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Tuesday saw the unveiling of the much anticipated overhaul to the Super Rugby competition. Whether it is a positive move remains to be seen, but it certainly presents some significant changes.
The biggest transformation can be seen in the form of a conference system.
This will more than likely see the three SANZAR nations grouped according to their nationality. The magnitude of this step-forward should not be underestimated. This is the most drastic change to Southern Hemisphere rugby since the inception of Super 12 in 1996.
Southern Hemisphere rugby has taken a significant step in the direction of its Northern Hemisphere counterparts.
It is of course inevitable that this change in format will bring heated debate, and most probably opposition. Many rugby pundits have already suggested that the conference system will create inequalities across the 3 countries.
This argument seems to hold some merit too. If we take a look at this year’s competition ladder, there are 3 New Zealand sides within the top 4 and none from Australia. The table also sees 3 South African sides languishing near the bottom.
This supports the widely held belief that the NZ conference will be at a disadvantage because of the apparent strength of their sides. The fact that Australia had no teams is also highlighted as a reason for possible inequality, as this would make their conference easier.
However I believe this possible inequality is offset by the addition of a top 6 finals series rather than the current top 4. In previous articles I have been an advocate for an increased finals format and this is one of the most promising introductions to the Super Rugby competition.
The new finals format will give the top qualifiers from each pool automatic entry as well as the next 3 sides with the most points. This allows a stronger conference to have higher representation in the finals series, which should eliminate any potential disparities.
The main positive to come out of the conference format is the increase in local derby matches. In a sense this could create a mini-domestic competition within the 3 nations to gain the number one position in their conference. This should surely provide a higher level of intensity and interest in each game.
It is widely accepted that a game involving 2 Australian sides will attract a larger audience than if a foreign side was playing. In saying that, the fact that each side also plays a number of games with sides from the other 2 nations also provides variety for audiences and fans. This aspect of the Super 15 could prove to be the point of difference in the battle with AFL and NRL conversely; the presence of South Africa and New Zealand is nothing new to the competition.
From John O’Neill’s perspective, the biggest benefit of the Super 15 will be the sheer increase in rugby. This should help to promote the game as it battles with falling audiences and ticket sales.
The addition of a 5th side in Australia, if it goes ahead, will provide a new fan base as well as more potential TV viewers. While it may take a number of years for this side to become established, any opportunity for expansion is seen as a blessing for O’Neill.
All in all, this appears to be a step in the right direction for Super Rugby. There is no doubting it is not perfect, but it is definitely a significantly more bold and expansive move than what occurred in 2006 when 2 teams were added to the Super 12.
The move to a conference-based tournament allows possible further expansion in the future to include the likes of Argentina or Japan.
Super 15 will provide fans with plenty of changes, what remains to be seen is how well they will be received.
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.