KEY POINTS:
It's convenient for the New Zealand Rugby Union that Marlborough and Nelson are copping all the flak over their internal war. Yes, the unions which make up Tasman have egg on their faces.
But what sort of leadership and guidance is the NZRU showing? The NZRU look weak and mealymouthed over the provincial competition. Years ago, they spent a great deal of time and money and came up with a paper that said only 10 unions should be involved.
But then came submissions from unions who didn't want to be left out and - hello - the NZRU thought they were very good submissions so didn't do anything. The whole process has repeated itself this year with an NZRU effort to get down to 12 teams ending up with no change.
For heaven's sake, show some leadership and get this matter wrapped up. The NZRU have a lot of Tasman blood on their hands by insisting the unions do up Lansdowne Park and Trafalgar Park.
Okay, the changing facilities needed work but to spend a huge amount of money on the stadium and the lighting meant unnecessary debt was created.
I am also not sure if we have heard everything about Tasman's finances. The NZRU inaction will affect administration of the game. We hear that provincial rugby CEOs are looking for other jobs because of looming financial losses and the correspondingly lesser glamour and status in being a rugby CEO.
Having said all that, yes, there is a bitter rivalry between the two unions. There seem to be some crusty old people who want traditional boundaries and young players who want to play at the highest level possible.
Tasman was created for that but now we hear Marlborough grumbling that they don't get enough players in the team.
Well, tough. It's not like Todd Blackadder is deliberately stacking his side with Nelson boys. There aren't many local players overall, and imports make up the balance.
When imports come into the area, they tend to settle in Nelson which is mostly where Tasman play. Get over it. You can't expect new players to live somewhere and then drive for ages to get to training two or three times a week.
In my days in the area, Marlborough used to dominate Nelson. No more. Times change. Get on with it.
Then we get back to the NZRU. Get on with it. If you are running a business, you don't let two of your staff run off and have a highly public war. You sort things out quickly and quietly and present a united front.
Either axe Tasman or get Nelson and Marlborough together by forcing them to play their club competitions together. That'd unite them although it is a far from perfect suggestion because the likes of Kaikoura would have to travel heaps.
But do something, NZRU. Who's in charge here? It's time someone put their balls on the line.
