Usual swagger missing at Super 12
THE southern hemisphere's annual regional rugby competition kicks off for the ninth time this weekend but without the air of smugness which has surrounded the tournament in previous seasons.
The Super 12 has been one of the great success stories of professional rugby, raising the profile of the game to new levels, but there is an air of uncertainty about the latest installment.
The tournament had set a new standard of excellence and helped shape the way the game was played at international level until England's victory at last year's World Cup shattered the self assurance of southern hemisphere rugby.
The spectacular ad-hoc nature of Super 12 that drew thousands of fans was suddenly exposed by England's masterful execution of set-piece rugby.
The top coaches from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have been forced to re-evaluate their approach to Chas Henry Jersey the sport, and the changes are sure to be on show during the Super 12.
There are concerns about the tournament off the field as well. The lucrative television contract signed after the 1995 World Cup expires this season and is up for renegotiation.
The financial backers have threatened to cut the price and the three national unions are divided about the future direction of the competition.
Australia and South Africa are pushing for a 16-team tournament, possibly including a combined team from the South Pacific, but New Zealand has been reluctant to expand. New Zealand, which provides five of the 12 teams, has dominated the competition, winning seven of the eight previous finals.
Auckland, champions in 1996, 1997 and again last year, are strong favorites to win this season. The Blues boast an incredible lineup of international stars including All Blacks Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina along with Fiji sensation Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
Auckland open their campaign at home on Saturday against Australia's ACT Brumbies, the only team not from New Zealand to have won the title after their victory Clint Boling Jersey in 2001.
The Brumbies are packed with seasoned Wallabies including George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Joe Roff, but signalled they were planning for the future when Stirling Mortlock was appointed their new captain.
New Zealand's Canterbury Crusaders loom as the biggest threat to Auckland's title defense. Champions four times already and runners-up last season, the Crusaders have 14 All Blacks in their squad.
They face a tricky opening match in Christchurch on Saturday against Australia's New South Wales Waratahs, who have long been the great under-performers of the competition but have assembled a powerful squad for this season.
The tournament has never been won by a South African team although the Sharks reached the final in 1996 and in 2001.
South African rugby has been lurching from one crisis to another in the past year but the Northern Bulls have given them some cause for optimism.
Usual swagger missing at Super 12
THE southern hemisphere's annual regional rugby competition kicks off for the ninth time this weekend but without the air of smugness which has surrounded the tournament in previous seasons.
The Super 12 has been one of the great success stories of professional rugby, raising the profile of the game to new levels, but there is an air of uncertainty about the latest installment.
The tournament had set a new standard of excellence and helped shape the way the game was played at international level until England's victory at last year's World Cup shattered the self assurance of southern hemisphere rugby.
The spectacular ad-hoc nature of Super 12 that drew thousands of fans was suddenly exposed by England's masterful execution of set-piece rugby.
The top coaches from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have been forced to re-evaluate their approach to the sport, and the changes are sure to be on show during the Super 12.
There are concerns about the tournament off the field as well. The lucrative television contract signed after the 1995 World Cup expires this season and is up for renegotiation.
The financial backers have threatened to cut the price and the three national unions are divided about the future direction of the competition.
Australia and South Africa are pushing for a 16-team tournament, possibly including a combined team from the South Pacific, but New Zealand has been reluctant to expand. New Zealand, which provides five of the 12 teams, has dominated the competition, winning seven of the eight previous finals.
Auckland, champions in 1996, 1997 and again last year, are strong favorites to win this season. The Blues boast an incredible lineup of international stars including All Blacks Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Mils Muliaina along with Fiji sensation Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
Auckland open their campaign at home on Saturday against Australia's ACT Brumbies, the only team not from New Zealand to have won the title after their victory in 2001.
The Brumbies are packed with seasoned Wallabies including George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Joe Roff, but signalled they were planning for the future when Stirling Mortlock was appointed their new captain.
New Zealand's Canterbury Crusaders loom as the biggest threat to Auckland's title defense. Champions four times already and runners-up last season, the Crusaders have 14 All Blacks in their squad.
They face a tricky opening match in Christchurch on Saturday against Australia's New South Wales Waratahs, who have long been the great under-performers of the competition but have assembled a powerful squad for this season.
The tournament has never been won by a South African team although the Sharks reached the final in 1996 and in 2001.
South African rugby has been lurching DAnthony Batiste Jersey from one crisis to another in the past year but the Northern Bulls have given them some cause for optimism.