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, 19:49 pm
@David-348:
The funny thing is that you keep talking about black rugby when you talk about EP, and i just dont get it! Last time i looked the EP Kings looked very white to me.
Boland has more black players, and better players as well.
Go figure.
13 Feb 2012, 19:51 pm
@willievz-346:
Yes, which is where NZ places its priority. As does Germany in soccer.
13 Feb 2012, 19:52 pm
@RL-350:
Lots of South Africans with that mindset.
Some even have the boks 3rd, after Crusaders and NZ’land.
13 Feb 2012, 19:53 pm
@Tacitus-347:
And that is the problem, and why we are not on the same page.
You confirmed it yourself (5 times actually in one post) – you judge all of this on ‘emotion’, not logic.
I have told (or asked) you this before…
Where was all that ‘emotion’ at the turn of the century when I (a WP supporter living in PTA) bought season tickets at a steal for Loftus only to sit in an empty, 50 000 seater stadium when the Bulls played?
Your team is riding the crest of a wave right now Tac, but if a game controlled by amateurs proved one thing for over a century, it is that the hype will be short-lived because a game (or any organisation) run by amateurs dependent on supporters’ (you) emotional investment you WILL hit rock bottom again at some stage – as has happened with all SA unions in the past…
Problem you (and all of us) sit with now (like the Lions situation proves), in a professional environment (since 1996 only), the consequences are far more damaging than what you would like to admit.
13 Feb 2012, 19:59 pm
@Mr Black-351:
I mentioned promoting the game amongst the black community. As the EC has a massive number of players it also means that their communities are rugby fans. A franchise in the EC would provide a focal point and identity for the game in the area. The racial composition has less to do with the support for the Franchise as the Bulls players from the WP affects their fans loyalty.
It does however ensure that talented black players in the EC have a reason to stay and possibly play S15 rugby.
13 Feb 2012, 20:07 pm
@David-355:
You and PA keep telling Tac that his Provincial bias above National is wrong yet you say in this post that “A franchise in the EC would provide a focal point and identity for the game in the area.” So why cant this community identify with the boks? Why do they need their province to play super rugby before they can identify with rugby?
Jou dag en nag praatjies stem nie ooreen nie David.
13 Feb 2012, 20:10 pm
We’ve been at it since yesterday and still we are none the wiser as to exactly how the Kings will enter the SupeRugby mix…I believe that puts us in the same position as SARU (which illustrates just how hopeless the organisation is).
13 Feb 2012, 20:11 pm
Pissant
Did you see the banner flashed for you in Potch?
13 Feb 2012, 20:12 pm
To add – the Lions were the most powerfull union (club) in world rugby 12 to 15 years ago – right now (if reports are to be believed) they have liabilities of R80-mil and an income of R40-mil.
The business world does not give a **** about 100 or so years of history – creditors will file for liquidation of a company (organisation/union) in a heartbeat if they are owed money.
If we don’t change how we run this game in SA, your precious Bulls (Lions, WP, Sharks, whoever) will not even exist to support anymore.
13 Feb 2012, 20:14 pm
@Mr Black-356:
Securing a ‘national future’ for our game is my priority. I am not saying that my suggestions are right and the best around, but I am saying if we carry on as we are now – we are screwed.
@Mr Black-358:
Missed it, what did it say?
13 Feb 2012, 20:17 pm
@PissAnt-360:
Nortier jou dier!
13 Feb 2012, 20:17 pm
@Rage-357:
You’ll just have to wait until the SARU AGM on March 31 for that answer. Get your tickets early.
Anything prior to that is just a guessing game.
But right now, Sanzar hold all the aces.
13 Feb 2012, 20:22 pm
@Mr Black-361:
Haha, I saw a tweet on Twitter and though WTF?
13 Feb 2012, 20:22 pm
Guys I am out for about an hour, later.
13 Feb 2012, 20:24 pm
@ IAAS…Why bother with tickets? the Keo team will be there !
Speaking of franchises,did you guys hear what the name of the new T20 cricket franchise will be? They will be known as….wait for this….
the NEW AGE IMPI!
Hehehehe
13 Feb 2012, 20:26 pm
Not the Zumababies?
13 Feb 2012, 20:30 pm
@ gunther…sadly not,however it is expected that most people will call them the NAIers.
13 Feb 2012, 20:33 pm
@Rage-367:
13 Feb 2012, 20:37 pm
Howdy folks
13 Feb 2012, 20:38 pm
@Captain Jack-369:
Howdy Mr Daniels
13 Feb 2012, 20:40 pm
Maties offside at the ruck and getting rewarded like the AB’S
13 Feb 2012, 20:47 pm
Skinstad seems very dissapointed every time pukke do something good.
Love it!
13 Feb 2012, 20:53 pm
Maties take a dramatic win with a last minute try.
13 Feb 2012, 20:55 pm
Maties are the All Blacks of the varsity cup.
However the performance of the Pukke crowd during the national anthem was disgusting.
13 Feb 2012, 20:56 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-374:
What did they do?
13 Feb 2012, 20:57 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-374:
What did they do?
13 Feb 2012, 21:07 pm
Maties pulled through.
That’s my boys.
Close call though.
13 Feb 2012, 21:18 pm
Ha ha, hearing old Bladen’s “UNBELIEVABLE” when Goosen’s long range kick went over reminded me of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhWzI_6xK0
Kaksnaaks.
13 Feb 2012, 21:19 pm
@stormersboy-377:
Yo stormersboy…. how was the 99′er??
13 Feb 2012, 21:25 pm
@Bod-379: Fine thanks.
Won one of the prizes.
A Titan MTB from Chris Willemse.
True story.
13 Feb 2012, 21:32 pm
Sang half the anthem.
13 Feb 2012, 21:35 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-381:
Why do they have the anthem sung at Varsity games in any case?
13 Feb 2012, 21:39 pm
@Tacitus-382: To show that they’re transformed. One anthem = 3 quota players.
13 Feb 2012, 21:41 pm
So they sang half the anthem so what
13 Feb 2012, 21:43 pm
Stormersboy did you win the best dressed prize?
13 Feb 2012, 21:47 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-385: Nope.
Lucky draw.
No lycra.
Cycling baggies all the way.
13 Feb 2012, 21:50 pm
Tac
Thanks for sharing your personal views as to why you watch rugby. All very insightful. Don’t however make the mistake of thinking that your view represents anything like the majority view.
In fact I’d suggest that most people (1) want to see rugby actively grow in new markets; and (2) place the Springboks higher than any province.
Jeez, the tri nations and 6 nations teams competing amongst themselves gets a bit boring after a while. Imagine if Russia, Georgia, USA and China (for example purposes only) one day become as strong as say, Wales, Argentina, Scotland and Ireland? Or dare I say it, Australia, France, England, SA? Awesome. Viva growth, viva expansion. Viva change.
Up the Boks and up my province but down with any selfish laager provincial mentality which gets in the way of the Boks.
13 Feb 2012, 21:50 pm
@>^..^< katman-383:
Ah, good thinking.
13 Feb 2012, 22:07 pm
@stormersboy-386:
Now that you have the new MTB you got to switch to Lycra.
Baggies are for surfers and beach bums
Great steal by Maties- They will probably now go ahead and win the tournament as per usual- the only Matie player who really impressed me was the number 8 (Swanepoel I think)
Did you see that the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (PE) beat the Shimlas tonight In Bloem?
There is indeed hope for the Kings.
13 Feb 2012, 22:40 pm
Great try finished off by Kirchner. Bulls looking pretty slick. Stander looks a better bet than Spies.
13 Feb 2012, 23:24 pm
@stormersboy-380: Whaaaaaat??
How did that happen?
OK I see… lucky draw. Is it a doble or rigido?
Did you check Bods drop in at the Connundrum??
13 Feb 2012, 23:29 pm
@Bod-391: A doble or rigido? Are you asking whether the draw was a gamble or rigged in your pidgin Spanish?
14 Feb 2012, 00:56 am
@Bod-391:
There are 3 options these days at that particular spot:
a. The drop off (for the insane)
b. The rocky ride (for the fairly accomplished)
c. The chicken run
During the mtb section of the 99er the riders were directed to follow the chicken run as it was only a fun ride and it would have been a bad advertisement for the organisers if some novice broke his neck attempting that drop.
14 Feb 2012, 02:10 am
Gary Gold may well be a nice bloke but he has to come up with something original.
His comments about “Sthern clubs playing to win ……….. was exactly word for word the quote from Graham Henry a month ago. C’mon Gary. Something new please.
14 Feb 2012, 04:57 am
I just know this: if any of teh current five are relegated, then expect SARU to be sued by the one getting relegated. You cannot just spring relegation on these unionsa fter they have signed sponsorship contracts with all and sundry, and those sponsors expect that their name will on super rugby broadcasts for the next three years.
FFS are SARU that dumb that they never learned NOTOPNE FREAKING THING from the Southern Spears?
They really are just a bunch of AMATEURS. and I say that in the nastiest possible way. they really just have no clue when it comes to business, do they? I would have expected a lawyer like Hoskins to know better…
14 Feb 2012, 06:39 am
@Mr Black-333:
@PissAnt-330: seriously PA?
no, i must disagree with you here.
why should i suddenly become a supporter of some businessmans wet dream?
not even the premier league in pomland works that way, there is a reason abromobitch bought chelsea and not some fanciful new team whose support he could not predict.
14 Feb 2012, 06:50 am
SARU can solve this problem efficiently and effectively if they have the leadership, political will and good old intestinal fortitude.
Abolish the current 5 franchises and replace them with 5 new ones that are not linked to the current provinces that participates in the run of the mill South African local competitions. The players should then be contracted by SARU directly as is the case in New Zealand.
This will also solve heaps of other issues for SARU as they will then, for example, be able to decide when certain players should be rested if at all. SARU will then also be able to contract players in such a way that national combinations play for the same franchise, etc.
The question is if we have people with enough courage and vision to follow through on this. I believe that the new CEO of SARU, Jurie le Roux, is such a man. Unfortunately he still have to deal with the same kind of, myopic and self interested, administrator that have characterised South African Rugby through the ages. And no, it is not true of only the white, Afrikaans speaking administrator. Look at Western Province, Golden Lions, etc.
South African Rugby need someone with massive “cohones” to fix this issue. In the mean time I will sit in lovely Tasmania and hear how the Aussies and the World Champs laugh at another amateurish effort from SA Rugby to dictate to SANZAR how and what to do. They still treat South African like the Japies (Yarpies) that they once accused them of being, country yokels that can and should be put in their place regularly.
14 Feb 2012, 06:55 am
@Bod-391: Rigido. fairly entry level but a decent bike nonetheless. Might take it out for a ride this weekend.
14 Feb 2012, 07:02 am
@Coach Oompie-397: that is exactly the same fix that pa suggests oompie.
what a load of bollocks.
aus and nz franchises are practically broke, ever sit back in that bush island and wonder why?
its because they dont really have a fanatical fan base for their franchises compared to the traditional big five provinces in south africa so they attract very few fans to the games and consequently very few sponsors comparitively.
funnily enough, this seems to be changing in aus whilst the nz franchises drown but thats because oz never had traditional regional structures so people are jumping on board now and it is benefitting oz massively whilst we japies pay for their rugby to grow.
perhaps instead of laughing they should be thanking us, the rugby supporting public of south africa, who make up 60-70% of the viewership and revenue stream of sanzar rugby?
as for central contracting,*** that. we arent commies. do we really want a team like the crusaders loaded with bok players so it can win superrugby every year whilst the rest of the teams are left to wallow in mid table mediocrity?
who decides which team will be the special one?
saru?
lmao!
nah, rather embrace your new convict chums and celebrate with them whilst they laugh at us, we undersatnd they know fokkol about class or tradition in rugby because they dont have any compared to us.
14 Feb 2012, 07:08 am
Quick single to bring up the 400….
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