Rugby: Super 12 tops English game says Kronfeld

LEICESTER - Former All Black flanker Josh Kronfeld thinks his championship-winning English club team Leicester would get thrashed if they played in the Super 12.

Kronfeld is in his first season with the all-conquering Leicester Tigers, but has been hit by the worst injury run of his career, with ankle, hand, knee and rib complaints having limited his on-field contribution.

But he has seen enough to gauge how the champions of England and Europe would fare in the Super 12 competition.

The Leicester Tigers wrapped up their fourth straight English premiership club title last Sunday, with three rounds remaining.

They are also on target to defend the European Cup, having easily moved into the semifinals.

"I know this may upset some English people but I think in the first year they would probably lose every game by about 40 points," Kronfeld said.

And he should know. He was a star performer for the Highlanders and played in the losing final against the Crusaders in 1999.

He played 54 tests, was the game's leading No 7 for much of his international career, and has arguably absorbed more punishment than any other openside flanker.

Kronfeld thinks the pace of Super 12 play and the clinical finishing ability of the best teams would expose Leicester, who have won 50 straight premiership home games, stretching back to December 1997.

"Here, if you make a mistake, you don't get crucified," he said.

"At home, if you make one mistake then the Crusaders have scored up the other end, or the Brumbies have blitzed you and put five tries on you. It's more clinical."

Leicester are coached by former England No 8 Dean Richards and captained by England and Lions skipper Martin Johnson.

There are a host of internationals in the team, headed by Neil Back, Austin Healey, Ben Kay and former Wallaby Rod Kafer.

Kronfeld thinks Leicester and all English club teams are disadvantaged by the weather and poor state of the grounds.

Southern Hemisphere grounds are generally hard and much more suitable for expansive play, he said.

- NZPA