<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (William18 @ Aug 19 2009, 08:22 PM)
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (danger @ Aug 19 2009, 03:00 AM)
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wally @ Jul 30 2009, 04:37 PM)
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Hawkes Bay lol. Shut up. As has been said time and time again, the fifth Australian franchise will most likely have a number of import players. By basing the team in Melbourne the game will have a more national feel, and in time these kids in Melbourne and Perth will come through the ranks and add to rugby's depth in this country. Western Sydney is also an extremely viable option as there is little competition, and there is a great number of polynesian kids living there who have nothing better to do then play rugby.[/b]
Hawkes bay have 11 super 14 players in their ANZC team right now. They also have the third best rugby academy in New Zealand (according to the 2007 NZRU report) so there is no shortage of young talent. Its not a case of "maybe if we give them a team, talent might come out of nowhere" like you are alluding to in australia.
They have always been among the top producers of elite players in NZ, but due to their lack of a franchise team, all their best players leave to go after professional contracts. Guys like Josh Kronfield, Greg Sommerville, Norm Hewitt, Piri Weepu and Taine Randell.
They are one of the favourites to take out this years ANZC and have already given Wellington a sound beating.
Theres no doubt in my mind that Hawkes bay as they stand would give the Reds a hiding. and completely thrash whatever hotch potch team melbourne could throw together.
If Hawkes bay joined with Taranaki and Poverty Bay they would instantly be able to field 15 current super 14 starters, with enough players of super 14 experience to fill the bench and wider training squad. They would also have a combined fanbase population of around 400k, compared to otagos 200 odd.
Long story short, a bid from the 'Bay is nothing to be "lol"ed at. Have fun watching the australian teams fight it out for the wooden spoon.
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No way should a Hawkes Bay team be included at the expense of another Australia team. All countries should have 3 teams and a NZ team could not play in an Australian conference. Hawkes Bay does indeed have a case for being in the Super 14 instead of the highlanders. I do have to correct you on one issue, Hawkes Bay did not beat Wellington.
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Yeah my mistake, got them mixed up with the bay of plenty there. They have still been semi finalists for 2 years however.
And i say why not include them at the expense of an australian team? they clearly dont have the depth to sustain the teams they have at the moment let alone another. Who cares what conference they are playing out of, they would still do no worse then the reds have in previous seasons.
The sheer lack of depth in Australia has seen well below par players from NZ land super rugby contracts. Todd Feather, Corey Niwa, David Te Moana, Pek Cowan,Sekope Kepu. These are guys who struggle for starts in the ANZC let alone land a Super rugby rugby team contract. And thats without having to find another 30 players!
Another australian team will destroy the competition. its a stupid idea.
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