LIVE

    Waratahs coach urges Super Rugby format changes

    2018-07-30 08:12

    Sydney - Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has urged Super Rugby chiefs to make sweeping changes to the competition's format and a return to a round-robin system where all teams play each other once. 

    The 15-team tournament is currently split into New Zealand, South African and Australian conferences, but it has come under increasing criticism this season. 

    It was introduced in a bid to reduce travel and boost the number of local derbies, but critics say it is too complex and not exciting enough for fans. 

    New Zealand officials have also raised concerns about the number of Kiwi derbies, which they say rival Test matches in intensity and take a toll on players. 

    "I will only echo what most coaches are saying," Gibson told the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday after the Waratahs lost their weekend semi-final in Johannesburg to the Lions 44-26. 

    "We haven't got the competition right in terms of its format and we need to do something to make it more exciting for all countries that are participating in Super Rugby. 

    "Going back to a round-robin format where everyone plays each other is certainly one way we can achieve that." 

    Super Rugby's governing body SANZAAR is undertaking a review to determine the sport's future up to 2030, which could involve expanding into new markets that are seen as key to boosting television revenue. 

    NSW Rugby chief executive Andrew Hore last week implored SANZAAR to "keep it simple". 

    "Our first responsibility is to create a wonderful competition that connects our rugby people with the international game," he told reporters. 

    "Don't waste this opportunity, don't let it get caught up in higher political issues. Just try to keep it simple, and try to make it the best competition we can."

    What To Read Next

    Read News24’s Comments Policy

    Live Video Streaming
    Video Highlights

    Fixtures

    Friday, 29 June 2018
    • Blues v Reds, Eden Park 09:35
    • Rebels v Waratahs, AAMI Park 11:45
    Saturday, 30 June 2018
    • Highlanders v Chiefs, ANZ National Stadium 09:35
    • Brumbies v Hurricanes, GIO Stadium 11:45
    • Sunwolves v Bulls, Singapore National Stadium 13:55
    • Sharks v Lions, Jonsson Kings Park Stadium 17:15
    • Jaguares v Stormers, Estadio Jose Amalfitani 19:40
    Friday, 06 July 2018
    • Crusaders v Highlanders, AMI Stadium 09:35
    • Reds v Rebels, Suncorp Stadium 11:45

    Results

    28 July 2018
    21 July 2018
    20 July 2018
    14 July 2018
    13 July 2018
    07 July 2018
    06 July 2018
    30 June 2018
    29 June 2018
    03 June 2018
    02 June 2018
    01 June 2018
    26 May 2018
    25 May 2018
    19 May 2018
    18 May 2018
    12 May 2018
    11 May 2018
    05 May 2018
    04 May 2018
    28 April 2018
    27 April 2018
    22 April 2018
    21 April 2018
    20 April 2018
    14 April 2018
    13 April 2018
    07 April 2018
    06 April 2018
    01 April 2018
    31 March 2018
    30 March 2018
    24 March 2018
    23 March 2018
    18 March 2018
    17 March 2018
    16 March 2018
    10 March 2018
    09 March 2018
    03 March 2018
    02 March 2018
    24 February 2018
    23 February 2018
    17 February 2018

    Logs

    Rank Team P W Pts

    Opinion Poll

    And the 2018 Super Rugby winner will be ... ?

    Can you name the top Super Rugby tryscorers of all-time?

    TAKE THE QUIZ
    There are new stories on the homepage. Click here to see them.