Q: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THIS WORLD CUP?

scrum ones. The TMO question is also about consistency and we are still seeing them get things wrong. I want the referee to assume more of the decision making again.

It is up to teams to be prepared for whoever is taking charge of their match because you do have a good idea of how they control a game. We have the technology to help the referee so let’s use it to get the decision right and players just want justice on the pitch.

Fitzy, you and I were watching Queensland in Super Rugby recently when the touch judge said categorically that the player’s foot was in touch and no try. The referee asked him again was he sure and he said yes and the ref still went to the TMO who proved the touch judge right! Refereeing will be a factor in the World Cup and everything will be referred but let’s remember that no referee goes out to have a bad game.

Being in England — the biggest rugby market — is important and they are using some great stadia. I hope that England do well because the excitement around the tournament will be fantastic for rugby. If they get knocked out of the pool it will be woeful — like your cricket team!

Let’s not bring cricket into this. I am really excited about going to watch rugby at St James’ Park in Newcastle — what a venue to invade for a while. We are also taking matches to the Olympic Stadium and I can’t wait to experience those unique occasions.

This will be the most competitive World Cup ever staged and it will be a wonderful experience for all the fans from here and abroad. What happens off the field is as important as the play on it in terms of promoting the game.