MELBOURNE • The crisis enveloping Australian Super Rugby has coaches concerned for their players' mental health and local fans tipping a gloomy international season ahead, but conjured little sympathy from neighbouring New Zealand.
The Western Force's abject 55-6 capitulation at home to the Otago Highlanders on Saturday extended Australia's losing streak to 0-18 against New Zealand opponents this season and chances to break the drought are fast running out.
Meanwhile, the Australian Rugby Union's (ARU) commitment to cut one of the conference's five teams to reduce costs and raise its competitiveness remains up in the air, with both the Perth-based Force and Melbourne Rebels threatening to fight for their survival in court, if necessary.
Despite the legal hurdles, players in Australia have demanded the ARU "rip off the Band-Aid", to allow them to settle their present and plan their futures, whether to stay in a contracted domestic market or test their worth offshore.
Their frustrations have been shared in New Zealand, where the lopsided ledger between the nations has sparked criticism of the ARU for failing to get its house in order for the greater good of the sprawling competition.
"If you are going to give an undertaking to reduce teams surely you have worked out how and who and everyone is on board prior to making that agreement," NZ Rugby Players' Association chief Rob Nichol told New Zealand media.
"The legacy of Super Rugby, the teams, the players, the fans don't deserve this.
"It's not right, and it's not a fair reflection of the role this competition has played in the southern hemisphere for a very long time."
Governing body Sanzaar, a joint venture between the Australian, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina rugby unions, committed to reducing the competition to 15 teams next year, after last year's expansion to 18 sides was panned for lowering the quality of games and turning viewers off.
The highly criticised conference system will remain, however, leaving the prospect of another year of New Zealand dominance of the Australasian group.
REUTERS
