New Zealand rugby is strong for the simple reason that we are quite good at it. We have a good domestic competition and we enjoy a healthy win-loss ratio on the international scene.
We often like to think that New Zealand’s international success is a result of our strong domestic competition, yet the reverse is also true: the popularity and interest in rugby in New Zealand is fuelled by our international dominance.
There is no greater Kiwi pastime than watching an All Black victory.
I sometimes wonder how long rugby would retain its importance in New Zealand culture if the All Blacks became average?
If the money dried up, how would domestic rugby cope?
This years’ Air NZ Cup was a perfect example of how success brings crowds. With a few wins under their belts, the fans began to show up for the smaller unions, confident in seeing their team put on a good show.
Sure the Big Guns found themselves at the top of the table at the end but they had to claw their way past some determined provincial sides to get there. What we saw was hard competitive rugby week in week out.
There was no easy wins in this year’s competition. We unearthed a bunch of talent and our test players had some tough games, with which they sharpened their skills.
After years of struggling to keep afloat the hard work and investment of the smaller unions began to pay off. With the infrastructure and player base built up to a professional standard, the smaller unions can now compete with the traditional powers of New Zealand rugby.
South Africa has a healthy domestic competition, feeding their Super Rugby franchises and Springbok sides.
Australia, on the other hand, have not much in the way of a domestic rugby competition. Competing with other codes makes building depth a difficult task for Australian rugby. Sure they have an extra Super Rugby franchise coming soon, but what about the rest of the year?
Already we have seen Aussie Super Rugby teams recruiting from overseas, which is great to watch but not helpful to Australian rugby.
Over the years, we have seen the Wallabies at the top of world rugby more than once, but we have also watched them crash to mediocrity just as often. We have seen some brilliant Aussie players, but we have also seen a few average players wear the green and gold simply because there was no one better.
The Wallabies will get better and more consistent with experience, and will likely be a force to be reckoned with around World Cup year, but eventually we will see the current young Wallabies side grow old and retire.
What then?
Back to square one for Australian rugby. A lack of depth makes it hard to consistently pick a competitive side.
As for the All Blacks, if we want to remain at the top of world rugby, then a competitive domestic competition is vital. The more teams we have capable of top quality rugby the better.
Each one is a jewel in the crown of New Zealand rugby.
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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