Taking Super rugby games to places like Fiji tonight broadens the reach of the competition. But does it broaden the appeal enough for the competition bosses?
Chiefs, Crusaders and rugby fans in the Pacific will tune in to the duel in Suva as the series moves into its three game sprint to the playoffs. While those debates will playout so will talk about the tournament format.
It was encouraging to hear Sanzaar boss Andy Marinos discussing ideas around the shape of the competition and ways to bump up the fractured fervor about the tournament. There is no doubt about levels of excitement which will envelop Suva today and through the aftermath of tonight's match.
This is big time for the island nation with broadcasters sending pictures and words around the globe to showcase their piece of paradise.
Everyone gets a slice of the economic pie for this game however opponents of this venture say places like Fiji and Samoa cannot deliver sustained economic benefits to justify joining the New Zealand, Australian, South African, Argentine and Japanese partners.
