Blues keep All Blacks away from Sharks

[NewsBot]

Blues keep All Blacks away from Sharks

The Blues have relegated three frontline All Blacks to the bench for Saturday's heavyweight Super 14 clash with the Sharks in a surprise move as the competition intensifies.

[Flat-top]

I know I am posting from afar, and as such probably don't have the full picture here (be interested to know others views) but this sort of action, together with the withdrawal of all Black players in the first few rounds seems to devalue the S14 and show contempt for the competition as a whole.

Now if in a world cup year any of the countries decide that they want to prioritise the national side then that is understandable (even if crazy) but they need to be consistent. It makes a mockery of a league where a team can be lucky to face a NZ team (in this case the Blues) one week when they "rest" the big guns and unlucky for the next opposition if these guys are then brought back. In this particular instance you could see that the Force will be mightly pissed to see the Sharks (who are a major rival for the fourth spot) getting an "easier ride" from the Blues.

I accept that these sort of selections can happen in any season due to injury but to cynically pick and choose when to put out your best side seems unsportsmanlike or maybe even down right disrespectful of your opponent.

[Burgs]

100% for mine FT
Should at least do it against teams from your own country if at all.