0
I do like the idea of the fifth S14 franchise coming to SA as has been mentioned earlier in this thread. The chance to expand the game into an untapped region should be looked at, but personally I don't think that SA is ready for it just yet.
Being based in Whyalla, I am 400km from Adelaide and not in the greatest position to report on the state of the game in Adelaide. I can however tell you about the state of the game in regional SA. It does not exist. The closest team to me is the Barossa Rams, who play in the Adelaide competition. There are 12 teams in Adelaide, of which 8 compete in the top tier competition.
Even with the mining boom starting to take some effect here in Whyalla and the number of SAfr expats in town, a Whyalla "pub" team could be formed but with no competition except in Adelaide.
The Adelaide 7s, RWC 2003 match and the Wallabies vs Pacific Islanders has in no doubt increased the profile of rugby in SA. These events are well attended because it is the elite level competition. The SA public see these games as unique entertainment options, but I don't know about continued support like they show for the crows and port.
If I may digress to that other code (NRL), Adelaide did have the Rams in Super League for two seasons before they were disbanded, the same fate that fell upon the Western Reds. The average attendance was around 6000, which was ok, but not what Super League wanted. I attended a couple of games and numerous training sessions (because I lived next door) and wanted to see how they would go. They just could not get the support required to remain in existence.
If it purely come down to a race between SA and Vic for the fifth licence, then there would be heaps of support for the SA bid, only because we wouldn't want Victoria to have it. There would be several thousands people standing in the middle of Adelaide Oval spelling out 'Super 14 for Adelaide'.
Then and only then, the Backwater Black Falcons might have a chance at the big time.