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Expansion still possible in 2014
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LittleGuy
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I've enjoyed the six team format there haven't been the massive blow out games of the past. Likewise I do see some advantages to a larger competition, hard to say which diection I would like the Currie Cup to take, and the SA fans are probably better situated to know how this will effect specific clubs/regions.
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I am in two minds over the expansion. The way I see it is that a 6 team strength vs strength competition is a more accurate reflection of where we are at ATM and makes for a better Currie Cup in isolation of other factors. That said there are factors to consider in that the Currie Cup is there for the benefit of SA rugby as a whole or at least should be IMO and the 8 team format has a lot going for it in that regard BUT would be better IF we can get those extra teams competitive;
- it encourages development of the lesser teams as there is achievable reward and I do think this is important. We wouldn't have had Willie le Roux if he wasn't noticed in 1st division so it is certainly a good place to draw talent from that didn't make it into the big teams through highschool/varsity; a place for the late bloomers to showcase themselves if you will.
- extra depth for Super rugby franchises to draw players from who would then have had experience at just that level up from div 1. I think a team like the Lions and Kings when they make it into SR again could really use a premier division 'feeder team' like the Cheetas has used the Griquas.
- it also stops a core team we are very dependant on like the Bulls (only a hypothetical example here) from potentially slipping into the 1st division if they have an odd off year and finish bottom and then slip up in the promotion matches or just drop due to heavy injuries or some very unlucky calls. Big 'if' but stranger things have happened.
So I guess I am pro-8. That would see the Griquas return which I would love and it would be a big boost for the Kings- who I do want to succeed- or, and this I would love but almost don't dare think it.... the rise of Boland!!
- it encourages development of the lesser teams as there is achievable reward and I do think this is important. We wouldn't have had Willie le Roux if he wasn't noticed in 1st division so it is certainly a good place to draw talent from that didn't make it into the big teams through highschool/varsity; a place for the late bloomers to showcase themselves if you will.
- extra depth for Super rugby franchises to draw players from who would then have had experience at just that level up from div 1. I think a team like the Lions and Kings when they make it into SR again could really use a premier division 'feeder team' like the Cheetas has used the Griquas.
- it also stops a core team we are very dependant on like the Bulls (only a hypothetical example here) from potentially slipping into the 1st division if they have an odd off year and finish bottom and then slip up in the promotion matches or just drop due to heavy injuries or some very unlucky calls. Big 'if' but stranger things have happened.
So I guess I am pro-8. That would see the Griquas return which I would love and it would be a big boost for the Kings- who I do want to succeed- or, and this I would love but almost don't dare think it.... the rise of Boland!!
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Agree on both points. It's very competitive with six teams, but it could get stagnant. Bringing back two new teams would add some variety and take a step towards building greater player depth. Could also help the Kings build a more credible SR team.
What doesn't help is relegation, where a team can build up something of a squad and then lose it all after a year, such as the kings this year in SR.
What doesn't help is relegation, where a team can build up something of a squad and then lose it all after a year, such as the kings this year in SR.
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Ja, relegation has done in the good work the Kings and Griquas have done in SR and CC respectively. One can argue that they weren't good enough but both have shown potential and won't be able to build on it and I see it as a lose-lose situation. Relegation IMO is only a feasible mechanism for self regeneration (of a competition) with 8 teams or more.
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Ag the politics surrounding this topic is sickening!
The teeter-totter battle of it happening or not is just going to make the members that has to vote more agitated and irritated.
I wouldn't be surprised if the vote is against the expansion. Even though I like the format as it was a few years ago. My only worry is that it is going to result in more games, which means more injuries in an already long season. That said, it will run with the Rugby Championship and will maybe get more new guys coming through at top level.
I'm with Stormer in that it's a good thing that the Griquas will be back in the game. But, and this might sound a bit biased, but this whole mess started with the Kings. Now they didn't get their wish, with their own sister-unions voting against them. It just seems that the Eastern Cape franchise/club, has too much of an influence at SARU. Even though I'd like to get the Kings to be competitive and get their chance to succeed, I can't help to shrug off the suspicions that somewhere a couple of brown paper bags will be passed around to get everyone on the same page...
The teeter-totter battle of it happening or not is just going to make the members that has to vote more agitated and irritated.
I wouldn't be surprised if the vote is against the expansion. Even though I like the format as it was a few years ago. My only worry is that it is going to result in more games, which means more injuries in an already long season. That said, it will run with the Rugby Championship and will maybe get more new guys coming through at top level.
I'm with Stormer in that it's a good thing that the Griquas will be back in the game. But, and this might sound a bit biased, but this whole mess started with the Kings. Now they didn't get their wish, with their own sister-unions voting against them. It just seems that the Eastern Cape franchise/club, has too much of an influence at SARU. Even though I'd like to get the Kings to be competitive and get their chance to succeed, I can't help to shrug off the suspicions that somewhere a couple of brown paper bags will be passed around to get everyone on the same page...
