Yea I have heard players say that but I have also heard them say rugby is physically harder. It does not really matter as everyone thinks the sport that they follow is better, I live in one of the most league oriented cities there is and have been to a few state of origin games but I have played rugby since I was 6 so obviously prefer it.
Back to the wc, I am surprised how poor England and Ireland played against much lower rated sides and to a lesser extent Wales and Scotland. Ireland are making hard on themselves now, as I am sure for and against points will be important in determining who goes through in that pool.