It’s that time of year again…the World Series!! The 2 nation competition the competes to be world champions. Well, whatever. Call it what you will, it is a fascinating contest complete with hometown parochialism as the best two sides play each other in the best of seven series. First played for in 1903 the format hasn’t really changed. Imagine that………
The NPC / ITM Cup is not nearly that old…only 38 at time of writing. This competition is a New Zealand based provincial rugby tournament that has undergone many changes in an effort to : a) make it better and b) make it go away (it seems).
The NPC, herein after called the World Series of New Zealand Rugby or WSNZR, creates pride and passion in whatever format it has had over the four decades. I can clearly remember being drawn to McLean Park in 1985 to watch newbies North Harbour with the likes of Buck Shelford (my hero) play for promotion to the first division. Incidentally Hawkes Bay lost and Harbour earned promotion to the first division. Last Saturday saw Tasman play Taranaki in the WSNZR which was played before a highly expectant and vocal New Plymouth crowd of patrons. Taranaki triumphed in a magnificent performance and what ensued was a pitch invasion from home town supporters in raptures of overwhelmedness. This sort of carry on will be talked about for years just as my memories of going to see my heroes play at my tender age of 9. Can you tell me who won a Super Duper pooper scooper 12 or 15 semi final in 1999? Didn’t think so. What about a final? Pitch invasions? Nope.
You see, the super xv does nothing for the rugby public. Attendance is down, it costs NZRU to participate and now the season will be longer thanks to a Japanese side. The punters at large can’t afford to go to super dooper rugby then internationals then provincial. There is no passion with the super form of the game. Somewhat similar to the failed super league in opposition to the highly successful and long standing NRL in Australia.
The provincial game is where we are great. Though we can improve and streamline the competition it shouldn’t be at for the benefit of a ridiculous competition like super rugby. Can you imagine if they had a Super baseball competition that shortened the MLB season??! There would be riots, deaths, exodus, mass hysteria, cats and dogs living together. Don’t worry it won’t happen. America’s past time is safe. Perhaps, Mr. Tew, we should protect New Zealand’s past time…why would you not listen to the rugby public? I challenge you to call me and discuss…..
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