Overhaul, or Under-thought?

How times change. Once famed for a lack of foresight, no ambition and a mammoth case of stubbornness, the decision-makers at the top of the Rugby Union tree are now in unbridled 'Think-Tank' mode. Imagine a Summer of Love for disciples of the oval-ball. Groovy.

I'll stop short of donning the flares for a second.

Revolution is maybe the wrong word. Indeed it would seem as though Northern Hemisphere Unions merely follow the lead of their counterparts Down Under, but changes are happening, whoever is calling the tune. Progression, yes, however it gives the impression that our game is in an almost constant state of flux.

Next on the list for 're-adjustment' could well be the Super 14. SANZAR chiefs will be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss expanding the competition further, with the possible inclusion of promotion and relegation. Participation from teams in Argentina and a combined Pacific Islands XV is also mooted. Conceptually, parts of this idea work. Realistically though, I feel this is a case of expansion just for the sake of it. In effect voluntarily downgrading arguably the most intense competition on the Rugby calendar.

Even with the help of generous TV money I'd say the whole thing was a definite non-starter. With new franchises planned in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, the only guarantee is a dilution of the quality of Rugby on show. In marketing circles, I believe this is known as commercial suicide. Would any side from Argentina honestly be willing to saddle themselves with possible financial ruin of what could be a farce of a competition, likewise the Pacific Islanders?

Funding in these parts of the World is hardly infinite. Player wages, travel, accommodation, it all adds up. Would these Unions be able to entice their marquee players to return home from England and France to play in a 'second-tier' competition? Thought not. The solution in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Argentina should rest on sound financial foundations. Forcing them onto the bandwagon of a fanciful notion is hardly viable. Even given their relative strengths at international level, the only way to build for the future is from the ground up. Anything else would do more harm than good.

If common sense were to reign supreme, surely the handbrake would be applied. Super 15? Super 18? The possibilities are endless, but a sudden mushrooming of the competition is a cast-iron guarantee of failure. New franchises need time to establish roots, years. Those who make the decisions seem to be under the illusion that new sides will instantly have an infrastructure which will facilitate overnight success. It just can't happen.

Incidentally, the most vocal supporter of this rather ill-advised scheme is none other than ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill. Infamous for his 'we all hate England' comments during last years World Cup, I get the feeling that clarity of thought may not be too high on his list of priorities.