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SA could bow out of Super 14
21/10/2006 10:08 - (SA)
Sydney - South Africa may withdraw from the Super 14 after 2010, leaving room for a Japanese team, while Argentina could join an expanded Tri-Nations, said reports on Saturday.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, support for the Super 14 provincial series in South Africa is flagging.
The report also said there was a strong push for major changes to both competitions after the current Sanzar participation agreement runs out.
The newspaper said the changes could be a reality within a few years, with influential Australian rugby officials receptive to the proposals.
"Australian officials know their South African counterparts are gradually losing interest in the Super 14, and for some time have been keen to align with European competitions - especially as it is in virtually the same time zone and involves less travel," said the report.
The newspaper said South African officials had said their Super 14 teams were disadvantaged as they had to spend extensive time on the road, while their players struggled to stay motivated during the lengthy tournament.
'SA keen on Tri-Nations'
South Africa's poor record has not helped local interest in the competition either, said the Herald, prompting Australian officials to learn that their Sanzar partners were looking for alternatives.
Before the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions (Sanzar) deal was extended last year, there were reports that South Africa would depart from the then Super 12 for Europe.
"South African officials have told me they're not keen on the Super 14, because the provinces see better value going up north. But they remain keen on the Tri-Nations," one Australian Rugby Union official told the Herald.
The newspaper said South Africa's interest in the Tri-Nations reflected the intense traditional Test rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
ARU officials invited to Tokyo
South Africa have also been successful in the Tri-Nations - winning it in 1998 and 2004 - and have developed an often tense relationship with the Wallabies.
But the newspaper said South African and Australian officials realised that the Tri-Nations had to be revitalised and this boosted Argentina's push for inclusion.
If the Tri-Nations is expanded, Argentina may base themselves in South Africa.
Australia has recently improved its rugby relations with Japan, with officials at the ARU believing that part of the rugby world holds promise, particularly financially.
This was apparently behind Australia's push for Japan to stage the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Key ARU officials have been invited to Tokyo for the Japanese Rugby Union's 80th anniversary next month.
The celebrations include a match between the Australian Prime Minister's XV, in which six Wallabies will be playing, and Japan in Tokyo on November 4.