Selfish SARU destroy the Rugby Championship

[Carter's Choice]

Pricks. I hope NZR and RA sue them into the Stone Age. I'm happy if the All Blacks never play South Africa again.

Rugby Championship in disarray as Springboks withdraw - what it means for All Blacks
15 Oct, 2020 08:00 PM
4 minutes to read

South Africa has withdrawn from the Rugby Championship to cut the number of tournament matches in half.

Tournament organiser Sanzaar and hosts Rugby Australia are expected to confirm the withdrawal of the world champion Springboks on Friday, which will reduce the competition from a 12 to six-test event and necessitate the need for bye weekends.

Sanzaar on Wednesday gave South Africa Rugby an additional 48 hours to reach a final verdict on the Springboks' participation after last-ditch attempts were made for the Boks to arrive in Australia three weeks later than originally planned.

In the end, despite having three to five matches prior to their tests in Australia, South Africa did not believe the Springboks had sufficient time to physically prepare for the tournament.

South Africa's decision to withdraw entirely is expected to be attributed to player welfare concerns and uncertainty surrounding government travel regulations amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, though the latter is believed to have been progressing positively.

The Springboks will now not travel to Australia to join the All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas for the scheduled four nations event due to be hosted in Sydney and Brisbane from October 31 to December 5.

Without the Springboks, the All Blacks are scheduled to meet the Wallabies in Sydney and Brisbane on October 31 and November 7 following Sunday's Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park.

After their November 7 test against the Wallabies, the All Blacks may then have a bye week, followed by two tests against the Pumas, before returning home for quarantine.

Player welfare is a genuine concern for South Africa with their domestic competition, Super Rugby Unlocked, only restarting on October 10.

The Springboks, therefore, always felt significantly disadvantaged compared to New Zealand and Australia's competitive domestic seasons and Bledisloe tests preparation.

The Pumas are, however, expected to front for tests after playing two Australian state sides in warm up fixtures following quarantine.

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South Africa are also thought to have found complications getting leading players out of Europe with the coronavirus re-emergence and the cost of underwriting club insurance heightening risk.

Ultimately, with the British and Irish Lions tour looming next year the Springboks were wary of damaging their world champion lure by travelling to Australia undercooked.

The Springboks could now go 20 months, from their World Cup triumph in Tokyo last November to next July, without playing an international fixture.

From a financial perspective South Africa is thought to be in a reasonable position, well backed by sponsors and broadcaster SuperSport, with the Lions windfall to try safeguard.

It's not yet known how the Boks' exit will affect the tournament's bottom line but the significant reduction in matches is likely to see all four nations take financial hits.

All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree suggested on Wednesday the Springboks would not make the trip to Australia for the start of the tournament.

"The disappointing thing was that they couldn't get their Currie Cup going quick enough," he said.

"The longer that got delayed, the harder it was always going to be for them to get match hardened, match ready. I guess that was one of the major contributing factors.

"They're the world champions as well. For them to come down here, if they don't feel like they're ready, they're not going to put that on the line.

"Hopefully we'll still get to see them, even if they don't make the start. I don't know what the decision will be around it, but they'll want to play – it's just when."

Earlier reports from Australia suggested the Boks could be replaced in the competition by a Barbarians outfit but the Herald understands that is unlikely at this stage.

[Sards]

Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

[Carter's Choice]

Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

I couldn't give a shit, this could bankrupt NZR and RA. And the SARU know this.

This is a spiteful move that reeks of revenge because NZR and RA played domestic Rugby this year. I actually hate the SARU right now!

[assfly]

World Cup Champions do what the fuck they want.

[Carter's Choice]

World Cup Champions do what the fuck they want.

Obviously.

But given that this spiteful, petty decision by the SARU will potentially bankrupt both NZR and RA, I'm sure you'll understand that Kiwi and Aussie Rugby fans are a little bit annoyed right now? Your national union is run by a bunch of dishonest arseholes.

[assfly]

Obviously.

But given that this spiteful, petty decision by the SARU will potentially bankrupt both NZR and RA, I'm sure you'll understand that Kiwi and Aussie Rugby fans are a little bit annoyed right now? Your national union is run by a bunch of dishonest arseholes.

You wanted us to go. Isn't this exactly what you wanted?

[Carter's Choice]

Obviously.

But given that this spiteful, petty decision by the SARU will potentially bankrupt both NZR and RA, I'm sure you'll understand that Kiwi and Aussie Rugby fans are a little bit annoyed right now? Your national union is run by a bunch of dishonest arseholes.

You wanted us to go. Isn't this exactly what you wanted?

I wanted an end to the loss-making Super Rugby. No-one said anything about destroying the Rugby Championship until the SARU pulled out an hour ago, despite agreeing to a schedule weeks ago and mocking NZR for wanting its players home by Christmas.

Honest question, since the SARU were never going to actually participate in this comp why did they attack NZR for trying to organise the draw so our players of faith could be home by Christmas? Do you know how petty that trolling of NZR looks now?

[handyman]

Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

I couldn't give a shit, this could bankrupt NZR and RA. And the SARU know this.

This is a spiteful move that reeks of revenge because NZR and RA played domestic Rugby this year. I actually hate the SARU right now!

Serious question, how can this bankrupt NZ and Aus rugby, but not SA Rugby? I would have thought we needed the money more than NZ and Aus?

[assfly]

I wanted an end to the loss-making Super Rugby. No-one said anything about destroying the Rugby Championship until the SARU pulled out an hour ago, despite agreeing to a schedule weeks ago and mocking NZR for wanting its players home by Christmas.

Honest question, since the SARU were never going to actually participate in this comp why did they attack NZR for trying to organise the draw so our players of faith could be home by Christmas? Do you know how petty that trolling of NZR looks now?

I don't think it's as clear-cut as they never wanted to participate, otherwise discussions wouldn't have been drawn out for so long.

I personally would love to see the RC proceed as planned, even if the Boks are a little undercooked. There's nothing stopping them from picking some of their European based players to beef up the team.

But I do also see where they're coming from with regards to us being rusty. Surely one option would be to change the schedule so our games are a two or three weeks later than planned?

[Carter's Choice]

Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

I couldn't give a shit, this could bankrupt NZR and RA. And the SARU know this.

This is a spiteful move that reeks of revenge because NZR and RA played domestic Rugby this year. I actually hate the SARU right now!

Serious question, how can this bankrupt NZ and Aus rugby, but not SA Rugby? I would have thought we needed the money more than NZ and Aus?

I never said it wouldn't bankrupt SARU. And if this doesn't, the guaranteed law suit certainly will. The difference is that the SARU has created this problem out of arrogance and spite. They could send a team if they wanted, but want to punish NZR and RA because we managed our COVID-10 outbreak well enough to play domestic rugby this year.

[assfly]

They could send a team if they wanted, but want to punish NZR and RA because we managed our COVID-10 outbreak well enough to play domestic rugby this year.

Well there's your problem right there. We're dealing with Covid-19 which is a much stronger strain.

[Carter's Choice]

I wanted an end to the loss-making Super Rugby. No-one said anything about destroying the Rugby Championship until the SARU pulled out an hour ago, despite agreeing to a schedule weeks ago and mocking NZR for wanting its players home by Christmas.

Honest question, since the SARU were never going to actually participate in this comp why did they attack NZR for trying to organise the draw so our players of faith could be home by Christmas? Do you know how petty that trolling of NZR looks now?

I don't think it's as clear-cut as they never wanted to participate, otherwise discussions wouldn't have been drawn out for so long.

I personally would love to see the RC proceed as planned, even if the Boks are a little undercooked. There's nothing stopping them from picking some of their European based players to beef up the team.

But I do also see where they're coming from with regards to us being rusty. Surely one option would be to change the schedule so our games are a two or three weeks later than planned?

Apparently the SARU agreed on the schedule. This proposed change to the schedule has only arisen as another excuse after they've already pulled out. I'm upset right now because I was looking forward to finishing a shit year on a high by watching some RC Rugby and this small joy has been taken away from me for no apparent reason.

[Carter's Choice]

They could send a team if they wanted, but want to punish NZR and RA because we managed our COVID-10 outbreak well enough to play domestic rugby this year.

Well there's your problem right there. We're dealing with Covid-19 which is a much stronger strain.

So why did the SARU agree to the draw? RA has been selling tickets

[handyman]

I couldn't give a shit, this could bankrupt NZR and RA. And the SARU know this.

This is a spiteful move that reeks of revenge because NZR and RA played domestic Rugby this year. I actually hate the SARU right now!

Serious question, how can this bankrupt NZ and Aus rugby, but not SA Rugby? I would have thought we needed the money more than NZ and Aus?

I never said it wouldn't bankrupt SARU. And if this doesn't, the guaranteed law suit certainly will. The difference is that the SARU has created this problem out of arrogance and spite. They could send a team if they wanted, but want to punish NZR and RA because we managed our COVID-10 outbreak well enough to play domestic rugby this year.

I just can't think that SARU will turn down money just to be spiteful. We need the money way more than you.

[Carter's Choice]

I just can't think that SARU will turn down money just to be spiteful. We need the money way more than you.

So why else are they destroying the tournament that funds Rugby across the entire Southern Hemisphere? Especially given that your players have now had weeks to play and train.

[handyman]

I just can't think that SARU will turn down money just to be spiteful. We need the money way more than you.

So why else are they destroying the tournament that funds Rugby across the entire Southern Hemisphere? Especially given that your players have now had weeks to play and train.

Let's see what our local media report tomorrow.

[Carter's Choice]

I just can't think that SARU will turn down money just to be spiteful. We need the money way more than you.

So why else are they destroying the tournament that funds Rugby across the entire Southern Hemisphere? Especially given that your players have now had weeks to play and train.

Let's see what our local media report tomorrow.

The player welfare excuse has already been offered up. I just struggle to see how your players can play domestic Super Rugby, but cannot play against NZ and Australian players. Apparently this will cost around $50 million USD in TV right between the 3 nations.

[average joe]

We obviously still haven't spent all those sweet WC dollars yet. I don't know what the Kiwis problem is, surly when you decided to delete us from SR without even speaking to us you knew this was coming. What's the point of Sanzaar and the RC if there's no more SR?

[Carter's Choice]

We obviously still haven't spent all those sweet WC dollars yet. I don't know what the Kiwis problem is, surly when you decided to delete us from SR without even speaking to us you knew this was coming. What's the point of Sanzaar and the RC if there's no more SR?

Super Rugby has been a loss maker for 26 years whilst the RC funds Rugby across NZ, Aust and SA?

[Sards]

We obviously still haven't spent all those sweet WC dollars yet. I don't know what the Kiwis problem is, surly when you decided to delete us from SR without even speaking to us you knew this was coming. What's the point of Sanzaar and the RC if there's no more SR?

Super Rugby has been a loss maker for 26 years whilst the RC funds Rugby across NZ, Aust and SA?

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job. I doubt he could rustle up a competitive side in such short notice. It would get his term off to a poor start and you know the ramifications of that. Besides...we don't have a flyhalf

[Carter's Choice]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

[Sards]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

Dude...you don't know the half of it. The ANC ( ruling party) has taken over one of our lesser unions and will be running it. I don't know if you know the Stormers

[Carter's Choice]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

Dude...you don't know the half of it. The ANC ( ruling party) has taken over one of our lesser unions and will be running it. I don't know if you know the Stormers

Do you think this decision not to travel to Australia, and to forgo all that TV money, is because of political meddling?

[assfly]

The player welfare excuse has already been offered up. I just struggle to see how your players can play domestic Super Rugby, but cannot play against NZ and Australian players. Apparently this will cost around $50 million USD in TV right between the 3 nations.

It's match fitness. Most players have only played 2 or 3 games so far. You guys have a lot more gametime behind you. Not that necessarily agree with that being a reason to cancel.

[Sards]

I am waiting to hear from the coaches AC.
Let's hear what they say.

[Sards]

I haven’t heard anything,’ Dobson said. ‘I did try to find out informally from some of the guys that I know at Saru. I am sure Siya’s kids would also like to know if he is going to be here for the next six weeks.

‘I have literally heard nothing. There was a rumour floating around this morning that Springbok bags were packed. But that could just be a contingency. I really haven’t heard anything.

Seems like players and union coaches were in the dark..

That leaves Rassie and Nienaber or alternatively the board of SARU.
Players were required to have at least 400 hours under the belt to play in the RC

[Big Nipper]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

I blame OomStruisbaai for this fiasco

[Chilli]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

Haven't you spent years telling us that Rugby New Zealand doesn't need South Africa? And that we don't bring in any money to the TV deal? Now we are pulling out and you are crying like a baby because there stands to be a loss of $50million in TV rights.

[Chilli]

You honestly think us supporters are responsible or should be the target for your frustration. Of course we would love to see a tournament too. Listen. Nienaber is new to the job

No of course I don't blame the supporters. I blame the SARU. All SH Rugby supporters will suffer because of this crazy decision to forgo $50 million USD in TV money, including Springbok supporters.

I blame OomStruisbaai for this fiasco

He flounced already

[Blake]

Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

I couldn't give a shit, this could bankrupt NZR and RA. And the SARU know this.

This is a spiteful move that reeks of revenge because NZR and RA played domestic Rugby this year. I actually hate the SARU right now!

Go ask Japan to join you.

[Blake]

The player welfare excuse has already been offered up. I just struggle to see how your players can play domestic Super Rugby, but cannot play against NZ and Australian players. Apparently this will cost around $50 million USD in TV right between the 3 nations.

It's match fitness. Most players have only played 2 or 3 games so far. You guys have a lot more gametime behind you. Not that necessarily agree with that being a reason to cancel.

It's not just that, as per the article, it's also an issue getting access to our European based players. While a concession has been made for the text windows, the European clubs are requiring compensation for quarantine unavailability of their players and insurance should the players get injured / infected and be unable to resume playing the Europe after the RC. All very reasonable IMO.

Honestly, I don't give a fuck. It would've been nice to give Nienaber some actual games to cut his teeth before the Lions, but this is the hand we've been dealt and we have more to lose than to gain by traveling to the arse end of the world with an undercooked, second-string Bok team only to lose our World Cup shine.

[Sards]

Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

[Blake]

Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

We haven't refused shit. We have withdrawn from the 2020 competition given player readiness, health and logistical challenges that couldn't not be overcome in a satisfactory way.

[Not_Couch]

Goes to show how poorly run South African Rugby really is.

You had a whole year to basically get your shit together.

What a joke

[sorCrer]

Goes to show how poorly run South African Rugby really is.

You had a whole year to basically get your shit together.

What a joke

Yes ummm. We're kind of still at Level1 lockdown.

Who exactly do you think is going to play for the Boks?

[Jb1981]

Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

We haven't refused shit. We have withdrawn from the 2020 competition given player readiness, health and logistical challenges that couldn't not be overcome in a satisfactory way.

Whether the reasons are sound or not, withdrawing is refusing to go / refusing to play.

[Enzedder]

Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

We haven't refused shit. We have withdrawn from the 2020 competition given player readiness, health and logistical challenges that couldn't not be overcome in a satisfactory way.

Argies are less prepared than the Saffers - and they are in Aussie getting ready.

I'm sorry, but South Africa have refused to send a team after earlier agreeing to do so.

[Ted.]

Running scared. They know they fluked the RWC and will be badly exposed as fakes if they tried to compete in the Championship.

Worst RWC *winners* ever.

[Carter's Choice]

Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

We haven't refused shit. We have withdrawn from the 2020 competition given player readiness, health and logistical challenges that couldn't not be overcome in a satisfactory way.

You have clearly refused. Please stop pretending otherwise. Your players are still happily playing pro-Rugby, but the SARU has decided to withdraw from the RC out of spite. Meanwhile the Pumas, with less Rugby that then Springbok players, are already in Oz and working hard to fulfil their obligations. I look forward to watching both NZR and RA sue the SARU into financial oblivion. They deserve it.

[Carter's Choice]

So what are the options to replace South Africa in the tournament?

- Australia A?
- NZ A?
- NZ Maori?
- A Pacific Island team comprised of eligible players from NZ and Aust?
- How quickly can Fiji get together?