Sanzar, the organisers of Super Rugby, cannot be said the be short-sighted. It is already looking ahead five years to it next expansion for new television contracts. It may bring in two more teams from two new territories, adding to the five countries now taking part in the competition. Ambitious and far-sighted it may be, but serious questions need to be answered first about the size and format of the competition as it is.
None of those questions seemed to be troubling the head of Sanzar, Andy Marinos, when he spoke on Radio Sport after the announcement of next season's draw this week. The conference system will continue. "It's not broken," he said. "It had some really good games, some good results and ultimately a fantastic final."
He might have praised the whole play-off phase. Once New Zealanders had grumbled at the unfairness of having only one home quarter- final when three of the other four teams in the play-offs had more points than their opponents, it was an absorbing weekend. And when this country contributed three of the four semifinalists, justice was served.
Since the South African Lions had defeated the Crusaders and Highlanders in fine style on their home ground, they came to Wellington for the final posing a threat. But the Hurricanes were on a roll with Beauden Barrett and T. J. Perenara in sublime form through the play-offs. It was a memorable few weeks but the preceding four months were not. If the Super 13 is a gruelling saga for the teams, it has become merely tedious for the fans.
It became so even when all teams played each other and it was easy the follow. Since the introduction of the conference system fans have found it unfair and fathoming each team's standings seems hardly worth the effort. Super Rugby occupies the best part of the rugby season and it should not be this way. Thankfully, the brilliance of this All Black era is giving New Zealand rugby followers all the pleasure they need, but rugby needs more engrossing competitions at all levels.
