Michael Brown: International ambition needs to take precedence

This Super 12, more than any other, will be a test of autonomy of the five New Zealand franchises. In the same way the club vs country debate crops up when the England football side assembles, the influence Graham Henry and Co have over their Super 12 counterparts will come under the spotlight.

While our club vs country debate isn't something that gets the sparks flying as much as it does in England, with all Super 12 players contracted to and ultimately paid by the NZRU rather than a club, it's imperative country prevails over club, or franchise, this season.

While not wanting to belittle what is arguably the greatest 'club' rugby competition of all, few people in New Zealand will really care who wins this year's Super 12 as long as the All Blacks beat the British and Irish Lions. The Lions tour is looming as a colossal event and the fact it will be led by a certain C Woodward makes it all the more important.

Just think of the fallout and the 'where did we go wrong?' debate if the All Blacks fail to win the three-test series. Will the fallout be quite so pointed if a New Zealand team fails to win the Super 12?

To this end, every franchise should do everything in its power to work towards ensuring the All Blacks triumph this year. I'm not suggesting a happy-clappy world in which sides sacrifice their chances of winning. There just needs to be more consideration of what the All Black coaches would like.

It doesn't mean pandering to their every wish but the black jersey must be held in the highest regard and if that means playing Daniel Carter at first five-eighths rather than at 12 or fullback because he'll be in the No 10 jersey against the Lions, then play him at first five.

If that means a player needs to rest an injury in case it harms his chances of lining up against the Lions, then rest him.

Unfortunately, though, this is highly unlikely. While publicly the respective Super 12 coaches have stated their support for Henry and Co and pledged to help out wherever possible, they'll choose a side that works for them - it's fantasy to think otherwise.

A coach's job is to succeed, after all, but there was sense in either Andrew Mehrtens, Carter or even Luke McAlister transferring to the Hurricanes this season to ensure the top pivots were playing regularly.

I know there are financial implications not only for Super 12 players and sponsors but the pain of not winning the World Cup since 1987 cuts deeply, and if this approach means we will have a better chance of lifting the William Webb Ellis trophy in Paris in 2007, then so be it.

Considering England have not won a major footballing competition since 1966, and they're reminded of it every year, I'm sure a large number of Arsenal or Manchester United fans would forego a league title if it meant England won the World Cup. Would a Crusaders or Blues fan feel the same way about the Super 12? I would hope so.

It's a simple equation, really. Can you name who won the 2001 Super 12 without delving into the record books? I bet you know who won the last World Cup, and every one back to 1987. Not a very nice feeling, is it?