Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos admits the NSW Waratahs’ struggles have soured the new-look Super Rugby product, labelling them a “concern for everyone” in the country’s biggest market.
Speaking at the launch of this weekend’s Aon Uni 7s domestic women’s tournament, Marinos was asked for his thoughts after five rounds of the Super Rugby AU season after it’s move to free-to-air and streaming platform Stan Sport.
Unprompted, he singled out the Waratahs, who suffered record defeats to the Queensland Reds and Brumbies to open their season before allowing the Western Force their first victory since returning to the Australian ranks last year.
The Waratahs lost to 33-14 on Friday night to the Melbourne Rebels to complete a clean sweep of defeats and will welcome the unbeaten Reds on Saturday without injured Wallabies trio Jake Gordon, Lachlan Swinton and Jack Dempsey.
Marinos said broadcast numbers had trebled since the start of the season but they couldn’t gloss over the Waratahs’ struggles.
“There have been some unfortunate performances and that’s been well documented,” Marinos said.
“The Waratahs have been struggling this year and that’s obviously a concern for everyone.
“A big market like this when they’ve not been performing, it will have an impact.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie was in camp with the Waratahs this week as part of his whistlestop club tour, while they have also benefited from time with RA mind coach Dave Diggle.
“We’ll continue to share and help where we can, to make sure that they get back to where they need to get back to,” Marinos said.
“At the same time, the Brumbies, Force, Rebels and Reds have all put in some really good displays and the games have been really compelling.”
jeznez
Roar Guru
About how the Brumbies are failing to develop the catchment area they were ceded? I'm sure Rob has other things on his mind.
adamv
Roar Rookie
I don't know. You could ask Rob Penney.
Republican
Guest
It's long been a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul for Australian Union. Australia's personnel are more limited than ever while the code continues to spread its GR thinly to appease televisions insatiable demand for 'product'. In Unions case in Australia the extra plastic entities of Melbourne and Perth are the codes Achilles heel.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
Nope... I love to watch NSW suffer.. it could be union, league, netball or tiddlywinks. For to long in all sports they have pushed their weight around with money and the illusion that Sydney is the king of the crop. Don’t mind if they are competitive but happy for an easy win
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Hahaha love that sketch
In brief
Guest
Take out 2014 and they’ve been in a slump for 30 years..
Adsa
Roar Rookie
I'm not concerned, in fact I am pretty relaxed about the Tahs form slump.
Guess
Roar Rookie
You're lying to yourself. Your hate shows you care about them more than some of their fans :laughing:
Guess
Roar Rookie
Ikr
Guess
Roar Rookie
He didn't breach his contract. He said that himself, and aru never proved he did
Guess
Roar Rookie
True dat. Tired of hearing they are rubbish. It's almost the same team that started to win in the end of last season. What they lack is experience and confidence
Guess
Roar Rookie
Yep to me it says more about his personality than about the Tahs
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Well a very enjoyable week's reading. First Nicholas unleashes the Reds haters, now the Tahs critics come out. Tough school this one!! Calm down and enjoy the rugby.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Hammer those nails Chookman!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Wow...thanks for the heads up. The Roar is a great place to learn things!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Correction on HJH. Although he played in Newcastle, he’s from Cowra.
Machooka
Roar Guru
'... but the way Folau and PI were crucified for their beliefs...' Malo do actually know what being 'crucified' is all about eh? Hence, poor choice of words here on your part... in fact, insensitive. Ignorant. And, frankly, disingenuous. It's one thing to have an opinion but don't go all hyperbole just because it suits your own agenda! :angry:
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah. He was a good un. I didn’t get to read as much of him as I would have liked given the rag he wrote for.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
Speaking of pay walls, good luck to Wayne Smith of the Aus in his retirement. Wonder if the Aus will employ a new rugby scribe or just stick with the weekly Alan Jones diatribe
jeznez
Roar Guru
You know it Chook. Things were so much simpler when we were behind the pay wall!