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Still, Samoa proved yesterday that they can compete. They will eventually get there.. personally i'd like to see the pacific islanders have a go in 2011 or 2015 rather than the 3 seperate teams.
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Well said mate. Personally, my biggest ever Christmas wish would be that, once the current SANZAR/Newscorp deal expires end of 2010, to see a complete overhaul of the tri-nations/ Super 14. With the Argies and a combined PI team joining the tri-nations in a SH 5-nations, with each of the 5 teams getting 2 home and 2 away games, rotating on an annual basis.
That would also open up the possibility of all 3 countries i.e. Samoa, Tonga and Fiji playing as a franchise in an expanded Super 16/Super 2 (?). Look, I know that this might be a touchy subject to have a national side almost reduced to a franchise, but the fact remains that if ever the 3 PI teams did bring together their respective strengths, all of a sudden you`ll have another real heavy hitter, capable of at leat a RWC semi spot, right there. Imagine the relative strength of the Tongan set-pieces, the defensive qualities of Samoa, and throw in a touch of flying Fijian flair in the backs, and you have the makings of a very serious contender right there.
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That would be an excellent idea. There was a PI team touring the NH during last years Autumn Internationals but they suffered because of lack of preparation and lack of proper game time together. However, the concept was there and when not breaking Chris Cusiter's legs, they played some entertaining rugby.
A revamped SH international competition and league would be exceedingly cool but while the concept of a SH 5 Nations could be easily within grasp, unless Argentina's Union agrees to professionalise, an expanded club competition could still be fantasy for some time to come. SANZAR can hardly be blamed if the Argentine Union doesn't want to play ball over professionalism.
