Politics a no-go for game

Northern Advocate online readers believe players like Marist's Blake Williamson should be able to play more than half a game if the coach sees fit, going against a new rule implemented by the NZRU.

Online Northern Advocate readers believe that a new New Zealand Rugby Union rule within junior rugby is a good idea but ultimately political rulings shouldn't dictate who is on the field.

Readers were polled on a story that ran in last Saturday's Advocate about the NZRU rule, which came into effect from January this year, but results were split.

The question asked was: "A new NZRU rule will see players below 1st XV level require all named squad members to play at least half a game. Do you think this rule is a good move?"

The leading response was "it should be up to the coach" with 28 per cent of the votes, which had a total of between 100-150.

With 27 per cent, "yes, it's a good move" was next and then followed by "yes, sport at that level is about participation".

The least popular response was "no, the best team should be on" with 21 per cent of the votes.

The rule has been tried out in Canterbury and was officially implemented nationally on January 1.

Brad Te Haara, Northland ITM cup manager and rugby administrator in schools, says the rule ensures that all players at this level receive good playing time and this will help to achieve the big picture of keeping teenagers in rugby.

Go to www.northernadvocate.co.nz to see this week's poll.