NPR

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South Africa has withdrawn from the Rugby Championship to cut the number of tournament matches in half.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

Subscribe to Premium
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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:04 pm Have you seen how poor our local rugby is....we would be humiliated

assfly wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:07 pm World Cup Champions do what the fuck they want.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:23 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:29 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:23 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:06 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:04 pm 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!

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:37 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:41 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:06 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:04 pm 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?

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:43 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:42 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:37 pm 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?

assfly wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:45 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:43 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:43 pm

handyman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:41 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:06 pm

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.

handyman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:49 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:53 pm

handyman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:49 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:57 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:53 pm

handyman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:49 pm 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.

average joe wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:12 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:19 pm

average joe wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:12 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:37 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:41 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:37 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:00 pm
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.

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.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:37 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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.

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:37 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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.

Big Nipper wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 2:10 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:37 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:35 pm 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

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:06 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:04 pm 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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:46 pm

Carter's Choice wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 1:00 pm
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 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:28 pm Is this the first time we have refused to play the ABs or Australia.

Not_Couch wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:45 pm 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

Blake wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:45 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:28 pm 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.

Blake wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:45 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:28 pm 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.

Blake wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:45 pm

Sards wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:28 pm 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.