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Growing up in South Africa and now living happily in Adelaide, I find all the talk of “code wars” staggering. If Australia is playing, what more motivation do you need to watch than that?
Yes Rugby has to compete with AFL, but that’s just a different version of gaining ground or force back (depending where you grew up).
In my mind, it has to be the most boring game I have ever seen. There is little to no reward for a tackle and most of the kicks are unopposed, although there is skill in taking the mark. Plus it’s the only sport in the world that you get a point for missing!
The NRL is always in the news for one scandal after another, so it shouldn’t be hard to get the better of them in the ratings.
So that’s the rant over. So how does Australian Rugby grow?
1. Learn from SA and NZ. In SA school rugby is massive and the progression is – school, school rep teams, club, provincial, Super Rugby, Test.
The ARU needs to get the game to more people and especially more kids. How do they do this? I have five versions of Channel 7 on my television (7, 70HD, 71, 72 and 73). Take a punt and show the Wallabies games live on 71 (nationwide). Who knows, the ratings might just surprise you
2. Make sure you get the 15th Super Rugby team. This will be tricky because depth will be an issue, but at the same time, by giving the club guys a go, that’s how you find talent.
3. The 15th side needs to be based in Victoria and play some games in other states. Also, the Tahs need to play a few games in NSW regional areas.
4. The biggest and hardest challenge is last. The ARU needs to have a state competition with all states, and it needs to be televised to create interest. At the end of the Super 14, the Tahs went about 6 weeks without playing – that just can’t happen.
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.