NPR

With Super Rugby Aotearoa finished, and international Rugby looking increasingly unlikely, what's left to look forward to in 2020 for SH Rugby fans?

1. Super Rugby AU: I will enjoy watching the end of this comp. It's been hard fought, even and very competitive with all matches played at times that suit viewers here in Australia.

2. South Island vs North Island: This all-NZ clash is already scheduled and will hopefully be a great contest between two very strong squads.

3. Bledisloe Cup: I still think this can happen, although it will require some effort and planning by RA and NZR. If the plague riddled NH 'easy rugby' nations can play test match Rugby, then surely NZ and Australia can organise a three test series between themselves?

4. Mitre 10 Comp: NZ's provincial comp has always been entertaining to watch, and should be even better in 2020 given that there is a strong chance that most/all All Black players will be available.

5. Currie Cup Rugby: What's happening with this comp boets? Anything?

Lockdown has been eased in SA, so we expect some announcements in the coming weeks with regards to Currie Cup. We could see games by end of September.

It does seem a travesty that we won't see the Boks in action this year. Still, nice to end the year ubeaten.

assfly wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:24 am Lockdown has been eased in SA, so we expect some announcements in the coming weeks with regards to Currie Cup. We could see games by end of September.

It does seem a travesty that we won't see the Boks in action this year. Still, nice to end the year ubeaten.

It would be great to see some Currie Cup Rugby in 2020. I hope the restrictions continue to ease and that you guys can watch some domestic Rugby soon.

Carter's Choice wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:26 am

assfly wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:24 am Lockdown has been eased in SA, so we expect some announcements in the coming weeks with regards to Currie Cup. We could see games by end of September.

It does seem a travesty that we won't see the Boks in action this year. Still, nice to end the year ubeaten.

It would be great to see some Currie Cup Rugby in 2020. I hope the restrictions continue to ease and that you guys can watch some domestic Rugby soon.

Safety first, right?

Sandstorm wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:49 am Safety first, right?

Oh for sure, I'm always imploring the South African posters to stay safe. But I hope that everything works out for the best and that you guys get to watch some local rugby. As an aside, both NZ and Australia created new comps using their SR franchises. Any thought of that happening in SA?

Mid-September (earliest) > 2 Comps (one involving existing Super rugby sides and the other CC). Not sure if CC is starting same time as the super competition. Don't know if Cheetahs and King are involved in the Super competition. Everything still to be finalized so nothing definite yet.

Good news are that our provinces borders are open from tomorrow. Meaning the one sanitised place bio bubble environment wont be necessary. Look like we'll have a shorten Superrugby franchises compo starting mid September to prepare the Springboks for Nov tests. Currie Cup a bit later to end in Dec.

Carter's Choice wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:52 am

Sandstorm wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 10:49 am Safety first, right?

Oh for sure, I'm always imploring the South African posters to stay safe. But I hope that everything works out for the best and that you guys get to watch some local rugby. As an aside, both NZ and Australia created new comps using their SR franchises. Any thought of that happening in SA?

SR is dead in South Africa, in my opinion. Pivot to Europe. Timezones.

Well crafted and subtle thread - nicely done, AC.

Basically same as NZ with the added bonus of RWC champ quality. Also more evenly matched sides unlike the NZ competition which had only one good side that dominated the weak sides.

Amethyst wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:15 pm Basically same as NZ with the added bonus of RWC champ quality. Also more evenly matched sides unlike the NZ competition which had only one good side that dominated the weak sides.

The NZ comp was very even. There was nothing between the top three teams, and the 4th team (the Highlanders) were competitive in every game.

Moreover, how do you know how "evenly matched" your comp will be when it hasn't been played yet? Just guessing?

Carter's Choice wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:58 pm

Amethyst wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:15 pm Basically same as NZ with the added bonus of RWC champ quality. Also more evenly matched sides unlike the NZ competition which had only one good side that dominated the weak sides.

The NZ comp was very even. There was nothing between the top three teams, and the 4th team (the Highlanders) were competitive in every game.

Moreover, how do you know how "evenly matched" your comp will be when it hasn't been played yet? Just guessing?

He means all our sides are equally shite.