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<blockquote data-quote="Bruce_ma gooshvili" data-source="post: 873878" data-attributes="member: 74121">It&#039;s a real quandary for the Pro12 sides that they rotate their top talent in and out each week, leaving fans unclear of the likely quality of their 23 until it is announced. It is a major downside in my opinion and I&#039;ll not be surprised if it leaves SA fans scratching their heads. I can&#039;t think of a single other sport where this happens. Not even physical sports like American Football. There is 21-24 games in the Pro14 for each team, plus a minimum of 6 in Europe (so 27-30 each year).&nbsp; Far more than for a Super Rugby player, even if they then play in the Currie Cup and even the Top League I think. I&#039;m hoping the SARU can convince the Pro14 that less is more. Reduce the fixture congestion and ensure maximum quality in each match, but I don&#039;t see that happening as fans and unions will be set in their ways. Unfortunately the &quot;global season&quot; still leaves the EOYT and 6N smack bang in the middle of the European seasons, making it near impossible to find a window to squeeze in say a 16 game Pro14. In my opinion a Leinster 23 would be the equivalent of the Blues (Auckland), Stormers or even Lions when at full strength (assuming the same quality of coaching). My hope is that because the Cheetahs and Kings looked so weak before Leinster left for the SH they were complacent (on and off the field) and went with less strength than was required.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Bruce_ma gooshvili, post: 873878, member: 74121"] It's a real quandary for the Pro12 sides that they rotate their top talent in and out each week, leaving fans unclear of the likely quality of their 23 until it is announced. It is a major downside in my opinion and I'll not be surprised if it leaves SA fans scratching their heads. I can't think of a single other sport where this happens. Not even physical sports like American Football. There is 21-24 games in the Pro14 for each team, plus a minimum of 6 in Europe (so 27-30 each year). Far more than for a Super Rugby player, even if they then play in the Currie Cup and even the Top League I think. I'm hoping the SARU can convince the Pro14 that less is more. Reduce the fixture congestion and ensure maximum quality in each match, but I don't see that happening as fans and unions will be set in their ways. Unfortunately the "global season" still leaves the EOYT and 6N smack bang in the middle of the European seasons, making it near impossible to find a window to squeeze in say a 16 game Pro14. In my opinion a Leinster 23 would be the equivalent of the Blues (Auckland), Stormers or even Lions when at full strength (assuming the same quality of coaching). My hope is that because the Cheetahs and Kings looked so weak before Leinster left for the SH they were complacent (on and off the field) and went with less strength than was required. [/QUOTE]

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