It is crystal clear that “the powers that be” (read Super Sport and SARU) understand all too well the fanaticism and obsession associated with rugby and how some folks gladly schedule their lives and salaries around it. And inevitably this becomes the fire that fuels the constant search for further innovative ways to gain more out of the public and the players, with little or no regard for the consequences to either. The spectators and viewers might not feel too hard done by presently, but would they be as forgiving should the franchise they support suddenly find itself demoted to a less prestigious competition? Could SARU expect the same support for their new Currie Cup venture from the Bulls should they continue their dreadful run of form and slip into relegation-waters? To put it mildly, it will be cold day in hell!

So that begs the question, could this new format work or will it be amended to suit the needs of the more financially affluent unions? Add to this dilemma, the political pressure to create an opportunity for Cheeky Watson and his EP Kings in the amended Currie Cup and you could have a true melting pot, with genuine riots on hand. Regan Hoskins, Jurie Roux and the rest of the SARU brain trust would seem to  have quite a conundrum on the cards should they not foresee these turn of events. I wonder what media guru and Super Sport communications manager, Clinton van Der Bergh would make of all this? No doubt he’ll use the unique and convenient platform that is SA Rugby Magazine to sing the praises of SARU and Super Sport for making such a “brave, yet controversial decision for the greater good of SA Rugby.”

Don’t despair though, I have a suspicion that SARU and The Channel of Champions will somehow come out smelling of roses as long as there are pockets to line and palms to grease.

A. Waldeck

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