Yea however all union teams at the time where essentially still in transition from Am-Pro, Wigan won this for essentially the same reason the 87 All Blacks won the first RU world cup.

Things these days i'm afraid will not be as easy. Anyone remember the Saints vs Sale game where is was 1 half of each code? That was what barely 7 years of professionalism acheived now 9 years on you have teams playing in the premiership where the marjority of players have known nothing except Pro rugby.

They did, in 2002 along with Bradford. They were eliminated in the first round, whereas Bradford (who had been stuffed by 50 points at home the night before by Saints) went on to win.

I reckon a super league team would easily win that tournament. Sam Tomkins would have a field day.

Despite some good skill on show, it is mainly about pace and seeing a gap. That is it.

An Usain Bolt could play sevens.

Like Odem says its simply down to there being only 7 players on the pitch. There's some pace, but very little above average skill on show. Train a half decent amateur RL side to pro-fitness levels and they'd do just fine in it. 7's is meaningless in terms of skill.

There is value in that. Junior coaching is now orientated around small sided games. I understand the RFL have plans for the u18 and u20 leagues to run as 9 a side for part of their season. We do so in the midlands junior RL for part of our season.

It takes far more skill to break down a 13 man defence.