Hate to say it but O'Neill may have a point

[Jethro]

Big bad John, who we hate on general principal, has been on about a possible kiwi involvement in the ARC. Okay on paper that's the stupidist idea yet out of the ARU bunker, Queenland proud holders of the Ranfurly sheild But having taken a few days to digest the idea it actually has some merit if we think outside the box.

Rather than focusing on the ANZC sides, most of whom would demolish the ARC lot, how about looking toward the Heartland Competition sides. We're talking some pretty good outfits in the former second division comp. I would propose the Heartland comp takes place earlier in the year with the top two or three sides advancing to the ARC later in the year. There would certainly be some interest in the likes of King Country, Marlborough, or Thames Valley for a feature rich competition. Should be an easy sell to Sky and sponsors, and as a package it should generate overseas revenue in the far flung rugger colonies. Within a couple of years this should be a revenue maker for the teams, the ARU, and the NZRU.

Worth a thought I reckon, though I may have to take to me bed for three days to get over agreeing with any idea O'Neill put on the table. So what do the rest of you lot reckon?

[jargan83]

sounds interesting, would probably have to wait and see what the review into the ARC when it's finished (or in 2 years) to see what format changes etc might happen

[AndyS]

Yeah, I think we're an awful long way from integrating any Aus and NZ competitions. One day perhaps, but not anytime soon.

[Seldom]

Combining the teams in the heartland comp and ARC would defiantly raise the quality and depth of the rugby in AUST/NZ at that level. The travel would be the big $ factor of traveling is the big hurdle the teams, although if foxtel/sky pay for the rights this could subsidize this.

Defiantly could work in the future if the idoits on the east coast pull their heads in and look at the bigger picture for the game.

[GIGS20]

Seldom, any idea which causes said 'idoits on the east coast' to pull their bloody heads in will benefit rugby in the long run.

ps like the french connection........idoits.........classic!

[hopep]

yes, definitely not ready for any NZ combat. the ARC needs to be bedded down and an entrenched part of Aust rugby first, then consider trans-tasman interaction.

How does anyone feel about the potential of playing top 2 from ARC and top 2 from ANZC (in a few years) but played as an end of year double header ?

[Seldom]

IN A COUPLE OF YEARS MIGHT WORK WITH THE LEVEL IN THE ARC GROWING. ANZC TOP TEAMS AT THE MOMENT FAR TO STRONG. SECOND TIER BLEDISLOE CUP?????

[jargan83]

yeah i agree, i'd like to see some form of cross competition eventually when the ARC (Mazda Cup) is stronger and the teams are stronger, but$ lets firstly hope the ARC livrd beyond the review that John o'neill and the fellas at ARU headquarters are talking about at the conclusion of the competiton.

[popgun]

What we need is a global season where both hemisphere's are on the same page,various comps at the various levels need to be in synch with each other,currie cup,apc,anz first which then rolls into the s14 then onto the internationals,we can perhaps have a global playoff at the s14/heinaken cup level and of course in the international arena the champion tri nation champ playing the six nation champ at years end.

[Jethro]

What we need is a global season where both hemisphere's are on the same page,various comps at the various levels need to be in synch with each other,currie cup,apc,anz first which then rolls into the s14 then onto the internationals,we can perhaps have a global playoff at the s14/heinaken cup level and of course in the international arena the champion tri nation champ playing the six nation champ at years end.

Would also like to see an ANZAC team take on the Lions every couple of years or so. Pity they dumped that concept imho.