The Rugby Thread

[Cormack74]

Would be strongly against it. Whilst there would be financial benefits, the level of competition is nowhere near Super Rugby. On average the NZ teams are roughly on par with most national teams and the Jaguares are the majority of the Argentina team. The Super Rugby system doesn't really work and would need to be relooked/trimmed, but playing quality opposition should be essential.

It looks quite far down the line though, with rumours floating around about the Boks playing in the 6Ns too. Finances and timezones do make more sense, but I'm not sure about it from a sporting perspective. It would obviously hurt NZ too, but I feel they have too much and would increasingly move ahead of everyone else. They would feel the financial implications drastically, but perhaps Japan could save them there. Would be cool to potentially see SA teams in the Heineken Cup though.

I'm happy to be corrected by Buzzo or Nev who clearly watch far more 'Pro' rugby than I do, but so far as I'm aware the reason that it isn't stronger is because the (Irish) teams (in particular) save themselves for the HC.

So if you had SA teams playing in it I suspect it would be the same for them i.e. having to decide which games to prioritise when there are so many more matches having to be played.

[Irishnev]

I'm happy to be corrected by Buzzo or Nev who clearly watch far more 'Pro' rugby than I do, but so far as I'm aware the reason that it isn't stronger is because the (Irish) teams (in particular) save themselves for the HC.

So if you had SA teams playing in it I suspect it would be the same for them i.e. having to decide which games to prioritise when there are so many more matches having to be played.

Super rugby is levels ahead IMO because most of the sides are elite and the NZ sides are almost test level. There are a fair few poor sides in the Pro 14 and only really Leinster can “rest” players for the HC because their second side is still probably top 6 in the Pro 14

I think quality aside it makes more sense logistically for SA sides due to tv times etc and they’d stand a strong chance of winning it

[Cormack74]

Super rugby is levels ahead IMO because most of the sides are elite and the NZ sides are almost test level. There are a fair few poor sides in the Pro 14 and only really Leinster can “rest” players for the HC because their second side is still probably top 6 in the Pro 14

I think quality aside it makes more sense logistically for SA sides due to tv times etc and they’d stand a strong chance of winning it

Well maybe not in the past couple of years, but Munster too relatively recently - you know . . . before you had to start thinking about supporting someone else

Reading Eddie Jones auto-bio which was mentioned earlier on the page he didn't seem to think Super rugby was better - just tactically different.

In fact I think he called it less structured but obviously the way it tends to be played showcases the strong handling skill set of the NZ's (in particular).

Would the Blues or Chiefs or Crusaders go to Dublin and win? I'm not so sure to be honest. Not that I think Leinster would go down there and win either.

[Zapater]

Well maybe not in the past couple of years, but Munster too relatively recently - you know . . . before you had to start thinking about supporting someone else

Reading Eddie Jones auto-bio which was mentioned earlier on the page he didn't seem to think Super rugby was better - just tactically different.

In fact I think he called it less structured but obviously the way it tends to be played showcases the strong handling skill set of the NZ's (in particular).

Would the Blues or Chiefs or Crusaders go to Dublin and win? I'm not so sure to be honest. Not that I think Leinster would go down there and win either.

The Blues wouldn't even win at Eden Park!

In all honesty, he may have a point, although Eddie Jones has always said that the tinkering with the competition has diluted it, I agree to an extent. This whole conference system with all of these teams is getting a bit ridiculous. Re the coaching, a lot of people here say that in SA we teach players to run into other players and in NZ they train players to run around players - that's a simplistic way of putting it, but I think the school of thought applies and extends beyond just SA.

Traditionally NZ have at least 2 quality teams, same with SA and the Tahs + 1 in Australia. That's changed a bit the last few years with more good NZ teams and poor performance from the Australian ones. I'm convinced the Crusaders, over the years would beat most teams, but that's hearsay I suppose. Same as how the Bulls 10 years ago would also dominate most teams.

I know the Cheetahs haven't been brilliant, but they don't have a good team and were dreadful at the end of their SR lifespan, but on the rare occasion I watch, they seem to be competitive, again, not great. Not a great indicator but when you compare that they couldn't buy a win in SR it's a bit of an eyeopener.

[Buzzo]

I'm happy to be corrected by Buzzo or Nev who clearly watch far more 'Pro' rugby than I do, but so far as I'm aware the reason that it isn't stronger is because the (Irish) teams (in particular) save themselves for the HC.

So if you had SA teams playing in it I suspect it would be the same for them i.e. having to decide which games to prioritise when there are so many more matches having to be played.

There is a degree of this but a lot of it comes under player welfare. Coaches definitely have to pick tactically for games and rotate out for some, which can lead to prioritising depending on performance in the particular tournament. With the varying quality in the Pro14 you may well see some changed selection in advance of a HC tie, ultimately because there is increased money and profile in advancing in that tournament.

Edinburgh for example have a decent (and always improving) 23 but beyond that? Not much, as highlighted by the Pro14 in general when the 6Ns is on. Leinster are still decent no matter.

Same as with football it all boils down to budget and the provinces have a massive advantage in that respect.

It would be interesting to see the competition with the increased quality SA sides. And the tournament itself can only benefit. Ultimately in terms of quality the proof of the pudding would be int the eating and I think a lot of the pro14 teams would stand up well.

[Irishnev]

Well maybe not in the past couple of years, but Munster too relatively recently - you know . . . before you had to start thinking about supporting someone else

Reading Eddie Jones auto-bio which was mentioned earlier on the page he didn't seem to think Super rugby was better - just tactically different.

In fact I think he called it less structured but obviously the way it tends to be played showcases the strong handling skill set of the NZ's (in particular).

Would the Blues or Chiefs or Crusaders go to Dublin and win? I'm not so sure to be honest. Not that I think Leinster would go down there and win either.

They’d arguably win the 6 Nations

[Cormack74]

Enough of the Polish beer now Neville

[Cormack74]

Well they might, but so might any of the teams apart from Italy.

[Irishnev]

Enough of the Polish beer now Neville

It's actually Stephen

It was of course in jest but they are some side

[Cormack74]

How is Nev short for Stephen?

Even by Irish standards that's a bit odd

[Irishnev]

How is Nev short for Stephen?

Even by Irish standards that's a bit odd

I am afflicted by the same surname as a couple of ex United footballers

[Cormack74]

We all have our crosses to bear I guess.

[Zapater]

[ame]https://twitter.com/pauleddison/status/1302737862627078149[/ame]

Ramos doing a Carlos Spender impersonation. And DuPont, he's going to be dynamite with Ntamack for the next 10 years.

[Irishnev]

[ame="https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1304687412430483457"]https://twitter.com/jimhamilton4/status/1304687412430483457[/ame]

[Buzzo]

His vision is incredible. But he is so calm in execution.