Friday’s top rugby news has a possible Super 18 model, Pulver being ‘realistic’, some Waratah line-up changes and Barrett re-signing with the ‘Canes.
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Super Rugby split
It now appears that Super Rugby chiefs are leaning towards splitting the three conference system into two tiers, with two Argentinian sides to be added. Under a possible Super 18 model, Australian and New Zealand sides would form their own conference while South Africa would combine with Argentina. There was even talk of including an Asian team, possibly from Japan, for future expansion. In any case, it is becoming unlikely that the current Super Rugby format will exist beyond next Rugby World Cup.
Another initiative being pushed for 2016 is a shift in the international calendar that would see the June internationals window moved to July. The International Rugby Players’ Association, Sanzar nations and England’s Premiership Rugby clubs are all on board. ‘Having a Test series take place in June is really quite inconvenient from a Super Rugby perspective,’ ARU boss Bill Pulver said. [/one_half]
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Vote of non-confidence from Pulver
In a surprising statement, Pulver has also played down our chances in the upcoming Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup. While excited with the appointment of Ewern McKenzie, the ARU’s chief executive saw that defeating the world’s best New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the ever-improving Argentinians will be a tough task. ‘We’re ranked three, so you have to be realistic about expectations. But, new coach, wonderful group of young players, everything is possible,’ Pulver said.
Pulver also added to the third tier discussion, mulling the options of further investment into club rugby or developing down from the five Super Rugby teams. Among the concerns for rugby’s development is the growing competition from other codes, with Pulver adding, ‘I do worry, we operate in the world’s most competitive winter sports market and our competitors are well-funded and well-run.’ [/one_half]
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New look Waratahs side to face Pumas
Pat McCutcheon will lead a drastically altered Waratahs line-up in their second match against Argentina this weekend. The starting side features a number of new faces, including Waratahs debutants Jack Dempsey at 6 and Tala Grey at no. 8. The front row has also been reshuffled, now consisting of Jeremy Tilse, Luke Holmes and Sam Talakai. As for the backs, Ben Volavola will take over at five-eighth alongside incoming scrumhalf Matt Lucas. West Harbour’s Alofa Alofa will make his first NSW appearance on the left wing while Randwick’s Terrence Hepetema will start at 12.
In other Waratahs news, Scottish-qualified lock Ollie Atkins will join halfback Greyson Hart at Edinburgh Rugby Club. ‘The opportunity to play against some of the top teams in Europe will be a fantastic challenge,’ said the 6’6″ lock. [/one_half]
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Barrett sticks with Hurricanes
All Blacks squad member Beauden Barrett has re-signed with the Hurricanes for the 2014 Super Rugby season. The young five-eighth was signed to a Hurricanes development contract in 2010, and a sense of loyalty was a key factor in turning down the Blues. ‘They [Hammer and Alama Ieremia] picked me up when I was a young fella and turned me into an All Black so I’ve got a lot of faith in them and their coaching,’ Barrett said.
This decision may change John Kirwan’s plans for new rugby league convert Benji Marshall. The Blues may be forced to trial Marshall at 10 despite perceived defensive flaws and inexperience at the breakdown. Halfback Peri Weepu said yesterday that although the 28 year-old playmaker has outstanding skills, his success will depend on his willingness to ‘do some dirty work’ around the breakdown. [/one_half]
