Rugby World Cup set to change controversial anthem audio
The uproar over pre-recorded ‘choir’ anthems at the Rugby World Cup has apparently led to the possibility of a change in plan.
One of the rather unexpected talking points at the Rugby World Cup in France has been the playing of pre-recorded national anthems by a children’s choir before matches, which has been met by largely widespread dismay.
Although the cadence of the choir has been tolerable for some national anthems, it has certainly not suited the large majority, with many social media users and several former players calling for a change.
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Some criticism has suggested that the recording does not seem to be in sync, while others insist that it is ruining the build up just prior to the matches.
According to highly respected French publication Midi Olympique, though, organisers have taken notice of the complaints and meetings are apparently taking place this week to determine whether or not the choir should be ditched.
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Another idea could see the choir being used at the start of the anthems before turning it off for the second half of the song to allow the audience and players to sing it by themselves.
After an action-packed start to the tournament, the next set of games will begin from Thursday onwards.
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RUGBY WORLD CUP POOL MATCHES
Thursday, Sept 14 – France v Uruguay, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 9pm
Friday, Sept 15 – New Zealand v Namibia, Stadium de Toulouse, 9pm
Saturday, Sept 16 – Samoa v Chile, Stade de Bordeaux, 3pm
Saturday, Sept 16 – Wales v Portugal, Stade de Nice 5.45pm
Saturday, Sept 16 – Ireland v Tonga, Stade de la Beaujoire, 9pm
Sunday, Sept 17 – South Africa v Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, 3pm
Sunday, Sept 17 – Australia v Fiji, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, 5.45pm
Sunday, Sept 17 – England v Japan, Stade de Nice, 9pm
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Wednesday, Sept 20 – Italy v Uruguay, Stade de Nice, 5.45pm
Thursday, Sept 21 – France v Namibia, Stade de Marseille, 9pm
Friday, Sept 22 – Argentina v Samoa, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, 5.45pm
Saturday, Sept 23 – Georgia v Portugal, Stadium de Toulouse, 2pm
Saturday, Sept 23 – England v Chile, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 5.45pm
Saturday, Sept 23 – South Africa v Ireland, Stade de France, 9pm
Sunday, Sept 24 – Scotland v Tonga, Stade de Nice, 5.45pm
Sunday, Sept 24 – Wales v Australia, OL Stadium, 9pm
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Wednesday, Sept 27 – Uruguay v Namibia, OL Stadium, 5.45pm
Thursday, Sept 28 – Japan v Samoa, Stade de Toulouse, 9pm
Friday, Sept 29 – New Zealand v Italy, OL Stadium, 9pm
Saturday, Sept 30 – Argentina v Chile, Stade de la Beaujoire, 3pm
Saturday, Sept 30 – Fiji v Georgia, Stade de Bordeaux, 5.45pm
Saturday, Sept 30 – Scotland v Romania, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 9pm
Sunday, Oct 1 – Australia v Portugal, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, 5.45pm
Sunday, Oct 1 – South Africa v Tonga, Stade de Marseille, 9pm
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Thursday, Oct 5 – New Zealand v Uruguay, OL Stadium, 9pm
Friday, Oct 6 – France v Italy, OL Stadium, 9pm
Saturday, Oct 7 – Wales v Georgia, Stade de la Beaujoire, 3pm
Saturday, Oct 7 – England v Samoa, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 5.45pm
Saturday, Oct 7 – Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France, 9pm
Sunday, Oct 8 – Japan v Argentina, Stade de la Beaujoire, 1pm
Sunday, Oct 8 – Tonga v Romania, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 5.45pm
Sunday, Oct 8 – Fiji v Portugal, Stade de Toulouse, 9pm
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The Springboks in a huddle. Photo: SA Rugby website