The 'Super 14' will add some Spice

Amidst all the criticism and controversy surrounding SANZAR's decision to expand the Tri-Nations and Super 12, former Hurricanes stalwart Jason Spice - now plying his trade in Wales - has found time to chew over the implications of the new proposals.

His stance dissents somewhat from the general mutterings of greed and player burn-out emanating from the southern hemisphere, in that he believes that the plans might actually give the domestic provincial tournaments a shot in the arm.

"It seemed the only country really complaining was New Zealand, but the fact is that it only needs people to make a small re-adjustment and it won't harm anything," Spice told this website.

"It may mean All Black players won't play NPC, and yes, the standard might drop a little.

"But what you have at the moment is a two-tier domestic competition anyway, because as soon as the All Blacks come back from Tri-Nations, the big unions get all the good players and they turn it into their own little competition.

"Take away the All Black players and you get a reasonably even competition, which would eventually be a much better option for the fans."

The New Zealander also reasoned that the an All Black-free NPC would offer burgeoning talent a better grounding - a situation that could only help New Zealand rugby in the long run.

"It might take a bit of time, but once people get used to the second-tier level of competition offered by the NPC, they will see the opportunities," he said.

"The clubs and provinces will be able to promote their youngsters in the NPC, and maybe we will see a few new faces every year."

By Danny Stephens