings come true. South Africa was announced as the preferred candidate last month, but Stransky implored the nation to keep its champagne on ice.

It turned out that the review of the three competing host nations’ bids was worth nought as France scooped most of the votes from the 39-strong panel.

After the first round of voting, France had garnered 18 votes while South Africa had 13 and Ireland the remaining eight.

A second round was held, eliminating Ireland. Of the eight votes Ireland received in the first round, only two were transferred to South Africa in the second round, and France won 24-15.

Stransky, when the preferred candidacy was laid at South Africa’s feet, was cautious about getting ahead of oneself.

“Wherever there is a vote involved, there is a political type situation and I think there will be some canvassing, entertaining and convincing to get some votes for some of the other contenders,” he said last month.

“Whether we like it or not, there is a vote, and wherever there is a vote there is doubt. In rugby, there is still a bit of an old boys’ club that governs, rules and manages the game, and that old boys’ club could swing votes.” When the vote was publicly announced, Stransky said: “We’re all disappointed and shocked.

“France will host a World Cup 16 years after they last hosted a World Cup. We hosted it in 1995; it’s an eternity ago.”