Monday’s top rugby news has a Super Rugby shake-up, more Waratahs re-signing, Benji’s rugby motives tested and a pair of internationals banished from provincial rugby.
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SA to leave Super Rugby?
SANZAR are considering changing the format of Super Rugby in 2016. One prominent proposition sees South Africa forming its own competition with at least six teams and, potentially, an Argentinean side. The Australian and New Zealand provinces would form a second grouping and possibly welcome an Asian side.
SARU’s insistence on having six teams involved in future competitions has sparked the need for change as such an expansion will render the current conference system unworkable. The Australian and New Zealand unions are reportedly in favour of the split as they believe the natural rivalry of a trans-Tasman competition will increase gate-takings, fan engagement, create easier broadcast timezone considerations, and less travel for players. SANZAR wants a decision agreed to by the end of this year. [/one_half]
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Tahs secure Wallaby duo
Wallabies Dave Dennis and Rob Horne are the latest players to re-commit to the Waratahs. The pair confirmed they have signed contract extensions with NSW and the ARU, with Dennis retained until the end of 2015 and Horne until the end of 2014. ‘I really want to keep working hard to try and get back in the Test fold and contribute to winning a first ever Super Rugby title with the Waratahs,’ said Dennis.
The backrower joins fellow Waratahs forwards Sekope Kepu, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Benn Robinson in re-signing with the NSW franchise which is keen to build a tough-nosed culture under second-year coach Michael Cheika. Horne also gave a number of optimistic soundbites upon signing, asserting, ‘I am really excited at what I think the NSW group can achieve.’ [/one_half]
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Benji’s rugby resolve tested
Benji Marshall’s true code-switching intentions are being tested as the West Tigers star will have to take a substantial pay cut to join the Blues next year. It has been reported that the most the Auckland-based franchise is prepared to offer is $500,000 per season. Marshall recently turned down a $750,000 contract extension with the Tigers. If Marshall is sincere about his intentions to play for the All Blacks, it will come at a significant financial cost, with more lucrative offers likely to come from the Rebels and Waratahs.
Meanwhile, another New Zealand born five-eighth, Quade Cooper, has taken a not-so-subtle shot at former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans after being recalled by Ewen McKenzie for The Rugby Championship squad. ‘I am just grateful to have a great coach who shows belief in me and the rest of my teammates,’ Cooper said, adding, ‘the team will benefit from the confidence Ewen instils in players.’ [/one_half]
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Troubled playmakers face exile
Incumbent Wallabies five-eighth James O’Connor is reportedly in negotiations with London club Saracens. Talks with the Force have broken down, with claims that O’Connor may still be owed money from the club’s former sponsor, while there are reports the Force have retained a sense of animosity from the playmaker’s acrimonious departure. The Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds have shown little interest, leaving JOC adrift in the Super Rugby landscape.
Thankfully, our New Zealand counterparts are having similar star troubles. Despite fantastic play for the All-Blacks, Ma’a Nonu’s has suffered poor Super Rugby form and accompanying attitude issues. He’s already been through three franchises and it’s hard to see the remaining two – the Crusaders or Chiefs – requiring or risking his services. Despite already granting a sabbatical for a 2012 Japanese club rugby season, the New Zealand Rugby Union may need to provide another ‘break’ from Super Rugby to enable All Black selection. [/one_half]
