Hurting New Zealand rugby
Wrong. The Blues have never adequately replaced Charles Piutau in the backfield, and how much would they give for Steven Luatua at present?
Besides, this argument around the production line is a red herring.
No one disputes that talent is still coming through but it is being exposed to Super Rugby that little bit earlier in the past.
It would be cruel to name names but some of players in the first two rounds look like they are somewhere between Mitre 10 Cup level and Super Rugby.
It is not their fault. Their talent might be realised with age and experience but at present they are a level below where they need to be.
That is not the only false argument on this topic.
The other claim is that New Zealand rugby cannot be doing so badly if it keeps winning all these Super Rugby titles. That only proves how South Africa and Australia have been hurt by the same forces that draws New Zealand players to the north.
Undoubtedly, the damage will begin to seem less severe over the coming weeks.
Top-line All Blacks will return to the fray and we will again become distracted by their feats and their form.
Once again the national side will cast a long shadow.
But the level just beneath the All Blacks is being stripped – and that is to no one’s benefit.