Super complicated: sprawling southern hemisphere championship comes under fire
Too big, too complicated and the games aren’t great either – the ever-expanding Super Rugby competition is coming under heavy fire after spreading to two new continents this season.
Too big, too complicated and the games aren’t great either – the ever-expanding Super Rugby competition is coming under heavy fire after spreading to two new continents this season.
The ambitious tournament started in the 1980s as a six-team amateur affair known as the South Pacific Championship before evolving into the 18-club behemoth which today straddles 16 time zones.
The entry of teams from Argentina and Japan may be good for broadcast revenues, and it could point the way ahead as rugby eyes expansion into new markets.
I watch most of the games but some of them put me to sleep
But quality and attendances have dipped, and many have been left bemused by an unfathomable four-conference system which seems to disadvantage the strongest country, New Zealand.
Eye-watering results like the 92-17 humiliation suffered by Japanese newcomers the Sunwolves against the Cheetahs, and the Jaguares’ 73-27 win over fellow debutants the Southern Kings, haven’t helped.
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones, who is now at the helm of England, spoke for many when he said: “I watch most of the games but some of the games put me to sleep.
“I don’t think the standard’s great this year. Having 18 teams in the competition, it’s really dropped the standards.”
