Wellington - Springboks backline coach Dick Muir says the Rugby World Cup may not be the carnival of running rugby organisers are hoping for because teams will be more focussed on winning than scoring tries.
Rugby bosses have expressed the hope that rule changes, among other factors, will produce better matches in New Zealand than in France four years ago when a tournament dominated by defense was won by South Africa in a tryless final.
Organising committee chief executive Martin Snedden has even said the future of rugby's showpiece may depend on the ability of this tournament to produce sporting spectacle.
Muir said South Africa would like to play open rugby but the pressure of vying for the sport's greatest prize meant winning was No 1 priority.
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