Wynne Gray: Let's end silly game of evening kickoffs

COMMENT

It stood out, even though it was hidden in the middle of his latest column.

That may sound double-Dutch or as sensible as playing test rugby at night in the middle of New Zealand winters. But let me explain.

Former Rugby Union director Kevin Roberts writes a column for NZ Rugby World and in his latest missive he touches on the night rugby debate with one striking revelation.

"I was involved in the original News deal," he writes, "and there is nothing in the original contract stipulating evening kickoffs."

Nothing. Zilch, zip, zero, nought stopping All Black domestic tests being played during the afternoon. No suggestion of a financial penalty, no insinuation about some dire consequence when there is widespread agreement afternoon rugby in mid-winter is preferable.

But the broadcasters have managed to persuade the union to schedule the winter tests at night, a kickoff time which generates much greater advertising revenue in the Northern Hemisphere.

We are told our evening kickoffs suit audiences in South Africa and Europe; not that they care about accommodating New Zealand viewers.

It is time for the All Blacks to play their internationals when conditions suit the players, officials, spectators, broadcasters, sponsors and all the interested parties in New Zealand.

That issue should be discussed in the major competitions review which is being undertaken by the union.

Perhaps the same review will also consider whether, when the Sanzar contract expires in 2005, it is time to chop South Africa out of the Super 12.

To hold professional rugby players in New Zealand and keep the All Blacks strong, some competition like the Super 12 is necessary.

Hundreds of proposals and variations on ideas will be delivered to the competitions review committee.

Some suggest merging the Super 12 and NPC, others want Australian sides in the NPC, others the amalgamation of provinces - the list goes on, and on, and on.

Another idea doing the rounds is to flick South Africa after 2005. The argument goes that the Republic is out of kilter with distance, time zones and the ability of its teams.

South Africa could join the European provincial series, make up a Seven Nations tournament and still tour New Zealand every few years.

That would allow a South Pacific side, possibly based in Auckland, to enter the Super series.

Another Australian squad could be involved and possibly a couple of franchises situated in similar time zones overseas in Japan or Hong Kong.

Those teams could use New Zealanders wanting to play overseas and who could still be available for the All Blacks.

The alternatives are vast for the union review group to resolve. The word is the consultants will meet their November deadline with some radical decisions.