New Zealand’s standard of players are getting worse as a result of South Africa’s departure from Super Rugby in contrast to the improving northern hemisphere.
That is according to All Blacks great Murray Mexted, who believes that South Africa’s move to align their club season with Europe has been “terrible” for the trans-Tasman duo.
In 2020, the South Africans were axed from the competition with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers joining the newly-formed United Rugby Championship.
Mexted believes that has been a disaster for New Zealand and is concerned it will only get worse going forward.
Add an extra franchise?
He has urged Super Rugby organisers to look at the gap vacated by the South African franchises. Although they have invited Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua to be a part of Super Rugby Pacific, the 71-year-old reckons they need another team to join them.
“We’ve got to look at our own competition here. It’s terrible losing the South African teams,” he told DSPN with Martin Devlin.
“We lose something down under when the South Africans play in the northern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere gain something, so they gain a stronger competition because you’ve got to beat those South African sides.
“The average player gets better and it’s the same thing in reverse in New Zealand.
“I don’t think we can carry on with the present format, I think we need to introduce something else from the Pacific Ocean.”
Israel Dagg: ‘How the hell do we not want South Africa a part of our own’
Mexted is not the only ex-All Black who has been left disappointed by South Africa’s departure with Stephen Donald and Israel Dagg among those to want them back.
Ma’a Nonu also had his say on the matter last year. Like Donald and Dagg, the Test centurion played against those franchises in Super Rugby and feels that the southern hemisphere competition has declined as a result.
‘South Africa have hit the jackpot’
“I think the Top 14 edges Super Rugby two notches. For one, you’ve got the best players in the world in that competition,” he told the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast in May 2024.
“I hadn’t mentioned the Prem and the URC because I haven’t played there, but I would say they come second and third, or maybe second equal.
“Super Rugby is still good footy because you’ve got the Australian and Kiwi players, but they haven’t got the exposure to all the other players from other countries.
“South Africa have hit the jackpot. They left because of SANZAAR, but their teams have gotten better and better. The Stormers played the first year in the URC and won the competition.
“Super Rugby’s maybe suffering, I don’t know how long it’s going to be around. The level’s still there, but I believe the Top 14 is ahead.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/all-blacks-great-claims-new-zealands-players-have-got-worse-since-south-africas-terrible-super-rugby-departure
