The current Super Rugby format is confusing. Like for real, who came up with this?
I will not try to pretend to understand it, but one thing stands out - from a revenue stand point, it leaves a lot to be desired. The conference format smacks of overthinking or trying to please a whole lot of people.
There should only be 2 conferences, with all teams in a conference playing each other, home and away. They can then play 1 game against all other teams in the opposing conference, or can only play selected teams.
If you had a 9 team conference; each team would play 16 games against its conference rivals, they can play 4 teams from opposing conference. This would total 20 games per franchise. If this is considered too much, an option exists to only play against teams within your conference.
PLAYOFFS
The top 4 franchises in each conference will then go into Conference Semi-finals and finals. Then we can pit the winners of each conference in a “winner takes all”.
It is important that SANZAAR maximize their revenue potential from the South African market. They can do this by making sure that NZ teams and SA teams are in different conferences. This will also allow to possibly split the Aussie teams into the 2 conferences. A possibility exists for the splitting of either of the founding franchises every year.
LIONS IMPACT
Look at the impact the Lions franchise has generated in SA. All SA fans are involved, regardless of if they want them to succeed or fail. We in South Africa know that, the Lions are representing SA against the might of the NZ teams.
STRENGTH vs STRENGTH
The semi-final contest between the Lions and Crusanders was excellent. The Hurricanes have been the best NZ side in the competition, but the Chiefs have not been far off.
The South African sides on the other hand have been largely average. The Lions have been playing total rugby and had many NZ and Aus teams worried. The travel is a factor when sides have to go from NZ to SA and vice versa.
IMPACT
This will not only generate more revenue, but it will increase interest from both markets (Australasia & Africa). This will almost guarantee a team from both markets making the finals. As things stand; I do not see how a South African rugby fan will wake up early morning to watch 2 New Zealand teams or 1 each from NZ and Aus, battle it out for the crown.
A lot of people might not like this format, but it is both sustainable and lucrative
By Sydwell Magocoba
Twitter: @KhaliQakaSyd