20 Feb
To be frank, the franchise system always seemed to have a limited shelf life.
When it came into being in the autumn of 2004, because of the domestic T20 wildfire, the centralising of resources was a necessity.
Also, it was informed by the strength disparity between unions and a need to replicate Australia's traditional and highly successful six-state Sheffield Shield.
Resident rugby writer Rob Houwing gives you his take on what's happening between the poles.
