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Friday week sees the beginning of a new Super 14 season, which is make or break for the Australian Rugby Union. Australia’s number two code at the turn of the century is now fading out of the public’s mind and is now below football.
This was unthinkable back in 2003 after the success of the World Cup.
2009 was terrible for John O’Neil and his team. Only the Wellington Phoenix is below the Super 14 clubs in terms of TV ratings as the boring kicking game in Test matches affected crowds in a year where the Wallabies were woeful and not winning.
Ironically, Super 14 rugby is played under the ELVs.
Off the field, problems also arose.
The ARU’s financial position went south as the squandering of the already shrinking revenues from the 2003 World Cup continued due to tribalism and poor management. Australia won a fifth Super 14 franchise, despite comical antics from the ARU and the Melbourne Rebels that made the dealings in the TV show The Office look more professional.
The ARU also had no luck in pressuring the Northern Unions to adopt ELVs for Test rugby, causing an impasse between SANZAR and the Home Unions.
While 2010 looks bleak, there are some positive signs.
The ARU is forcing referees (the cause of most of the ugly play) to allowing attacking play or face sacking. Despite a bleak home season, the Young Wallabies’ Grand Slam tour showed promise and hope for 2011.
More importantly, the ARU’s loveless deal with Channel Seven expires, allowing them to force Seven to show more coverage or negotiate a better deal with another network.
Still the jury is out on rugby and the Super 14 season will be an indication of the health of the game.
The ACT and NSW should make the finals or be competitive, but the crowds and TV ratings will be a true indication.
Rugby enters a new, exciting decade with fear and trepidation, something a sport cannot afford in modern times
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.