Potential Australia A opponent.

[Ruggo]

Just thought I would throw this idea out there for discussion. We badly need Australia A back up and running and the NZ Maori don’t appear as much as they have in the past. How about a three match series annually between the two sides to run during the same period that the Northern Hemisphere came down to play leading up to the tri nations. It will provide more international rugby to be spread around both countries for the viewers.

In Australia we are on the verge of having “genuine depth” with a much improved player pool but we are badly lacking the game time to sort through this player pool and Identify those who show a wealth of promise from those who are genuine contenders for the next level.

 

[RugbyReg]

with all due respect to our kiwi cousins, I am a little over Oz v NZL rugby battles. We run the risk of inbreeding I reckon.

 

[MajorlyRagerly]

Indeed... pacific nations cup is the place for NZ Maori / Australia A.

 

[RugbyReg]

we have to decide what our priorities are.

Do we want the next batch playing club to strengthen that comp?

Do we want to focus on just the next 25, so that we organise Aussie A games against someone? Maori, Pacific Islands, Japan, Rest of Australia.

Is it worthwhile to try the "Ricoh Challenge" model again - ie, Reds, Tahs, Rebs, Brums, 4s sans Wallabies in competition.

Do we come up with some other model. QLD v NSW v Rest of Australia, again sans Wallabies, for a couple of games.

 

[disco]

Is it worthwhile to try the "Ricoh Challenge" model again - ie, Reds, Tahs, Rebs, Brums, 4s sans Wallabies in competition.

I reckon a quick home & away series finished with a final between the top two sides would be good enough for the selectors to see who's ready for the next level.

Played on weeknight you should be able to get some TV coverage.

I'd also be happy to see Australia "A" play the Baby Boks, Maori or Argies in a best of 3.