'Fans demand winning teams'
2006-10-27 22:09
Johannesburg - The grumblings from Australasia that time is running out for South Africa as a Sanzar partner is not totally without foundation, but a lot of water will have to flow under the bridge before such a decision will be approved by all the interested parties.
Sanzar's contract with the broadcaster News Corporation expires in 2010 and no alternatives to the current structure will be discussed until closer to the time.
SuperSport International's CEO, Heinrich Enslin explained: "We could perhaps have a fantastic Tri-Nations and Super 14 series in 2010 and everything will be in order again."
Something that has become clear the past few weeks however is that the Sanzar partners - South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - are currently not as happy with their individual situations as was the case in previous years.
SA Rugby's commercial manager, Kyle Nel said: "Yes, there are a couple of problem areas.
"We have a Currie Cup series that draws good crowds, but the Super 12 and Super 14 don't enjoy the same support."
But it isn't SA Rugby's collar and tie brigade who are worried.
It's the tracksuit-wearing supporters who feel something is wrong.
Bok coach Jake White said: "I think the local supporters feel their teams are more competitive in the Currie Cup series.
"It can't be a barrel of fun for the supporters to attend Super 14 matches when the overseas teams dominate us.
"We will have to become more competitive if we continue to take part in the Super 14 series. We're trying to address it as a group of six coaches by sharing knowledge and our experiences."
Each country has different needs and that's why South Africa can't necessary be compared to its partners.
"The local series in Australia is small and that's why there's such a demand for an international tournament.
"I know the International Rugby Board is investigating the viability of a global season, but it's not so easy in practice because sponsors want value for their money," said White.
From a broadcaster's viewpoint, a tournaments format, the number of people wanting to watch a match and the impact at a national level are of secondary importance.
Enslin said: "The bottom line is it depends on how well your team is performing.
"The Currie Cup series is very popular and there's definitely a link between how the local teams perform and viewer numbers.
"It doesn't matter how many teams compete, as long as the local teams do well, people will watch.
"We've also established there's always an appetite for the game.
"Some people say there's too much rugby, but now that the Currie Cup series has come and gone, people want to know 'where's the rugby'?
"You can't ever satisfy everybody."
It's astonishing that doubts still remain over the survival of the Super 14 series, especially after it (the Super 14) and the Tri-Nations series, were extended this year.