So I have come up with an idea of what would be a better format for super rugby- obviously that's not hard to do, but I believe this format is fairer and slightly less confusing but still allows the same teams to make the playoffs (3 SA, 5 Australasian) which is what SANZAR ultimately want:
So the competition is very similar to the format they've gone with- 4 groups, and the same 2 SA groups but instead I think they should mix up the Australian and New Zealand conferences, so there is one group with 2 NZ, 3 Aussie and another with 2 Aussie, 3 NZ. If they did this it would mean that one SA group would not get a massive advantage over the other by playing the Australian teams but not the NZ teams. Travel wouldn't be an issue, it's just one more trip across the ditch than what the format will be. And then to decide the playoffs, they just combine the 10 Australasian teams to make an overall Australasian table and from there can clearly see the best Australian, best NZ and the wildcard team. This would mean that there is no need for an Australasian 1 and an Australasian 2 table (which is what they'd rename the 2 groups).
The same finals system would apply so that SANZAR are happy.
So there are 2 less tables which makes it less confusing for fans, it's equally fair to both SA groups, SA fans will get to see their teams play against NZ and Australian teams every year, and I think combining the groups could be a refreshing and interesting change for Australia and NZ fans, while still giving SA an advantage overall to please SANZAR.
Tell me what you think of this format and if you have any decent ideas about a different format.
So the competition is very similar to the format they've gone with- 4 groups, and the same 2 SA groups but instead I think they should mix up the Australian and New Zealand conferences, so there is one group with 2 NZ, 3 Aussie and another with 2 Aussie, 3 NZ. If they did this it would mean that one SA group would not get a massive advantage over the other by playing the Australian teams but not the NZ teams. Travel wouldn't be an issue, it's just one more trip across the ditch than what the format will be. And then to decide the playoffs, they just combine the 10 Australasian teams to make an overall Australasian table and from there can clearly see the best Australian, best NZ and the wildcard team. This would mean that there is no need for an Australasian 1 and an Australasian 2 table (which is what they'd rename the 2 groups).
The same finals system would apply so that SANZAR are happy.
So there are 2 less tables which makes it less confusing for fans, it's equally fair to both SA groups, SA fans will get to see their teams play against NZ and Australian teams every year, and I think combining the groups could be a refreshing and interesting change for Australia and NZ fans, while still giving SA an advantage overall to please SANZAR.
Tell me what you think of this format and if you have any decent ideas about a different format.
