Better Rugby Rules

Source: All Blacks “won’t play” Air NZ Cup – Neil Reid

Henry says…

“If they are playing Super 14, the Iveco Series, Tri-nations and the end of year tours; there are 15 games I think again for the All Blacks this year.

“Then there is another 13, possibly 15, Super 14 games.

“That is getting up to 30, when you have pre-season games. Can they play anymore games than that?

“So something has to give. And I think the decision is that the All Blacks won’t play Air New Zealand Cup unless they have been injured and need to make sure they are right for rugby above that level.

“I think that decision has been made over the last few months.”

After many years of low involvement by the ABS in the NPC they have finally been removed completely from the NPC. I never forget Murray Deaker telling Jock Hobbs that taking ABs out of NPC would destroy the base of the game in this country, and Hobbs response was that ABs would never be removed from the NPC. Well that’s until the almighty dollar entered the room. Henry is not innocent he has has for decades bent union rules to get what he wants ..here is some examples : NZ players playing for Wales that had incorrect birth rights (Shane Howarth – Granny Gate,  Players removed from Super 14 in the world cup year (Cotton Wool Club).

Its a shame that this has happened, it is now even more imperative that a 22 game competition like the “Australasin Cup” become a reality, as this will allow a full match up of professional,semi professional and amateurs players to see who has the goods.

UPDATE: More Henry rule bending, Luke MacAlister does not qualify to player for ABs in this years coming Tri Nations as he will not play in the current Super 14. The NZRU have this rule to ensure professional players qualify for AB selection and dont get any ideas about manipulating the NZRU to get the best deal for there bank account. Well Henry needs him (due to Carter injury), so do you really think the NZRU rules mean anything any more, they dont! They are expendable for the almighty dollar. Luke is bums on seats and TV ratings ! EVERY THING IS NEGOTIABLE AT THE NZRU. If the rule is broken or a ‘dispensation’ is given to Luke, then every professional player will see that the NZRU is weak and will bend if you have the upper hand.

From a selfish point of view, I would like to see him play in the Tri Nations, and he will, but principles are principles, so if the NZRU integrity is to be defended he should not.