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I was visiting my old kiwi flat mate tonight. He's been watching the saga and shaking his head..
He wondered if the Force would get a run in the NPC in NZ. I actually think that would be pretty cool. He seemed to think kiwi crowds and teams would really like having an Aussie team in the mix.
I wonder if we'd be eligible for The Log o' Wood?
cheers auss...
fabricarti diem punc
That would be great but expensive travel wise wouldn't it? Would NZ pay for teams to come here?
Well, we'd certainly get goodish crowds for it. Dunno whether they'd be supporting the Force though- and that could harm the rugby culture over here in the long run. Still, it's better than nothing.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
Given the NZRU were involved with the decision to reduce the competition to 15 sides team and wanted the Sunwolves to remain I doubt they would entertain the idea.
If the $50m is still on the table, I'd be more inclined to look at the Pro 14. Especially as direct flights to London start next March. The Pro 14 are looking into expanding with Canadian and German teams so the Force would be a good fit. Also, loads of UK expats live here.
I agree Dr C. I would much prefer us to play in a NH comp than a purely NZ one. Plus if the Kiwis were instrumental in our demise because they wouldn't countenance a trans-Tasman comp, then screw them!
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
1. The Mitre 10 Cup is a compressed format where short turn a rounds is the norm. Often two games in a week. Not feasible IMO.
2. 22 hour-ish flight time to Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Then there's the Kings and Cheetahs - summer in ZA and Perth. Very difficult, expensive option probably not feasible.
3. Top League. 13 hour flights. Starts in our winter but runs thru summer. Still difficult but has some good breaks during the season and pre finals. The only real option I reckon. I reckon it might be attractive to JRU too. Have not heard any more from NF-J.
Last edited by shasta; 30-08-17 at 22:00.
I'm not sure I'd be blaming the kiwis for The Force's problems?..
They may have wanted to re-structure the Super Rugby comp. But that is quite different to getting The Force cut. I feel sole blame for the current predicament should be plonked squarely in the ARU's lap.
We may all be pissed off. But let's be pissed off at the right people. If the NZRU offered us a way out, I for one would be voting for it..
cheers auss...
fabricarti diem punc
My understanding is they were pushing for 15 teams primarily with the Sunwolves off the table entirely. Pushing for an Australian team to go for various reasons. (Their reason being competitiveness)
The NZRU are very much a part of the problem. They pushed the matter without having to give up anything themselves.
I don't see how we, even with Twiggy's backing, could maintain a team of professional players if all we had to offer was the ITM Cup.