'SANZAR have failed the Pacific'

'And the Pumas deserve a mention'

With the news of an expanded Super 12 and Tri-Nations set to start from 2006 we expected a flurry of emails from readers bemoaning player burn-out. Surprisingly that was not the case, the fans actually wanted to know why the Pumas and Pacific Islanders were not taking part.

AN OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN MISSED:

"I think an opportunity has been missed with the Super 14/Tri-nations expansion. Why is there no representation from the Pacific Islands? They need all the support they can get to help strengthen rugby there. It may take them time to get up to the same standard as the current teams, but if they are not included they will never get to the same standard."
- Jon, UK

"I love the Tri-Nations, love it! But I would prefer to see Argentina and the Pacific Islands join rather than a extra South African & Aussie team - they both proved they can play with the best so give them a chance.

"Turning to the ugly side though the money men obviously make these decisions and there is probably not too much money to be made through tv rights in either of those countries - so once again we have the suits saying how much they want to grow the game globally, but when it comes down to it can only see the moolah."
- Rick, New Zealand

"The opportunity was there to have a 5-nations tournament, extending the existing Tri-Nations to the Pacific Islanders and Argentina. In addition a Pacific Island team in the S12 would have been another boost to the Islanders. Instead a bit of a carve up, South Africa and Australia gain, slightly, the S12 is devalued and world rugby is a definite loser."
- Michael, New Zealand

"Surely the logical expansion of the Tri-Nations is to bring in the Pumas?"
- Rob, UK

"Ahhh typical, SANZAR thinking with the wallet and not with the best interests of the players, the fans or the game. Super 14 makes sense, but not with an additional SA or Australian team, I'd prefer to see a Pumas side from Argentina and a Pacific Islanders XV to add some variety but more so to improve the game in these nations. Simple implementation only players in these countries can play, hence Argentina's phalanx of European players would be ineligable.

"Secondly - making the Tri-Nations 3 Games per side. Well what logic has been applied here? So we all have an equal amount of home and away games - but have they failed to see the advantage that the home team receives in the S12 and with the only possible outcome being a two home, one away followed by one home and two away against the respective oppositions this is a complete joke.

"This system will not encourage supporters to follow their teams, but will undermine the value of the competition as a whole. What possible reason other than money, could there be behind such a move? I don't believe this is in the interests of SANZAR rugby, aspirations that the respective nations have in terms of the World Cup and more importantly - instead of Tri-Nations - if you want more games, bring in Argentina and the Pacific Islands - that's were the progress of the game, a wider market opportunity and to be honest the validation of the Tri-Nations as a worthwhile Rugby tournament lie!

"If this proposal goes ahead in the current form, I doubt the 3N's will have a half of it's current support - no new blood means little possible gains for the sides competing."
- John Doyle, UK

"Did SANZAR think to ask the fans what they want? No they can't afford to. More games are the main way for revenue generation and unfortunately that's what is needed to stop the elite players heading north for an early retirement package in the richer European clubs.

"Money money money - how long is it before games in NZ kick off at 10am in the morning so it's timed nicely for the "lucrative" North American market? Also, does this leave anyroom anywhere for the global rugby season which the IRB is continuously harping on about?"
- Matthew, South Africa

"While I think that there is definitely room for more teams, I find it disgraceful that an opportunity to increase the game of rugby on a global scale was passed up.

"How, Argentina and Pacific Island teams were not included, not even considered or discussed should leave a sour taste in the mouth of all rugby supporters. Yes, whilst I agree that logistically there might have been issues as far playing games across such vast distances, I believe the positives far outweigh the negatives.

"Our Southern Hemishphere cousins have been left out in the cold and sacrificed at the table of big rugby corporate business, who's only motivation is to gain more franchise money through television and merchandising. The Pumas and The Warriors  would have provided a brilliant boost to rugby in both these countries.

"Logistics can always be worked out, lets face it, these guys are professionals. Was the PI series against SA, Oz and NZ just to appease the masses. South Africa do not need another franchise, every year the same story happens, we end up having too many players spread across the country weakening the player base and having no reserves for injured players.

"Then, we go into S12 games with weakened sides only to get trounced by teams from Antipodes whose players base has been strengthened by most notably PI based players. We end up wooden spooners, have a whole host of players held together with medical tape, and have yet to make a decent challenge for the S12. Corporate tune of the Pied Piper is leading us and our money down to the waters edge. Terribly short sighted particularly on part of the South African leadership. If they had pushed for Argentinian and PI teams it would have possibly evened the playing field."
- Duncan, UK

LOOKS GOOD:

"Yes there are plenty of weekends. Unlike the shambles of the UK system the Tri-Nations players are all centrally contracted to their respective nations and in New Zealand for instance the ABs aren't allowed to play NPC games without the NZRFU allowing it.

"In essence they will play less games but against quality opposition. It may well curtail the pretty worthless autumn internationals (well let's face it France and England are the only proper opposition, Ireland occasionally). So its all good as far as I can see."
- Jerry, Kiwi in UK