Inga Tuigamala: Player pounding threatens rugby's future

Opinion

I hope players' welfare is high on the agenda as Sanzar looks to sort out a new rugby broadcasting contract.

There are no magic solutions to the scheduling issues facing rugby but, for now, I wouldn't like to see the Super 14 extended.

Players already deal with long and draining seasons and we need to remember they are human.

The injuries players are suffering were unheard of in our day. The game has quickly accelerated to one of total confrontation week after week.

I remember clearly when Michael Jones tore his knee to pieces and how that sent shivers up everyone's spine. It was a freakish accident at the time and specialists said it was the equivalent to a car accident injury.

Yet we are seeing injuries like that all over the place now because of the way the game has evolved so quickly. Players are getting battered.

I caught up with Michael the other day and it was amazing to look at his hands.

After years of stealing all those balls at rucks and mauls, he can hardly straighten his fingers any more because of arthritis. He certainly can't play the guitar or piano as well as he would like to.

Those are the sort of consequences of being involved in such a confrontational sport and heaven only knows what it is going to be like for all the young players coming through in the modern game.

I look at a player like Richie McCaw in amazement. He must have two hearts and four pairs of lungs. He is an absolute freak.

There were times when we used to cringe at the way guys like Zinzan Brooke, Michael Jones and Alan Whetton went into contact. And then Josh Kronfeld came along.

But McCaw has taken it to a whole new level. He is an absolute beast on the field in attack and defence and I wonder how he recovers each week. He must be so mentally and physically strong, and I know he plays on a lot of injuries.

I don't have a magic solution for the rugby schedules. But one thing that might be considered is a reduction in the frequency of All Black Northern Hemisphere tours, which prolongs the season.

They are important money earners and what we have all come to realise is that sport is a business these days. But those tours have become dull. They would be far more eagerly anticipated if they weren't so common.

The IRB, Sanzar and the powers that be must take player welfare into account as they look to shape the game's future. Otherwise, we might need to put the players in American gridiron-type helmets and padding.

I don't think that will ever happen, because the game would lose a lot of its personality. But, at the moment, we are facing a situation where careers are going to be severely shortened. The last thing we want is for our stars to have their careers curtailed at ridiculously young ages.

It is great to have the Blues back at Eden Park this week and I am confident they will account for the Sharks.

The South African side had a good win over the Chiefs last week but the Chiefs failed in basic areas such as concentration.

The Sharks defend superbly and are well organised in that area but patience is the name of the game for the Blues and they have the game-breakers to beat the Sharks.

It will be a great chance to welcome Ali Williams back into the Blues. He is an enforcer and his presence intimidates opponents.

If he can keep a cool head, I'm sure this will be a fine return for him.

He is the prodigal son who has returned home, and he will be jumping out of his skin.

It was strange seeing him in the red and black of the Crusaders but that highlights the way rugby has changed.

If a player isn't happy with the coaches, he looks elsewhere for a place where he is more appreciated.

Good on Ali for coming home, though - he is a world-beater.

But spare a thought for the Chiefs. It is a big week for them as they face the Western Force.

Another loss and their season will be almost over already.

* Inga Tuigamala played 19 tests for the All Blacks.