Super Rugby isn’t any more broken than it was a month ago, or even two years ago, when expansion to 18 teams bought about a format so wretched it has sent the whole competition into a death spiral.
But with each passing week, Bill Pulver and the ARU must wonder where exactly the bottom of the abyss is, as things invariably turn worse, not better.
In normal times, the Force demolishing the Waratahs would be embraced as justification for Australian rugby spreading the game beyond the NSW-Queensland nexus and increasing the talent pool for Wallabies selection.
In normal times, Australia’s wealthiest man getting in behind rugby, pledging financial and moral support to the franchise in his region would be embraced by a cash-strapped ARU.
But these are not normal times.
It isn’t exactly clear what form of support Andrew Forrest is offering the Force in their campaign, but the details don’t really matter right now. Australia’s heaviest hitter is in their corner and when he says the Force is going nowhere the players and fans – and probably the ARU too – have good reason to believe him.
Many fans have got suckered into determining which Australian franchise gets culled from Super Rugby based on week-to-week results. Or, if it suits their argument, this season’s results. The Rebels lost to the Jaguares, the Force beat the Waratahs, therefore out with Melbourne, in with Perth, that sort of thing.
That such nonsense is allowed any credence is due to the ARU never ratifying what the criteria for the elimination process is. As a result, fans apply their own, and destructive arguments fester.
Another outcome is that both franchises have shored up their positions in their own way, to a point where they both believe that they are on very solid structural and financial footing to avoid the axe – regardless of what the ARU wants to do.
That the Force has finished the year strongly, to record six wins – and for all the euphoria, note that this is one win less than what the Rebels achieved last season – is a filip for their fans. It likely means nothing in terms of logical business reasoning, but in the court of public opinion, where the ARU is wallowing alongside Bernard Tomic, it is yet another embarrassing blow.
The Force’s victory also crowned a stellar career for skipper Matt Hodgson, a foundation player for the club since 2006. The Waratahs obliged by presenting him with the easiest try he’s scored in his 140 games, and then by conceding a last-minute penalty to enable Hodgson to end the game off his boot with a successful goal.
When captain Michael Hooper said after the match that he was proud of his team, he certainly wasn’t speaking for Waratah fans. There will be some serious soul searching taking place at Moore Park over the next few months. Meanwhile, it can be of no comfort to Wallabies supporters that the upcoming Test matches will potentially feature a large chunk of this hopelessly underperforming side.
(AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)
There was more chaos in Tokyo, with the Blues stepping out of the cold New Zealand winter into a 42-degree furnace, where they were no match for the Sunwolves, who eagerly accepted the invitation to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder.
Everybody knows how these things work. The Blues beat the British and Irish Lions, the Sunwolves beat the Blues. Therefore the Sunwolves would beat the Lions too. Given that the All Blacks couldn’t even beat the Lions, this means that they probably have them covered as well!
Whatever excuses might be made for the Blues being below full strength, out of finals contention and suffering in the heat, the 48-21 loss – with 34 unanswered points in the second half if you don’t mind – starkly showed what happens when one side wants to own the ball more than the other. Just like in Perth.
In Hamilton, with the Brumbies curiously resting a number of players who have hardly played any rugby over the last five weeks, James Lowe and Damien McKenzie found a bit more running room than they had against the Lions, the Chiefs cruising to a predictable 28-10 victory.
To be fair, it was largely a tenacious defensive effort by the Brumbies, one that will give them a wee bit of confidence for next week’s final. Just a wee bit.
Also predictable was the Highlanders’ 40-17 win over the Reds in Dunedin, while in Melbourne, the Rebels were good value for their 19-10 half-time lead over the Jaguares, but failed to match up when the visitors stiffened their defensive line and got rolling forward in the second half.
It wasn’t all gloom for the Rebels; Amanaki Mafi cemented his claim to ‘Australian Franchise Player of the Year’, Jack Maddocks made a great fist of his first appearance at fullback, and Reece Hodge kicked a remarkable goal from 55 metres. But, assuming that they’ll still be around, next year can’t come soon enough.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
The heavyweight clash in Wellington took a long time to come to the boil, but an excellent second half saw the Hurricanes come away with an impressive 31-22 win. Of the many All Blacks on display, Ngani Laumape showed the benefit of his Lions experience with an assured game, while Jordie Barrett nailing conversions from the touchline reinforced many people’s suspicion that the wrong Barrett was kicking for goal last weekend.
Credit also the impact in the last ten minutes of replacement prop Loni Uhila, getting back to turn over Mitchell Drummond right on his goal-line then, shortly after, burying Jordan Taufua in a massive tackle which again allowed the Hurricanes to clear their line.
This win, their 12th of the season, rewards the Hurricanes with a trip to Canberra to face the Brumbies, they of only six wins. If this ridiculous scenario was ever contemplated on SANZAAR’s planning whiteboard, perhaps it was quickly erased, considered no prospect of ever happening. Until now that is. And last year too.
That’s not the worst of it either. Social media and news websites in New Zealand shifted into overdrive with news of the Lions’ 27-10 win over the Sharks. This means that the Lions ensured top seeding and guaranteed home advantage throughout the finals series, despite not having once played a New Zealand side this season.
Compared to the efforts of the Crusaders, whose loss this week was their first for the year in a far more demanding schedule, it cannot be helped but viewed by most fans as unfair. But downcast New Zealand fans should not necessarily be so quick to complain.
When I spoke with Lions coach Johan Ackermann earlier this year, he was wary of looking too far ahead, although he did acknowledge concerns that his side will be underdone and unprepared for the increase in intensity, pace and skill that New Zealand sides will bring to the finals.
Indeed, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck complained of the same thing last year, his side breezing through their conference without meeting New Zealand opposition, before being blown away at home in the first week of finals, 60-21 by the Chiefs.
With the Stormers putting the Bulls away 41-33, and having already beaten the Chiefs at home this year in one of the best games of the season, there will be no expectations in Cape Town of a similar finals exit this time around.
In other news, the Cheetahs edged out the Kings 21-20 in Round 1 of the 2018 Pro 12 competition. Or should that be the Pro 14?
After the intensity of last week’s epic Lions versus All Blacks decider, it was nice to be able to sit back and enjoy Super Rugby this week. The trouble is, Round 17, the last round before the finals series, is exactly when intensity levels should be building to full pitch.
(AAP Image/SNPA, Ross Setford)
All in all, this is just another indicator of how upside down, back to front and munted (special inclusion for New Zealand readers) this competition has become.
Can Super Rugby be saved? If the Australian franchise situation can be resolved without tearing Australian rugby apart, if other franchises can become more competitive with the New Zealand sides, and if fans are provided with a competition structure they understand and regard as fair, then perhaps yes; at least in the short term.
In the long run, as increasing pressure is placed on elite players to join northern hemisphere clubs, then perhaps a more radical rethink will have to apply.
There is however, one obvious solution that will fix Australian rugby and SANZAAR’s woes in one fell swoop. Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest has stepped forward to throw his vast financial resources behind the Western Force.
Don’t just stop there, Andrew. Buy the ARU while you’re at it. And then SANZAAR too. C’mon mate, it’s only a bit of loose change.
Get in touch with a Daikin dealer today so you don’t sit and suffer through another cold winter while watching the rugby this year. Trusted by many and suitable for the Australian lifestyle, Daikin really is The Best Air Anywhere.
Colonel_Fabien
Roar Rookie
Hey Rugby Guru Carlos the Argie, "And “Colonel” (surprised you picked a military rank given Argentina’s sad history)" ----> You just read too much into things, Carlos. It's just a famous metro station ("Colonel Fabien"), where the national HQ of the French Communist Parties are located. It just happens to be close to my neighborhood, and I simply picked that name as a pseudonym several years ago. It could have been any other name, but this one looked best suited, and less pretentious than picking Victor Hugo (another metro station), or Charles de Gaulle (same), or any other metro station name. Suppose someone would wonder if Carlos the Argie has any connections to Carlos the Jackal, the famous terrorist of the 70's and 80's, just b/c "Carlos" + Southamerican? That'd be very silly of him, wouldn't it? I've known well that restaurant for years. In its first years, I used to chat with the original Chilean owner. Today, there's no Argentinian working there, they're from other Latin American countries or from France. Sometimes they've made me think the meat I was served was not Argentinean. Unfortunately, the restaurant's quality has gone down since a long time. Much better to go to Unico, or La Locandiera, or one of the Clásicos. Please be coherent and consistent with yourself. 1) If you "actually admire" people's (like Nobes) change of mind/heart, then don't criticize nor accuse them/him for doing so. You discredit yourself by asking from others the consistency and coherency you gladly make do without. 2) Same with your "I don’t call myself a guru" ---> Well, how come as intelligent as you are you still fail to see that the same applies with Nobes? He never called himself a guru, but you've been consistently insisting in calling him so, just b/c his avatar, exactly like yours, says he's reached the guru status. You discredit yourself by being so puerile. 3) Similarly, if you don't like what he writes, please don't read it, it's very simple too. 4) You're not just "only asking people to be consistent", you're actually trying to extort some kind of recognition from them. You discredit yourself by being so puerile. 5) I suppose you must be very butthurt that Nobes didn't write something like "my sudden and unexpected change of mind on this particular issue comes from the myriad of magnificently eye-opening posts from our beloved & respected Rugby Guru Carlos the Argie, who first and foremost wrote all of this 10 years ago and has very patiently been teaching us all everything about rugby. Due credit to him where credit is due! If only 1% of the UAR people could be as smart as he is, our Pumas would have been systematically trashing the ABs for +70 since 10 years ago at least". ---> Well, consider it written now, and let's close the subject once and forever.
Adam
Guest
Super Rugby is still great, however there is too much of a difference between top and bottom teams to be competitive and unpredictable. Super is growing and that's fine, but it needs to grow correctly. Taking a model from European soccer leagues, a 2 tiered system should be introduced. Basically making 2 super 12 leagues. Obviously top 12 in top league, and in the 2nd league you would have the remaing 6 plus 6 new teams. My proposal would be : 1. A 2nd Japan team. Japanese rugby is growing, and it would be beneficial for their game, just not in the top league until its earned. 2. A 2nd Argentina team Seems logical 3. Pacific Island team 1 4. Pacific Island team 2 The remaining 2 teams for the lower tier could be made up of other devoloping rugby nations, which wwould certainly build their game in the years to come, possibly Hong Kong or potentially adding 2 teams from USA, the only obstacle would really be the added travel, but they travel a lot as it is. It could work and would still be exciting, especially for the newer teams. I have more of a breakdown as to how finals and upgrades/downgrades at the end of each season would work. This should be Super rugbys future!
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
And "Colonel" (surprised you picked a military rank given Argentina's sad history) If you live in France, maybe in Paris itself, don't miss going to have some Argie food at Restaurant El Sur on Boulevard St Germain, in the Latin Quarter. It is partly owned by a former high school classmate of mine and rugby fanatic from Buenos Aires.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Harry is aware of these issues as he has been part of the forum for a very long time. I am only asking people to be consistent in what they post or to be clear that they are changing their minds and why. I actually admire people that freely admit that they can change their minds. I also don't like people who post opposing views in different forums because it is convenient to them. And if you don't like what I post, don't read it or don't comment on it. It is very simple. Clearly, I don't write about technical aspects, in general, as there are other people here that explain this better. I don't call myself a guru, I find the name given by the Roar as pretentious, but these are their rules. Most of my interest in rugby nowadays is in the leadership issues in teams. How they operate, how they are managed, how they become good at what they do. In general, this is what I write about. I have been to many AB tours lately and interviewed their players over the years, as well as a few of the coaches. This is what I find exciting. There are other aspect that make me very passionate, which is the level of incompetence or "moral" corruption within systems. And you know well that Argentina is a big issue this way. For example, the nastiness of URBA dealings with UAR, and vice versa, is something that concerns me significantly. Did you know that (I think) two years ago when CUBA was playing in the National Championship they requested that all advertisements be withdrawn from the playing field (for the TV) because they were an amateur club? The hypocrites! Things like this make me very mad... By the way, Roar allows you to look at posting histories, if interested.
Colonel_Fabien
Roar Rookie
Hey dear Rugby Guru Carlos the Argie, I was merely summing it all up for Harry Jones. It's very childish (and tiresome) of you to continuously brag about your "I said it first!". What's the use of it? You announcing the Gospel? We owe you anything? Some copyrights, maybe? Please let me know to which PayPal account I can deposit my 2c for them, if that makes you happy. Can't you see how puerile your attitude of constant need for attention is? What do you or we know if someone ever said those very same things before you did? Do you seriously think you were the very first one ever to say those things? Could you please back that up with some actual data? I doubt you could. Do you seriously think that just b/c you claim that you were the first one to have written something then it necessarily follows that nobody else gets to say anything along the same lines, you shut us all up once and forever b/c your word is final? B/c that's what you're implying in your bragging comments. Your contributions are very good, but seriously, you ruin them every single time you brag about them. You should be rejoiced that more and more people agree with "your" (c) general views. Instead, you're coming across as bitter & quarrelsome that nobody gives a damn about who said what in the first place. So, you wrote your opinions faster than the next guy. And so what? You know, not necessarily every sperm who swims faster than the rest and gets to fecundate the egg makes anybody smarter than the others. Living abroad should have taught you some humility, but apparently that lesson went missing. Please grow up and give us a break from your bragging rights. They discredit your informed opinions; and that's curious, b/c at the same time you're looking for credit, aren't you?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
If you only read what I have posted over the years, you would have found out most of these issues discussed there. As my dear friend, professor of neurology from London, says: If you ignore the literature you think you are discovering new things,
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Not angry, frustrated, passionate, interested, devoted. Maybe my word choice isn't the best. I also try to be consistent and direct.
Colonel_Fabien
Roar Rookie
G'day Harry Jones, here's a website (in English) that provides much food for thought: http://www.americasrugbynews.com/ As you'll have noticed, we South Americans (especially the Italian-Spanish kind, i.e. we the Argies) are very vocal. Most of us rugby fans are quite civilised, but now and then someone like Carlos may lose his marbles. Let's hope it's just temporary, sure his parents taught him good manners. As for your interest in nuances, here are a few basic facts: 1) Within the UAR, the URBA (Buenos Aires Rugby Union) is the most troublesome, rarely siding along with the others. (I'm from BsAs myself, but my loyalty goes to my country, not my city or province); the URBA being the Union with most players, clubs, and fan base its influence over the rest is "yuge", 2) There's a great deal of opacity within the UAR concerning the money management. Given the chronic, blatant corruption in Argentinian everyday life, most of rugby fans have very strong suspicions that many poor-performance Pumas/Jaguares players are routinely listed as starters b/c of their commercial ties to their respective private commercial sponsors. We want the UAR to come out perfectly clear about all that, 3) There's a very strong opposition within the UAR, the many different provincial Unions, and the clubs themselves, to implement a Professional Rugby Championship in Argentina. Part it stems from a proud tradition in continuing the amateur spirit when the British brought the game to our lands 150 years ago; but in today's world, that anachronism is highly detrimental to the quality of the game the Pumas/Jaguares have been bringing on lately; hence the logical need to implement a professional championship, 4) Due to intricate networks of corruption and clientelism, we rugby fans are seeing HCs not up to the par heading the Pumas/Jaguares. In a professional world, repeated poor play performances and poor results would bring an immediate termination of those HCs' contracts. Some among us insist in that to happen. Raúl Pérez's contract with the Jaguares was mercifully just brought to an end; we need Daniel Hourcade (the Pumas HC) to go as well, and bring in some Anglo HC (SA, NZ, AUS) with an Anglo approach and a deep knowledge of SR. Until a few weeks ago, both HCs (Pumas and Jaguares) were repeating: "we don't care at all about the results, we are in SR to learn", wtf?, 5) The current structure and development of rugby in Argentina, although seeing a very increased interest in the game since 2007's brilliant results (with more kids joining clubs, and more people attending matches if played outside BsAs) calls for an extraordinary generosity of everyone involved (amateurs clubs, their respective provincial Unions, and the UAR) to bring about the professional era (totally compatible with keeping the amateur clubs though). In turn, this means also either sending away part of our players and coaches to attend trainings in the SH, or bringing in to Argentina SH coaches and players to help us develop our rugby, so that in both cases Argentinian rugby can increase the quality of the opposition we can offer the SH teams and make us worth of staying in the SR, 6) Along with the above, we need to do whatever necessary to increase the rugby level of the American zone, so that eventually there will be an Inter-American conference in SR with 5-6 teams which, in turn, may justify the rest of the SH teams to sending their A teams (and not their B teams as so far) to our time zone. This needs time (which is short) and money (which is very short too, except for the USA and CAN, the level of which so far does not make them quite fit into SR yet, hopefully that may change in 4-5 years' time). You guys in Oz seem much better off than us regarding the state of rugby =). Let's see how we square against each other on Sept. 16 and 30! (RCH).
Drongo
Guest
Yes, we agree. All good mate.
Harry Jones
Expert
We need an Argentine Rugby forum article moderated by Brett McKay to explore these issues. I don't think any non-Argie understands all the nuances, but I must say, this debate has been very engrossing and I think SANZAAR fans want to read more of it, agreeing to disagree civilly, etc.
SAVAGE
Guest
BS! The Aussie market does not have potential because you guys couldn't exploit it when there was potential there for the taking.....Refer the League civil war in the 90's, and when you held the WC & Bled and hosted a WC. You guys have been given everything you've asked for, extra teams, a conference system, and yet your game has languished. No more. Pissing in the wind when it comes to sorting out you guys.
Davide77
Guest
you sound very angry and personal mate, have a Victoria Bitter and chill, we all want what's best for our rugby and of course we will try and make our voices heard when we don;t agree, that is who we are
Fox
Roar Guru
Then Drongo you haven't rad very many of my posts or have a selective memory...but yes i will criticise when I want to and feel it deserves it and my criticism of your position on New Zealand rugby fans is not just based on one post And tell me right now that Australian rugby deserves high praise Drongo? - The only side that has risen in the last quarter and fighting to survive is the Force and good on them...but their record this season is still ordinary but at least they showed us they have heart and passion to survive the cull or at least give the ARU something to think about come decision time - so hats off to them Assuming that decision ever gets made of course but i think we are all beginning to wonder - if the Sharks go north with the Cheetahs and Kings as is rumoured it may save Australia having to lose a side - we shall see... But i think you and I may agree on one thing Drongo (stop the bus!) ........I think it is time the ARU let everyone know what is going on - way past due - if not for the fans then at least for the players and staff at those clubs..it was meant to be 72 hrs remember?
DavSA
Guest
Spot on ..... As far as playing in excessively high temperatures are concerned it is not just discomfort .The temperature in a full stadium which effectively becomes a bowl goes up a few more degrees ...at risk of repeating myself it is downright dangerous . Heat exhaustion can be life threatening and like concussion once you have become its victim you become increasingly susceptible and vulnerable to it . And yes SA rugby is evolving into a different animal ...I view this as progression ..not all do though . Will by playing a NH orientated game cause our sides to revert to type or will they in turn influence positively the NH sides . Given prevailing weather conditions in Europe in winter , I suspect it wil be the first.
Drongo
Guest
Totally different. Mainly teams from one country, the USA. They divide their competitions into conferences in a single country the size of Australia. They don't fly all over the world.
Drongo
Guest
Geez, talk about put words in my mouth. Super sensitive at best and suffering from some serious paranoia at worst. Take a chill pill mate. I said nothing whatsoever negative about NZ yet you manage to read some very strange things into my post. And sorry, but your allegiance is clear from your many posts. I have never read a single positive comment from you about any player or any team from Australia, so I find your claim to be an Australian rugby supporter very hard to believe.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I like it but am not sure if it needs to be at NRC/NPC or SR level, or split the season into 1/2 of each. Tonga, Fiji and Samoa to be included somehow.
cookie
Roar Guru
Cause NZ will be playing by themselves in an financially unsustainable comp..
Unanimous
Guest
Because the All Blacks will be more compromised by not having a viable SR competition. The All Blacks can be almost as good supported by a commercially run SR with some players in Australia, but most still in NZ. They will be much less able to run a good All Blacks team with all their players in Europe.
Fox
Roar Guru
Oh Drongo stop it you are making me laugh now :)