Can Rugby Learn From The Americas Cup?

The Americas Cup is the oldest sporting trophy in the world. Can we learn anything from this vast wealth of experience?

This years event had shown innovation like no other event, bringing freshness and excitement to a sport that could traditionally be drawn out and a little dull for non yachting enthusiasts. It's more like rugby 7's yacht racing or T20 sailing. 

But it's not the format, or the insane technological advancement of the spectacular hydro-foiling catamarans that had peaked my interest.

No. It's another innovation that Im fascinated by. 

Yesterday Oracle Team USA had taken an absolute pasting by Team NZ in the opening race of the day and looked emotionally and mentally shattered after a disasterous tactical gaff saw them surrender a 200 meter lead   To lose by almost 2km and over a minute.

USA then played a "postponement card", apparently within their rights to not come out and race the second half.

Should rugby adopt this approach? 

Been shellacked in the first half? Got your selection wrong? Kicker having an off day? Don't like the refs interpretations at the breakdown? Down by too many points? Don't like the weather? Fine! Just don't come out for the second half and declare the match a draw.

On the other hand, some people might see that as massively cowardly and contrary to the ethics of sport. Thoughts?

Good call GE. Lets please postpone this weekends game until McCaw is fit in 4-6 weeks. Coutts, the cowardly cheat, about sums him up.

GE, I think you got this the wrong way round, according to Spittal, he and Russell Coutts were talking about the rugby.

Take a look:

http://tvnz.co.nz/americas-cup-news/spithill-grasps-straws-in-america-s-rethink-5580844