The newspapers are awash with preliminary details of the new Super 15 competition to commence in 2011. A 22 week extravaganza beginning in late February and extending through to early August.
On the surface, the signs are encouraging – 3 conferences of 5 franchises; 18 matches total, 9 home and 9 away; double-header local derbies for franchises within the same country; and a 6 team finals series.
What has yet to be decided upon is the make-up and location of the 15th franchise. I fear this decision process will be extremely nasty, and has the potential to scupper the entire concept from getting off the ground.
The Saffies will push strongly for the Southern Kings to be located in the Aussie conference. Not only does the SARU wish for an unfettered career pathway for non-whites, but it wishes to avoid the conflict of having to choose between the Kings and Cheetahs as the 5th South African franchise.
If this in itself doesn’t provide a headache for the ARU, it is confronted with choosing between 3 excellent locations for its own 5th Aussie franchise – Melbourne, Gold Coast or Western Sydney.
As an ardent supporter of a national comp, it is heart-breaking the ARU must make this decision, and cull two excellent options. I would suggest Melbourne ought to get the nod, but the push from the Gold Coast is gathering ominous momentum.
In another time and place Melbourne (Victoria), Gold Coast and Western Sydney could have joined Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (Qld), Canberra (ACT) and Perth (WA) in a national comp.
Thus the ARU’s neglect over 100 years of failing to develop a national domestic comp has come home to roost, and will haunt the ARU.
There are also other problems afoot. Will Aussie rugby fans willingly accept a non-Aussie franchise in their conference? Will Aussie rugby fans accept a franchise made up predominately of non-Aussie players?
I would suggest the Super 15, to commence in 2011, is far from a done deal. Not least with Aussie rugby fans with the potential to be entirely disenfranchised with the whole selection process.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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