"We need to play the Kiwis to get better, as simple as that" ffs that line gets trotted out every week. We have been playing NZ teams on a weekly/Fortnigtly basis for over 25 years now, we also play the All Blacks 3-4 times a year as well. Fuck man we should be the worlds best by now.
It is ironic that by playing NZ every week actually has the exact opposite effect on the game here, it makes it slowly weaker every year.
I'm with you on the desired direction but neither polemic seems particularly correct to me. Quite clearly, Australian Super teams playing regular games against Kiwi Super teams, will leave the WB training squad better prepared for the international season. Each WB coach has wanted this.
Whether or not the WB coach or WB coaching system is the best source for dictating how domestic competition requirements are set -well that's a different discussion. To add to it, our better Australian Super coaches have always voiced wanting the Kiwi challenge. And certainly with say, McKellar and Thorn, there is every reason to believe it.
Again, those coaches are one source of input on determining the requirements for domestic professional competition requirements in Australia.
On the basis of broadcast number success, and you'd think commercial success, a competitive roughly level competition has seen strength when barely given a chance. Similarly, the higher the quality of the rugby, it is presumed there will be better commercial and broadcast success. So a combined comp with the Kiwis is completely logical - IF a roughly balanced competition can be arranged. OF course, presuming broadcast basics are nailed - timing of broadcast for domestic market, media chosen for funding and maximising numbers watching, some level of tribalism, a professional game more than superficially meshed into the grass roots rugby movement.
Our problem is that what is required to level the quality has problems. a) condense Aus teams into a smaller number - completelyunacceptable; b) spread the talent, apparently unacceptable to NZR.
So the opportunity isn't there to match sensibly with NZ. So it is well time to readdress the best we can manage domestically. If the Kiwis are happy for it, look to some element of TT cross over, but it needs to start domestically with a pro comp in Australia.
If the Kiwi perspective ever changes, we should consider reverting. Until then? It is time to move on.
