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With the growing amount of rugby played each year, both at an international level and in Super Rugby, the risk of players breaking down increases.
Going straight from Super Rugby to playing 14 Tests, which are arguably twice as intense as a Super game, is not only asking for player burnout but for less than 100 per cent in commitment and performance by tired players in Test matches.
What’s the answer?
The All Blacks have a sabbatical scheme, but this skips Super Rugby entirely. Before the 2011 World Cup, Graham Henry rested his All Black squad from the opening eight rounds of Super Rugby.
I propose that instead of relying on fortuitous injuries to freshen up our star players, we should contractually require them to sit out a number of Super games in order to remain fresh for Tests. In other words, the core Wallabies for that year would be kept fresh by playing a maximum of 10 Super Rugby matches.
This has the benefit of developing more talented Super Rugby squads and giving other emerging players a chance to show their skills, while improving Australia’s international chances.
In the same vein, Super Rugby players should not be allowed to play in the National Rugby Championship. The main reason is that after Super Rugby, those players should take a rest and a chance should be given to emerging players in the new competition.
The same should apply in the ITM Cup in New Zealand and Currie Cup in South Africa. These competitions should comprise semi professional and club emerging stars, not just Super Rugby players who want some more money.
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.