Relegation would alter Super mindset
13 Feb 2012
JON CARDINELLI writes that with the merger option quashed and the six-franchise option unlikely, South African teams may be forced to employ conservative tactics in order to secure Super Rugby survival.
Gary Gold put it best when he described how club rugby differs in the northern and southern hemispheres. ‘In the south they play to win, whereas in the north they play not to lose,’ he said, citing his experience as a coach in competitions like the English Premiership and Super Rugby.
Gold explained that the relegation factor influenced the style of play in England, while the Sanzar nations could afford to be more adventurous as the results had no bearing on their continued involvement in the south’s premier competition.
But that could change in 2012, at least for South Africa’s Super Rugby teams.
Saru is currently wrestling with the problem of fitting six franchises into five slots. They’ve ruled out the possibility of merging two franchises, and while they hope to convince Sanzar to accommodate six SA teams, the 2013 tournament is unlikely to differ to that of 2012. The existing franchises won’t like the idea of relegation, but considering the contractual obligations, there may be no alternative.
The final decision will only be announced next month, but we already know more than we did at this time last week. There will be no amalgamation similar to that of the Cats, and there are those at the Cheetahs and Lions who will laud this decision as a massive victory. But now that the merger option has been ruled out, another scrap will begin.
History will show that of SA’s five franchises, the Cheetahs and Lions have fared the worst at Super Rugby level. The Cheetahs have performed consistently at domestic level while the Lions recently won the Currie Cup, but this has never been a true indicator of Super Rugby aptitude. Going into the 2012 competition, the Cheetahs and Lions will be the South African underdogs once again.
At the start of 2012, both sides may have held lofty ambitions of finishing in the top half of the table or even sneaking into the play-offs. Now that relegation could become a possibility, they may have to alter game plans and adjust priorities and goals to ensure that come the end of the competition, they don’t receive the chop.
Of course, it is yet to be determined whether the relegation option will be adopted and, if it is, how it would be implemented.
It could be that Saru decides to stage a relegation series after the Super Rugby season, in which case the respective teams’ Super Rugby survival would be riding on the result of two or three games. That option wouldn’t make much sense, however, as it would take place at the end of a grueling six-month competition and both teams would be without their Boks due to Rugby Championship commitments. It would also lead to the bizarre situation where coaches save their best players for the relegation/promotion series rather than risk them in the last rounds of the Super Rugby tournament itself.
If an automatic relegation option was installed, in other words if the worst South African side made way for the Southern Kings in 2013, the question would be thrown back at Saru: Why wasn’t the decision made before the 2012 competition started?
The coaches could even take it a step further and ask why the decision wasn’t made before the pre-season when tactics and other plans are implemented. These are relevant questions, because as Gold once intimated with his description of the northern competitions, the threat of relegation can alter a team’s goals and thus its style of play.
The current laws prescribe a move towards percentage play, and while the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers all differ slightly in game plan, they do prize territory above all else. The Cheetahs and Lions, while traditionally the worst SA teams in terms of results, have often employed a more expansive approach to the game. It has sometimes made for entertaining rugby and on occasion has brought them success, but how will the prospect of relegation alter the mindset in the respective camps? Results will no longer be crucial in terms of shooting for a play-off place; they may be vital for survival.
The Cheetahs showed their conservative side when they played in Cape Town nine days ago, which may suggest they are already starting to think along these lines. The Lions entertained in the 2011 Currie Cup with an all-out-attack, but it was clear that John Mitchell has installed some balance. It could be that the Lions play more to the laws in the coming season, and in doing so, improve their chances of staying in the top flight.
The Super Rugby race will be closely contested, as the length of the competition adds to the challenge.There may also be a competition within the competition as the South African teams scrap for survival.
The Bulls, Sharks and Stormers won’t take the traditionally weaker sides in their conference lightly, as they won’t want to fall into a potential relegation zone either. This could mean that the big three SA teams are also effected when it comes to selection and playing style.
Saru will announce its decision at the end of March, and if a relegation system is favoured, it will prompt a scrap that could transform the South African psyche into something resembling the mindset of European clubs up north.
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413 Comments
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13 Feb 2012, 09:52 am
In Jonker and Craig Joubert we trust!
They will send the Cheetahs to relegation, wait and see
13 Feb 2012, 09:55 am
I am so gatvol of this debate already.
13 Feb 2012, 09:56 am
@RL-43: I doubt the court case will ever happen. The application for liquidation was done to put pressure on the Lions to accept GumaTAC’s figures and to fuel a media campaign. You only go forward with a court case if you have a reasonable chance of success and with Allers’ investment and the new sponsors that chance slipped away, if it was ever there.
13 Feb 2012, 10:03 am
@Dawn-52:
rock paper scissors.
lions v kings
best of 3.
13 Feb 2012, 10:07 am
@Baylion-49:
My point is that, once a union loses its S15 franchise status, that element of the contract becomes null and void. If a relegation system is chosen, the whole structure and contract system of the S15 and unions would need to be revised, otherwise SARU wouldn’t be able to honour its NewsCorp commitments.
13 Feb 2012, 10:21 am
@Slartibartfast-32: slarti i am not attacking the cheetahs bud, nor the lions.
i am pointing out what could happen if one of them is relegated.
i honestly feel for the kings and think it is completely unfair for three out of 14 sa unions to be left out of superrugby.
border, swd and ep are all geographically a lot closer than durbs and pe and so it makes sense that they should be grouped together. in fact, they could turn into a proper rugby force with the correct application of proper business practices allied with professional rugby approach but why does this have to be at the expense of existing franchises?
the s15 is a fukup of note imo, it must change but let the kings play top div cc, hell promote them as of next year like natal in the late 80′s and let them get their structures right so in 2015 they can join and not sink immediately.
but methinks there is a timeline linked to a certain players time left in rugby, maybe i am wrong.
13 Feb 2012, 10:26 am
@rangerman-56:
But they weren’t left out. They were part of the Sharks and Stormers franchises.
They CHOSE to take some quick cash and withdraw from these franchises.
The logical answer is to reintegrate them with the above two franchises – once they return the cash of course…
13 Feb 2012, 10:28 am
@David-55: David, there is no separate element. It is one contract for all. It is the same contract players from minor unions sign. SARU has no say over the player contracts. These contracts is ito the Collective bargaining agreement between SAREO (South African Rugby Employers’ Organisation) and SARPA (South African Rugby Players’ Association)
13 Feb 2012, 10:28 am
@Dawn-52: Agreed Dawn
let’s get cracking on the rugby already.
13 Feb 2012, 10:28 am
@rangerman-56:
the sharks should adopt the kings.
a back row of watson daniel and alberts would be AWESOME.
13 Feb 2012, 10:31 am
@Tacitus-57: That would be my solution too. With the amount adjusted for inflation, opportunity cost and annoyance factor of course.
13 Feb 2012, 10:32 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-60:
Or even a centre pairing of De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert.
Oh the memories.
13 Feb 2012, 10:33 am
@stormersboy-59:
speaking of crackers…..
howzit.
13 Feb 2012, 10:33 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-60: Just like old times fella!
Just like old times…..
13 Feb 2012, 10:34 am
@stormersboy-61:
Hehe.
Yes, the annoyance factor being the most substantial part of that equation.
13 Feb 2012, 10:34 am
@Tacitus-57: whatever the history tac, it still makes sense to have all the unions involved surely?
as i mentioned, ep, border and swd are close geographically and make more sense than and ep-sharks union.
in fact, the sharks are miles from anyone and i would hazard thats why we are on our own.
@the artist formerly known as gunther-60: thanks but no thanks bud
watson wants to win trophies remember
13 Feb 2012, 10:35 am
@stormersboy-61: haha, i dont think they have that kind of cash bud.
no one does.
13 Feb 2012, 10:36 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-63:
Woke up yesterday morning to find that both my cars had been relieved of their wheels and were on concrete blocks.
Just another day in Africa
13 Feb 2012, 10:36 am
@John Galt-62:
the dummy zimmerframe switch.
@stormersboy-64:
@rangerman-66:
tHE SHARKS ARE MY SECOND TEAM…
fARK SORRY yadda yadda yip yap…
13 Feb 2012, 10:37 am
i have noticed the hopeful mentioning of the sharks as the union that should bite the bullet.
what is most telling is that it is either wistful or humourous.
13 Feb 2012, 10:38 am
Not only should the Kings be allowed to play, they should get a 40 point head start of everyone to make up for their time out in the wilderness.
13 Feb 2012, 10:38 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-69: all oVER rovER GOODnigHT nurse
13 Feb 2012, 10:40 am
@stormersboy-68:
Sounds like another quiet saturday night for Capo.
Check his parents garage.
Or see if his tik dealer drives a Renault.
13 Feb 2012, 10:42 am
@rangerman-72:
Speaking of which, what’s happened to the Bathtub Crusader?
Is he on a sabattical? Or is this some principle-based self imposed exile he’s committed himself to?
13 Feb 2012, 10:43 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-73: Yeah I’m going to need his whereabouts between midnight and 6am on Sunday morning.
My people will call him.
Maybe they’ll just pay him a visit.
I haven’t decided yet.
13 Feb 2012, 10:43 am
@stormersboy-68:
Are your cars parked out in the street?
13 Feb 2012, 10:45 am
@Tacitus-74: he has gone into self imposed exile until lukes right to play in a kilt has been confirmed.
justrugby was last seen running after him squealing with delight at having all of gwanties attention to himself.
13 Feb 2012, 10:46 am
@rangerman-66:
It’s because they wanted it that way after getting rid of EP and Border. They’re the only union not having to share the money with another partner. It would actually make sense for the Pumas to join the Sharks.
13 Feb 2012, 10:46 am
@Tacitus-74:
His has gone into the wilderness to eat flies and locusts for 40 days and 40 nights because I mocked just buggery for saying that Heyneke Meyer needs to try and stay out of the clutches of the Broederbond that controls SA rugby.
@garth-71:
That sounds like the lament of the eternal loser .
Pull your head out of yer @rse sonny.
You have made many stupid comments here.
But that one is a Grammy.
13 Feb 2012, 10:48 am
@David-78: why would that make sense david?
the pumas are on the highveld a million miles from durbs?
surely the pumas are closer to the lions or the bulls?
explain please.
p.s. ja, we like to go it alone here in natal.
13 Feb 2012, 10:49 am
I am probably wrong, and will no doubt be told so, but from an outsiders looking in, SARU and South Africa in general appear to have cloned their regional support of the Currie Cup comp onto to Super Rugby.
Okay, the traditional support of provincial rugby is important, but Super Rugby wasn’t created to extend the existing domestic game into the professional era.
So good on SANZAR to bounce this latest demand by SARU to expand their influence. Enough is enough surely. 15 teams is already too many.
It then beggers the question of Saffa advocates that they should move North for more equitable deals (what ever that means) than they command within the SANZAR partnership.
Somehow the NH will accomodate not just the existing 5 Super teams. but an extra one as well based on expectations of what people are expressing here.
13 Feb 2012, 10:49 am
@stormersboy-75:
sheesh.. bad news stormersboy…
speaking of annoyance factor…!!
if you need help…
i have friends in low places…!!
13 Feb 2012, 10:50 am
@Tacitus-76: No, in the driveway. We converted the garage into a home office.
Busy building a new garage next door.
13 Feb 2012, 10:53 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-79:
I feel sorry for whichever other blog has suddenly experienced an exponential increase in emo angst. He must find an outlet for those emotions somewhere, else it’s “loitering on the roof at midnight waiting for an interested alien prober” time again…
13 Feb 2012, 10:54 am
@ufo-82: Haha thanks.
I’ve had a few of those offers over the last day or so.
Nice to have the support.
It’s not the end of the world. It’s just an admin and logistical nightmare.
The problem is the rims you get from the car dealership and the tyres elsewhere so you have to do a bit of running around.
13 Feb 2012, 10:55 am
@stormersboy-85:
Electric fence. And beams in the garden. Highly recommended.
13 Feb 2012, 10:55 am
@stormersboy-83:
Home office/spaza shop?
@Tacitus-84:
I believe they are both hiding out on Oprah’s blog.
Stalking Dr Phil.
13 Feb 2012, 10:55 am
@Brads-81: actually superrugby WAS created to extend existing domestic rugby into the professional era.
it was the kiwis and aussies who brought franchises to the table, not the saffas.
the simple fact is that at present the saffas provide up to 70% of the viewership, the revenue etc and the pie is only so big as you have rightly pointed out.
the pie is bigger, much bigger in the NH my kiwi chum.
13 Feb 2012, 10:56 am
Julle mense is baie lelik.
13 Feb 2012, 10:57 am
@stormersboy-85:
Indeed.
Or you could go to Shyster Wheel and Tyre and have Capo’s cousin sell yours back to you.
13 Feb 2012, 10:57 am
@stormersboy-85:
Get a gun and shoot the feckers.
13 Feb 2012, 10:59 am
@Tacitus-86:
what about the guard towers and dobermans?
13 Feb 2012, 11:00 am
@rangerman-88:
If that was the case, why did SA only accept 4 teams?
As for moving North, go!
13 Feb 2012, 11:01 am
@Tacitus-86: Yes, the beams will have to come unfortunately I think.
The house has always been very secure as I used to travel a lot, but I guess this is the way the world is moving.
The northern ‘burbs in Cape Town have always been comparatively safe compared to most other areas in the past.
@the artist formerly known as gunther-87: Spaza shop??
mmmmm.
Not a bad idea. It’s about time I put my layabout 10 year old to work at something useful.
Not sure what the missus will say about it.
The spaza shop that is.
13 Feb 2012, 11:02 am
@Dawn-91: I have a gun. Several actually.
Slept through the whole flippin’ thing.
13 Feb 2012, 11:03 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-92:
I want personal bodyguard and cute labbie.
13 Feb 2012, 11:03 am
@stormersboy-95:
I like a man with guns. Indeed.
13 Feb 2012, 11:04 am
@Dawn-91:
indeed.
stormdersboy could terrify them with his pomp action.
13 Feb 2012, 11:05 am
@stormersboy-85:
yeah… we’ve all had similar experiences…
and just deal with it…
13 Feb 2012, 11:05 am
@the artist formerly known as gunther-92:
The Dobermans get in the way of the beams, so you keep the Dobermans indoors, one in the passage and one next to your bed.
That way, even if they get over the electric fence, and under the beams, they still can’t surprise you in your bedroom. They have to get past the Doberman in the darkened passage, and step on the one next to your bed…
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