The new Super Rugby season is about to kick off with a new team and a new format. I think the new arrangement has a number of positive features. For instance, I like the idea of the Crusaders getting to beat the Canes twice in a single season. More local derbies is a big plus.
But there are two things I don’t like about the new format.
1. Not every team gets to play every other team. This year the Saders won’t get to play the Stormers unless both teams meet in the finals. That’s a pity.
2. It means the Grand Final will be in Brisbane. Why do I say that? Because the top two teams in each nation are guaranteed an appeance in the finals with home court advantage going to the team with the most competition points. So while the South African and Kiwi teams will be beating themselves silly, the Queensland Reds will be quietly riding the wave of mediocrity that is Australian rugby to the top of the table.
The Reds will have no problem beating the Rebels, the Force and the crumbling Brumbies. Sure, they’ll lose to the Tahs in Sydney but then beat them in Brizzy. Boosting their chances further is a sweet fixtures list that means they will play a number of tough games at home, including the Bulls and Saders. Last year the Reds beat both of those teams at home and this year, for some inexplicable reason, they get the chance to do it again.
So put your money on it – the Reds will be in the Final simply because the new format favors them more than any other team. And the Crusaders will smash them.
