The Debate Over Super Rugby Pacific
New Zealand’s rugby landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the departure of South African teams from Super Rugby leading to a shift in competition dynamics. According to Sir Steven Hansen, one of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby, the absence of these teams has left a gap in the level of challenge available to local players.
The Bulls, Lions, Stormers, and Sharks left Super Rugby in 2020 to join the United Rugby Championship (URC), which was formed by moving the competition northward. Many have expressed disappointment over this move, arguing that the southern hemisphere tournament has lost some of its quality since their departure. However, Hansen believes that Super Rugby Pacific still maintains a high standard of play.
A High Standard of Play
Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory in the 2015 World Cup, remains a keen observer of the competition. He currently coaches the Japanese club Toyota Verblitz and continues to follow Super Rugby Pacific closely. When asked about the quality of the tournament, he emphasized that the standard of play is still strong.
“Quite a bit, it’s an exciting time for New Zealand rugby,” he said during an appearance on the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin. “So I’m trying to look at and see what’s happening, and you’re always looking for what’s new and what’s not new in the game, so it’s one of the products you watch.”
He also addressed concerns about the drop in quality, stating that great players maintain high standards regardless of where they play. “Great players play to their own standards, and we are fortunate that we’ve got a lot of very, very talented players in New Zealand who want to be great, and they force other players to rise to those standards. So the standard’s fine. No problem.”
Preparing for the Future
As the All Blacks prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia, coach Dave Rennie is set to lead a large squad on a tour of South Africa. This tour includes midweek matches against the four URC clubs, which Hansen believes will provide valuable insights into the team’s performance.
“I agree with that. One of the things we miss is not having them in the Super competition because you’re measuring yourself against the style of footy they play all the time,” he said. “So, having a tour over there, we’ll get a good look at what they are doing and what they’re not doing, and be able to put our own stamp on it as well. So I agree, it’s a great place, great preparation for the World Cup.”
The Significance of the Tour
Hansen highlighted the historical significance of touring South Africa, noting that it is a chance for the All Blacks to test themselves against one of their strongest rivals. “South Africa is steeped with history; it’s traditionally our strongest foe, they’re a wonderful side at the moment, and they produce a lot of challenges for us to be able to get excited about.”
The tour is expected to be a key part of the All Blacks’ preparations for the World Cup. It offers an opportunity for players to gain experience in a different environment and for the coaching staff to evaluate their squad under pressure.
Looking Ahead
With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the importance of international tours cannot be overstated. Hansen believes that the upcoming series against South Africa will be a crucial test for the All Blacks. “Rugby all over the world is looking to try and improve its product with different competitions, and this is one opportunity to take a team on tour,” he added.
He also reflected on the excitement of such tours, recalling how they used to be a highlight of the rugby calendar. “As a kid, you’d get up to listen to the radio and be on tour, but we haven’t done that for many, many years and what a great place to go.”
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming tour and the challenges it presents. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the All Blacks are poised to make a strong statement in South Africa.
