Confusion reigns over Air NZ Cup format

Confusion continues to reign in rugby circles over the make up of the new Air New Zealand Cup competition, and in particular the second round of the season.

Teams will not know if they are hosting a game in the second round until the second week of September.

The tournament starts on July 28 with a first round made up of two pools of seven teams each.

In the second round, teams will apparently be guaranteed a certain number of home games. Points difference will be used in a tie break situation, which appears to be leading to more confusion.

It is understood that unions are unhappy they are not able to plan for the later stages of the tournament.

But NZRU deputy chief Steve Tew said he believes the way the draw will fall, there will not be too many issues.

Although when pushed on the topic of points difference, Tew could not really give a clear answer on who will or will not host games.

Tew says the top two teams in each pool will host two home games, then play an away match against a lower ranked team.

Tew said: "The first rule is you can only have two home games, you must play one away."

Asked if it was possible a superior record could end up playing an inferior side away from home, he said: "Yeah, that's where it gets a little complicated."

- NEWSTALK ZB

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