A fresh look at a classic concept can yield a positive result.
This has definitely been the case for Cobra Kai and the Tri Nations. The on-field action has been quality viewing, while recreating the Tri Nations’ logo and trophy have added to the nostalgia.
This feels like an important competition with purpose and heritage rather than a last-minute redirection after plans for a four-team Rugby Championship fell through.
Trophies and logos are not enough on their own to keep the fans on board. The action and drama has to be present on the field.
On the field, the grit and skills have been about as good as it gets. Narratives run the full gauntlet of emotion and experience: triumph, defeat, history, redemption and there is still a week left to watch.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
From the outside it seems as if the players and coaching staff are relishing the unique experience. Their joy and pride at being able to represent their nations shines through the TV screen.
This has been a difficult time for many but the Tri Nations have been a bright spot. All the people involved are to be applauded for their efforts to make this happen.
The show continues next week with what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion and a notable chapter in Tri Nations’ history. Both teams will be driven to play an outstanding match and will leave the field proud of what has been accomplished on the night and throughout the tournament.
On the same day as the Tri Nations comes to a close, Moana Pasifika begin their legacy against the Māori All Blacks. This is likely to be one of the two teams that could be added to the ten Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby teams in 2022.
The other is reported to be a Fijian-based team. Recreating the Super 12 and having a Pacific presence, which hasn’t been seen since the South Pacific Championship and Super 6, the competition that would become Super 12.
This competition could capture the same nostalgia as this year’s Tri Nations if the same lessons are observed. Slick rebranding based on nostalgia will only get the competition so far. The action on the field has to be captivating.
The best way to ensure this is to set up the new teams for success. Bring and retain quality players. The teams behind the Super Rugby AU, Super Rugby Aotearoa and the Tri Nations have shown that they can accomplish great things under recent pressure.
Their challenge now is to make good decisions consistently. Like many fans, I have my own ideas on how this could be accomplished and will release an article on potential ways future seasons could look, but this is not the article to do that.
I mostly wanted to reflect on this season, what has been accomplished and why I am looking forward to the future and seeing what is possible.
I can’t wait.
J Jones
Roar Rookie
My GF is from Salta, she explained it pretty much as you have here. Unfortunately I don’t think this will matter much in the end. Good luck to the Argies, they’re going to need it.
KCR
Roar Rookie
Thanks JD, I absolutely agree. The SH should embrace all aspects of rugby, an unbreakable wall of defenders is just as much a part of the game as a coast to coast try. You also are correct that it is a positive for the younger players to experience this. I can't wait to see what happens with the Pacific Island teams and am looking forward to the Moana Pasifika vs Māori All Black team this weekend, cheers.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Well said. The skills haven't always been great but apart from the blowout in game 1 there has been plenty of good hard rugby, with some good tries thrown in. That's probably better prep for the NH teams than basketball rugby, especially for the younger generation of Aussies who are gaining valuable experience. And yes, it's about time we brought the islands into the tent.
KCR
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the reply ozinsa, no need to share my optimism I am always happy to talk with people who respectfully disagree with me. I concede that I may have overstated how good all of the rugby was. There have been bland spots but the high spots have been great, not just the Tri-Nations but the Bledisloe, SR Aotearoa as well as SRAU. I guess what has struck me this year has been how positivity and grit has seen Super Rugby and the Tri-Nations take place despite the many hurdles put in place. For that reason I am sure that this current controversey threatening to take over rugby will not have the legs to stop this momentum. Although I do wish I had written this a week earlier. As long as there are good people like yourself who are reading and talking about rugby instead of social media then there is every reason to be positive. As for entertainment on the field that can bring back fans; I am really looking forward to the Fijian and Pacific Island teams participating. Their impressive speed, strength and flair light up the pitch almost as mush as their passion does. Thank you for pointing out that there has been bad rugby, but continue to enjoy the good rugby, cheers.
Tony
Roar Guru
Yeah. I'm not buying the attempted wall paper job.
Ben
Guest
Barry if you google the history of black people in Argentina what you find may answer some questions as to Argentinas attitude toward Black people. Its outrageous..... That and the fact they encouraged, harboured and hid some of germays worst n@zi war criminals post ww2.
Tony
Roar Guru
Pull the other one
charly_777
Roar Rookie
In Argentina you would never tell a black man (mix of white and black)! Some say "black" to white with black hair color! Others refer as black to their mind without discipline, without desire for personal achievement! Recently appreciated the African refugees!
Tony
Roar Guru
What word do they use for races of people with exceptionally dark skin then? You know, like indigenous races from places like South Africa.
charly_777
Roar Rookie
The term "black" in Argentina always refers to the type of mind ... for everyone Diego Maradona is "white", for many Argentines he is a "black" head of a tacho! That is why the government used the old tweets of 18 year olds against rugby! Why was DIEGO considered like that? see the kind of personal life he chose! a black!
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Thanks KCR, I'm loving your optimism. Unfortunately, I can't really share it. Some of the rugby has been tough to watch - better than the dirge handed up in the NH Autumn series by far but a long way short of the entertainment needed to get new eyes engaged.