The Super 12 finished more than three months ago and all New Zealand franchises, except the Chiefs, are still waiting for word on next year's operations.
Even though franchise reviews were more extensive than usual, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union game development officer, Greg Peters, accepted that the delay was unacceptable.
"We have been going through a new system and overhaul and hope to have it all wrapped up by the end of September. It will be much quicker next season," he said.
Promises, promises.
Put yourself in the position of being on the coaching staff. They were all appointed on two-year contracts through to the end of the 2001 season, but already Ross Cooper has jumped before being jettisoned from the Chiefs.
With no word yet from the NZRFU about the remaining quartet, how can those franchises plan properly for next season?
The Crusaders will not change, but there must be elements about the Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders which need retuning.
Incumbent Super 12 coaches are watching the NPC, but what if there is another alteration? Does the unseemly delay suggest the NZRFU is trying to find alternative employment for some?
What if they are moved or, even worse for them, removed from office? Have any potential replacements been scrutinising the NPC closely enough? What about support medical and management staff?
If the NZRFU review results are made public at the end of the month, there will be only one round of the NPC and the playoffs left for the Super 12 staff to do their official business. That is not satisfactory.
Take the Blues. That sort of timing did not work for them last season. With coach Gordon Hunter at the World Cup and assistant Frank Oliver also there, they had to rely on their instincts, their knowledge and some scouts to come up with their squad selection. It was not a success and, ideally, they would have wanted to know some time ago if the NZRFU had endorsed them for 2001.
They need to be working very closely with the franchise partners, Northland, North Harbour and Auckland, to get the right mix for next year. Sixth was a mediocre Blues result this year, one which questioned the selection and coaching methods of the staff.
Were they au fait enough with the playing candidates? Were they too heavily influenced in selection by the major stakeholder, Auckland, or ties to the All Black panel? If endorsed, how are they going to deal with 2001?
Having just one home game away from Eden Park did not encourage enough franchise unity. Crowd averages were the lowest they have been in the five years of competition.
With three first-division sides to pick from and the bulk of the country's population, the Blues should be consistently strong. Mutterings throughout the franchise in the last few seasons are getting louder. It will be fascinating to see what the reviews reveal.
Rugby: Super 12 delays unfair
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