Friday, April 18, 2025

April 16, 2014

All Black Says SA Teams Should Rather Play UK, Instead Of AUS And NZ

With the Super Rugby franchise nearing its 20th year a former All Black has his doubts about the competitions current format. He thinks it's maybe time to reevaluate the southern hemisphere competition, saying SA teams should rather play UK and European teams instead.

With the Super Rugby franchise nearing its 20th year, a former All Black has his doubts about the competitions current format. He thinks it’s maybe time to reevaluate the southern hemisphere competition, saying SA teams should rather play UK and European teams instead.

Andrew Mehrtens woke up in the early hours of the weekend to watch his old team, the Crusaders, battle it out against the Cheetahs in Bloem. But he doubts that many other New Zeanlander’s did likewise. Far travel distances and large time zone gaps have plagued Super Rugby since its inception.

Almost 20 years down the road, former All Black Andrew Mehrtens believes the difference in time zones between Australasia and South Africa will eventually be the death of the current format. He suggests SA teams should rather play with teams from the UK – Aus and NZ teams should rather incorporate Japan and surrounding islands for a regional tournament.

Read the rest of Andrew Mehrtens’ article, here.

 

[ Source : Stuff ]