Last week, a major story broke. Unfortunately, it received almost zero coverage. So RobC and El Gamba have decided to start the conversation.
RobC says
While we are all busy discussing the future of stars like Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau, there is something far more important going on.
The ARU, along with its broadcasting partner Fox Sports, has arranged for the National Rugby Championship to continue until at least 2020. That’s six more years!
The Karmichael Hunt saga has generated a significant amount of press, consternation, argument and speculation. What I hope to see instead is to watch him in the NRC.
We have seen players and teams improve their form during the NRC and I suspect a player like Hunt will benefit from it. There are few things to clarify, including areas such as team composition, marketing, broadcast and rule changes.
El Gamba says
For those that have read my (sporadic) recent posts, they may have noticed a certain kind of melancholy associated with many things ‘rugby’. As a Force supporter I should be used to the lows of the game but generally I can still find delight in watching a well worked team move or an application of overall strategy.
This helps you remember what we loved most about playing the game and after Round 4 of the ‘best provincial competition in the world’ I find it lacking across the board (forgive me South Africa if I am missing something by not staying up thus far, and DiggerCane the Hurricanes seem to be a lone beacon, was trying for a Julian Savea pun there but nothing worked).
It is evident that rugby will rot away in Australia if nothing is done, the NRC may be the last hope. Continuation is crucial unless we want the game to end with the relevance of a mobile phone without a camera.
Tournament composition
RobC says
There is some talk about reducing the number of teams. This most probably means that NSW must cull the number of teams – and players. Last year the NSW Country Eagles delivered a consistently good performance. The Rams, too, played well with improved results as they progressed through the season. The Sydney University, ahem, Sydney Stars and Harlequined North Harbour Rays did not fare as well. I hope we see Adelaide join the foray at some point.
El Gamba says
It was clear last year that the teams that did well were those that were a continuation of the Super squads. The Rising, Spirit, Vikings and Bundy Bears (as the QRU seemed to stack Brisbane City at the expense of Queensland Country) were, apart from a few upsets, the dominant sides. I think that this will become less of an issue if the Sydney sides can get some consistency around squads. Politics aside though, this is probably where a side may be dropped off in the short term.
Marketing and broadcast
RobC says
Last year’s viewership numbers, like the match day attendance, were not good. It does not help that the person in charge of the programme left. Not just to another state, but to another code altogether.
In any case, the whole competition was rushed last year and promotion was a major victim. I hope they sort out all the details much earlier, so they can plan the promotion and get more partners to raise awareness nice and early.
I hope the NRC improves its coverage through FTA or streaming. Last year, every man and his dog had their own stream. This should be organised centrally. They should also syndicate their content to other channels such as ESPN and Setanta.
El Gamba says
This is the key to the competition. The new broadcast deal is sketchy on financial support and broadcast guarantees. The ARU need to forget about pie in the sky Greg Inglis bids (for example) and get real about committing to the NRC. It must be marketed and telecast.
To do this, a real business plan needs to be developed (yesterday) and the resources committed to deliver. This needs to be done now so that the clubs can start planning how to engage with their potential supporter base.
Rule changes
RobC says
I can’t think of many rules that need to be changed, except maybe to make sure that the TMO wears spectacles.
El Gamba says
I think that as there are so many issues with top tier rugby watchability, the NRC needs to be taken by the ARU as the opportunity to create entertainment that can flow up into the national mind-set.
In the last decade the focus of rugby has been on the ‘jackals’ disrupting the flow of the game. The irony of this is that what we really want to see is flowing rugby. The rules last year worked in my opinion, so maybe keep them with a review of a couple laws based upon player and supporter feedback… and bring back rucking!
Summary
El Gamba says
I don’t think that the NRC is off the hook at this point. Reading between the lines, I think that it has been given an 11th hour reprieve. This means that the work starts now and the ARU needs to take ownership and make some hard and long-term decisions.
As rugby supporters, we need to put aside petty rivalries and differences of opinion to work towards a solution. Those differences will be forgotten in 50 years regardless, let’s hope that rugby union as a game in Australia isn’t forgotten as well.
RobC says
I suspect the 2015 NRC will have a greater influence on Australian rugby coaches, players and administrators. I think we will see fast, mobile rugby. We will discover the next Will Skelton and James O’Connor. You never know, we may still see Will Skelton and James O’Connor there.
I hope Australian rugby will continue to mature and find a way to extend the competition and become the one true trophy, instead of being the leftovers of various state competitions.
Ozee316
Guest
I am not as pessimistic about Super Rugby. Currently there are about 30-40 games in Australia between Australian and either local or NZ teams. These games rate highly. If Super teams are are increased to 6 or 8 in coming years this will go to over 100 matches per season. Not that much less than the NRL and AFL. New Zealand, South African and British people would tune in from around the world to see the Waratahs play the Stormers. That is the strength of Super Rugby. I don't have it on my live tv here but I would definitely catch the replay. The Chiefs v Stormers game today will get massive TV viewing worldwide as a top of conference clash between NZ and SA. I imagine Australian rugby fans will tune in if they are near a TV. That is the strength of Super Rugby. The weakness at the moment of Super Rugby is a lack of local matches. Increased local teams from 5 to 8 will solve that.
scrumpoacher
Guest
My original thoughts would be 'moderated' when it comes the your opinions on the NRC. Now please jog on sir-your negativity isn't wanted
sheek
Roar Guru
Scrumpoacher, Since my previous comment was moderated, I guess the moderators are getting squeamish over trifling, I'll ask you a question: Are you capable of making your own mind up, or even think of an original thought, or do you just jump on each populist, feel-good bandwagon as it whistles & toots down your street?
Ray L
Roar Rookie
I liked your initial suggestion better. Regrettably, there is no place for NSW Country at this stage. All that did was to dilute the strength of the remaining Sydney based teams, which for the most part struggled. The four NSW based teams were disadvantaged compared with the other NRC teams, because their available Super Rugby players were spread too thinly. Three Sydney based teams is enough. The ARU should mandate the club composition of the regional Sydney teams (North, South/East and West), rather than leaving it to the clubs themselves. It was a complete shambles. There is no place for sub-district teams. If their players were good enough, or committed to more intensive training with aspirations for higher honours, they'd be playing Shute Shield. How many Balmain representatives actually played for Sydney University (cough, sorry) Sydney Stars? The same principle applies to the Queensland teams. There should be two teams in Brisbane based on geographical lines. Regional teams in NSW and Queensland can come later as the competition matures. Just in reply to Bakkies' comment with regard to a more suitable venue for the Rams, Concord Oval would be an alternative, but it would still be preferable to have it further west.
AndyS
Guest
Which is why this time around they specifically didn't do any of that. Melbourne was the single biggest cost last time, but the Sydney teams collectively cost more. They've taken a new approach and this time they cost the ARU nothing. I would expect the same from Adelaide - they could sink or swim, but they'd do it alone. Personally I would rather their position, having the name and resources of an entire state to leverage off rather than a couple of Sydney suburbs.
clipper
Guest
Yes, you could be right, but unlike Soccer, people have been used to the Wallabies challenging that number 1 spot and may not be in the same frame of mind if they're performing strongly but only ranked 4 or 5. It hasn't harmed league in NSW and QLD that their international game has declined significantly over the decades and of course AFL never had that worry to begin with, but Rugby may be in the same situation as tennis - a sport Australia were great at, but now has become so strong internationally that success is not as common for us.
sheek
Roar Guru
Adsa, The numbat is the WA state animal, & I read sometime ago it was the mascot, official or unofficial, of the WA Country rugby team. Perhaps someone can correct me here.
Bakkies
Guest
Rams need a more suitable venue got to start small rather than in an empty 25,000 seater. Same could be said about Melbourne. No QLD Country home games at Ballymore. Toowoomba, Townsville and maybe Rocky
Bakkies
Guest
Given what Melbourne chewed up in 2007 with relocating staff and players then setting up a base the costs will be high. If they don't have a backer they are going to require assistance.
scrumpoacher
Guest
You don't like the current format as it's not your idea or team names then? Pretty childish. Judge it in 10 years not now. Best news for ages...
AndyS
Guest
The question being why the ARU would be helping. They provided no assistance to any of the NRC teams this time around and I wouldn't expect they would to Adelaide either. And on that basis, what would be different 10 years from now other than perhaps the other codes having made greater inroads?
Shop
Roar Guru
Adeleide would be a very long term goal in my opinion - 10 years minimum.
Shop
Roar Guru
Think we're saying the same thing Hog.
PaulR
Guest
Soccer has always been a sleeper in Australia, waiting for the right structure and administration, and they have that now. It has obvious simplicity but elegance, and a worldwide scope. NRL and AFL weekly leagues are really the pinnacle of their sports. There are tests but save for NRL SOO, the regular weekly competition is what it's all about. Rugby has some chronic viewability issues for the mass market. This fat has been well chewed here, but the problem here is that the issues are chronic. NRL has the advantage that they can fairly easily change the rules, and they do in response to spirited discussion by fans. Game not open enough? Add 10m to separation. Need another ref? Boom, he's in. Watching the Tahs match on the weekend, apart from a poor display of skills, drove me mad with scrum resets. I had a quick look at the 1991 RWC FINAL for some solace. I haven't studied it all, only first 4 scrums, but the first two scrums were fed 17 seconds after the whistle blew, with clean results, another in 25 seconds including a ref lecture, and another 1:25 because of an injury. No collapses or resets. It was astounding in general just how much more rugby was being played. Why can't our rule (law) makers accept that it isn't working and get rid of referee managed scrums? It's because NH admin can't see a problem. Oz admin cannot change the rules to make the game more palatable, without overcoming enormous inertia. I'll add to scrum setting issues unintelligible breakdown and scrum penalties for good measure. The Wallabies will always rate fairly well because it involves national competition with our cousins across the Tasman, and some other genuine international competition. The unpalatable parts are taken in small doses, so they are bearable, but for weekly viewing, along with time zones and byes, the larger dose is fatal to wider viewerships with weaker constitutions. I believe it will be Sevens that piques the interest of the great unwashed over the next few years, with Olympic fever supported by what will be an excellent party at the Sydney Sevens. Let's hope that the 15 a side game has its house in order to take up the interest of those who loved watching the Sevens and want something more substantial to get their teeth into.
PaulR
Guest
Thanks Owen.
Adsa
Guest
Sheek, I don't think you would name a team after a Numbat, does not really inspire.
Owen McCaffrey
Roar Guru
I actually agree with you somewhat. However there are a number of options available in coming years. Super Rugby can be extended to finish in late August a month earlier than NRL/AFL. That makes Super rugby potentially 6.5 months long incorporating up to 8 Australian Franchises. The one thing that the AFL and NRL do not have that rugby does have is a viable International season. Super rugby is designed to fit around that and not be compromised by it like the NH hemispheres. I do agree with you however. And I would like to see Super rugby expand by a couple rounds. Player rotation as has been used this year can be used in the future and less test matches can be played at the end of the Season.
sheek
Roar Guru
Marlin, Further to this, while the ARC/NRC is fully professional I would reprise the Australian Rugby Shield (ARS) with the following teams: Queensland Heelers (representing all Qld) Eastern Australia Eagles (Northern NSW Country) NSW Cockatoos (Central-West NSW Country) ACT Kookaburras (Southern NSW Country) Tasmania Jack Jumpers (Bullants in case you're wondering!!!) Northern Territory Jabirus or Mosquitos WA Country Numbats or Spirit Victoria Country Axemen or Rising Two other possibilities might be SA Country Wombats & splitting Qld, with a North Qld Country Brolgas (or something else) team. The ARS would be semi-pro at best, & its primary purpose would be to showcase country/regional talent that might be eventually secured by the ARC/NRC clubs. It also allows the semi-pro players, unless they crack the big time, to represent their country/region areas in which they live & work. If I say so myself, my suggestions maintain history & tradition while giving the respective comps a modern touch. They are much more inclusive of their states, territories, provinces & regions than some of the NRC teams we currently have.
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi Marlin, Very good suggestions. If ever my concept of an ARC/ NRC gets up, bringing the super rugby franchises back into a national domestic comp, I would envisage four teams for Sydney. Sydney Waratahs - Sydney, University, Eastwood, Gordon, Balmain (Central & North Shore). East Sydney Fleet - Easts, Randwick, Souths, Illawarra (South-East Beaches). West Sydney Rams - Wests, Parramatta, Penrith, Campbelltown (Greater West). North Harbour Rays - Norths, Manly, Warringah, Central Coast (Northern Beaches). My other teams (eventually) would be: North Queensland Canecutters Brisbane Reds South Queensland (Brisbane) Griffons Newcastle Wildfires Canberra Brumbies Melbourne Rebels Adelaide Falcons West Coast (Perth) Force Historically, four teams for Sydney, two for Brisbane & one each for the rest is an appropriate mix. This is my vision, which at the risk of indulgence, is far superior to the super rugby & NRC imbroglio we currently have.
Breeze101
Roar Rookie
Very true but that is also a testament on how strong international Rugby is alot of teams are improving & on the rise each year which is good for the game. In my own opinion I don't think it's so much on where the Wallabies are ranked but more on how they perform. There was a time when the Wallabies vs All Blacks no one could pick a winner, aside from the talent that was on the field it was the Character that both teams had & opponents feared is what define them something the All Blacks never lost & sadly the Wallabies are still trying to find.