Naas proposes how to separate the wheat from chaff

FORMER Springbok great Naas Botha has suggested that the six South African Super Rugby franchises fight for their survival in a mini competition to determine who advances to next year’s competition.

That was his reaction to the decision that two of South Africa’s six Super Rugby franchises will be cut at the end of the season.

Botha also feels that the established teams should not be protected because of what they have achieved in the past.

If a “sudden-death” mini competition were to be held, it would draw huge crowds to watch the franchises duel to retain their Super Rugby status.

The Kings have never beaten South African opposition in Super Rugby, though they have recorded impressive wins in their previous two matches against the Waratahs and the Melbourne Rebels.

“There are many ways how they can determine which teams should fall away, but all that I’m asking is that the four best South African teams remain in the competition,” said Botha.

Botha said it would be ideal for the six current South African franchises to play in a mini competition to determine who advances to Super Rugby.

“Nobody needs to be protected because they were a good team 10 years ago. Your geographical location should also not determine whether you stay in the competition.” Botha feels that having four teams in Super Rugby will boost the Springboks in the long-term.

SA Rugby have decided that the decision on which two South African franchises will be axed will be made according to certain criteria.

The agreed headline criteria, which have been weighted, are: financial and economic sustainability; sustainable support base; team performance; and stadium and facilities.

South Africa will lose two teams and Australia one, with Japan’s Sunwolves and Argentina’s Jaguares retained.

Others feel the fairest way would be to allow the top four SA teams in this year’s competition automatic passage through to next year’s tournament.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett Mallett has proposed that the country be divided into the four regions with Gauteng (Bulls and Lions), KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape (Kings and Cheetahs) and Western Cape making up the four South African franchises.

There is also talk that the future of the two teams set to be cut for the 2018 competition may well lie outside Europe in a new competition.

It also seems that, because of the short notice, the axed South African teams will not play in the European Pro12 competition because their season starts in less than two months.

SA Rugby boss Jurie Roux has indicated that the national body is open to exploring new opportunities with northern hemisphere competitions.

One obstacle for axed franchises is the fact they are affiliated to SA Rugby and any venture into a new competition will need to be sanctioned by the mother body.

Sources say SA Rugby would be unwilling to allow a team to play elsewhere when the domestic Currie Cup is being played at the same time.