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Each conference will have 40 test players. The balance of the conference's players will only be exposed regularly to 40 players. That is worse than the 135 we have now. For Australia this will be devastatingly worse than for the others.

Sheesh, that's terrible news. Must have been a shocking mess.

Would that be the greater Perth or greater Brisbane metropolitan areas you are thinking of?

If it is regularly scheduled (and not a set of friendlies) - then it would have a greater chance of being accommodated. I am sure the IRB and pacific nations would be keen for it. Australia vs Australia barbarians - an interesting idea. Financially - not too sure. I am going to be honest...

But they don't. So they can. And that can fill in the block adequately.

It could be argued that the club competitions are not strong enough because the super rugby players are hardly ever playing these days. Nothing stops Australia from playing some extra test matches against pacific island nations as a lead in to the rugby championship (whilst SA and NZ are...

15 rounds - playing every other team once - is fine by me actually. The home and away games would then alternate every year. I think that just about makes it perfectly fit with the June internationals doesn't it? My biggest fear is that the TV dollars will want more games though and it is up...

I don't think it is in anyone's interests for any of the countries to leave (or to have closed off conferences). Each country uses around 35 players per season for tests. There are probably another 10 players that are fringe or ex test players. The way it is now, every player in the...

Whilst I agree it is an inference, I would also say it is a very strong indicator. The lions didn't fair much better (a bit unfair as they are new, I know). - We will just have to disagree on this point. I do not think that the Blues and Crusaders historically strong showing is just...

Not really. The proof is in the history. The Lions were consistently in the competition and they were consistently poor over an extended period. Ergo, they do not have the depth to support another team. The reason of economics, team viability etc is something that is understandable and has...

Well, the rules are what they are: therefore 3rd. I.E. not last.

They came third in the competition.

I apologise, I misinterpreted what your table indicated. It is still the same though. Your table that you used indicates that the lions have been consistently poor and this suggests that SA does NOT have depth for a 6th team. I think the other reasons are decent points of discussion (by...

According to your own table: 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is 4 years that the Lions came last. Unless you are using some significantly large values of 4 (in a mathematical system that I am unaware of), then that is EXACTLY the same as the Bulls. In fact in 17 years, a South African side has...

I would like to see a shorter super rugby season (fully decided prior to the June internationals). I would like to see fewer super rugby teams (probably 12). I would like to see an even number of international and local matches. I do NOT want to watch ONLY South Africa and New Zealand...

Would be a real shame if it ended. I love super rugby but tbh would prefer it a bit shorter (maybe back to the 12 teams). It has been pretty pivotal in making the three SH teams better in the professional era in my opinion.

The winter months must just fly by... ... ...

I thought he broke his collar bone last year (but I could be wrong), but I do recall a game (I think in New Zealand) where he got seriously rocked in a huge front on tackle. I think it featured in one of those highlight vids either on fox or that most excellent YouTube guy. I shall try to find...

Did it coincide with when he got obliterated in a tackle about a third of the way through the season? Those sort of things can really play havoc with your confidence. He started this season on fire and then it suddenly disappeared.

James is not really a god fit for the reds. I really do think they need some players who will string a long set of games together without injury instead.