Players need more individual abilities, and they need to be all rated out of 20 so that there is more points of difference between each player (some decent research into player stats wouldn't go amiss either.....).
Defense system needs an major overhaul. If I wanted to sit back and watch (hope really!!) that the computer is going to make most of my tackles then I would have bought a managerial game. If they do stick with the current crap system then they would have to vastly improve the computer defense (especially on the line where you expect your computer 'buddy' to make even simple tackles), and the player selection would be pick up the INSIDE defender, rather then the outside defender, as it is much more natural to defend 'inside-out', and it would stop those annoying runs by the comp. down the centre of the field.
Have dummy halves that are not "frozen". This was done I believe to eliminate the player making most of the tackles with the 2 markers. I'm sure a better solution could be found.
All the bugs fixed (a fulltime job in itself......).
Tackling needs a major rethink. Get rid of the big hit button. Instead have a "ball and all", and a "low/diving/ankle tap tackle". The result of the tackle should be dependant on such things as speed of tackler/ runner, number of players in the tackle, strength of runner, direction of runners (is the runner stepping, is the tackle from behind-front on), tackling ability, stamina levels of players in tackle. At the moment it is a real lottery. How many times does a big tackle from behind suddenly turn into a front on high tackle??? Less high tackles is a must.......
Season mode, player form/morale/fitness fluctiations during a season, injuries (short and long term). At present there is no incentive to change from your best starting lineup. If players showed low morale/poor fitness/form at the selection stage then you would have to think about changing the team around (ala Pro evolution soccer).
The passing game is one of the worst things about the game. Rugby 2001 was far more usable. Balls don't get thrown 40mtrs backwards. Long balls should be how many times you hit the pass button (ie hit twice to miss a player etc). Off the ball supporting players need to make much better runs, cut backs, run arounds and scissor movements.
Player profiles, or even what position they play. Frustating trying to play with English teams, not knowing all their players, and trying to work out what position they play by their stats!!
In defense you need the ability to choose the fullback. Have a seperate button for the fullback so that you can select him when you want, and also not accidently select him when you don't need him (triangle button on the PS2 would be perfect).
Get rid of button bashing!!!!!!!!!!!!!Implement Pro evolution 3 running sytem!!!!
Most of all THE DEVELOPERS NEED TO PLAY PRO EVOLUTION 3 AND DESCOVER FOR THEMSELVES WHAT MAKES A TRULY GREAT SPORTS VIDEO GAME!!!!!!! It was a great effort first up, but I'd expect a big improvement in the second version.
