Well-respected former Samoa and Pacific Islands coach John Boe has a simple solution for Super 14 bosses deciding upon a new team for an expanded competition in 2011.
Give the licence each year to the victorious Islander team from the annual Pacific Tri-Nations series between Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
Boe, who took Samoa to the brink of upsetting eventual champions England in the 2003 World Cup, said it was time SANZAR stopped ignoring the talent-packed island nations.
He denied a hybrid fifth Australian team boasting a host of Islanders – as spruiked by ARU chief John O’Neill – would work.
“It’s great that John O’Neill has said this but he’s said it before and it’s never ever happened,” said disenchanted former All Black Boe, who is based on the Gold Coast.
“My idea would be the winner of the Tri-Nations – whether it be Samoa, Fiji or Tonga – stand alone to play in the Super 15.
“It would give them something to aim for.”
O’Neill said an island-based team wouldn’t generate sufficient revenue for SANZAR from broadcasters, while the hybrid side could also ensure a new Australian franchise wouldn’t undermine the four existing teams.
But Boe, who also coached the East Coast Aces in the now defunct Australian Rugby Championship, said there wasn’t enough depth in Australian rugby to risk a fifth team.
“Look at what happened to the Queensland Reds when the Western Force came in and took half their players (in 2005), they are still recovering,” Boe said.
“The Force are now struggling themselves, the Brumbies aren’t what they were and the Waratahs are the only strong team.
“Australia needs to consolidate, they don’t need players going in and out of teams.”
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