Disruption for Kiwi franchises

All Blacks could again be forced to miss Super Rugby games due to the national side scheduling ‘‘foundation days’’ during the competition.

While dates and venues are unknown, Stuff understands the camps will be similar to last year’s, meaning the five Kiwi franchises’ representatives will attend South Island and North Island sessions.

Chiefs fans are sure to curse the news, given some blame one of last year’s camps for their side missing out on a home quarterfinal.

Clearly, disruption looms for the five coaches of the New Zealand Super franchises, who could be forced to call for reinforcements to avoid undermanned trainings.

Former Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd wasn’t a fan of the camps last year and, depending on the dates of the 2019 camps, there could be a repeat of what Chiefs coach Colin Cooper had to contend with in

2018. It appears the Blues are safe, given they’re already in South Africa. The Chiefs, who play the Bulls in Pretoria on March 24, and Jaguares in Buenos Airies on March

31, are the next Kiwi side to travel to South Africa and Argentina.

The Crusaders and Highlanders go on tour in May, before the Hurricanes visit the Sharks and Lions early June.

Regardless, the ‘‘foundation days’’ are happening as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen lays the foundation blocks for a busy year, which climaxes with the World Cup in Japan, starting September 20.

The reigning champion Crusaders will be most affected, given the sheer number of All Blacks on their roster.