New format a kick in the teeth for the Sunwolves

SUPER Rugby will revert to a 14-team roundrobin format from 2021, with the Sunwolves axed from the competition.

Here, rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen lists the good and bad of Sanzaar’s decision:

It is not a significant difference, but any reduction in the number of matches should be seen as a positive.

COMPETITION INTEGRITY

The current conference system rewards mediocrity in that each conference winner – despite the number of games won and points accumulated – qualifies to play at home in a quarter-final.

In 2018, because of the conference system, the Lions, with nine wins and 46 log points, and the Waratahs, with nine wins and 44 points, finished second and third overall, ahead of New Zealand teams the Hurricanes (11 wins, 51 points) and the Chiefs (11 wins, 49 points).

From 2021, wins and log points only will determine log positions.

EASY TO UNDERSTAND

The last few years have proved a challenge when trying to explain to the occasional viewer how the Super Rugby log works.

Only ardent fans have been able to grasp the format, and even then it’s been a case of one shaking the head.

In future, number of wins and log points gained will determine places on the log and the best will be rewarded for their success... simple.

There will also be no checking of three different conference logs in future and the meaningless conference winners aspect will be gone. the idea to include them in Super Rugby was to help Japan grow the game, but one can now only wonder what will become of them.

Will they in future play in a new competition, or will they simply rely on the international influence in their Top League to help grow and develop the game?

WHAT’S THE POINT OF 2020?

The new format will come into play from 2021 when the new broadcast deal comes into effect, meaning the Sunwolves still have to play in next year’s competition.

What is the point of that, and who’d want to be involved, in a playing part and coaching perspective, knowing there’s no point or future beyond the season?

Several players’ careers are now also up in the air, and how motivated will they be to give it their all in 2020?

You can be sure there will be players scrambling for new deals asap, leaving the Sunwolves a very weakened side next year.