Analysis: Christchurch turned it on this weekend and provided a public relations win for rugby at just the right time, writes Patrick McKendry.
The novelty of a Super Rugby “super round” at a new stadium in a rugby mad city was always going to resonate but surely even the most optimistic of organisers would have been reluctant to hope for the success of this weekend in Christchurch.
All three days at the 25,000 capacity One New Zealand Stadium have been sellouts and the weather in the Garden City has been magnificent – no sure thing at this time of year – adding to the vibe at the “live site” fan zone near the Bridge of Remembrance in the city centre, where fans and players from all 10 teams have mingled.
Fortunately for everyone concerned (apart from the Waratahs), the Crusaders shrugged off their recent inconsistency to start their tenancy at their new home in the appropriate fashion. While not all the rugby has been of the highest quality, the highlights, including the Crusaders’ performance, the Blues’ extra-time win over the Reds, and Fehi Fineanganofo’s four tries for the Hurricanes have been significant.
It could not have come at a better time for the competition or rugby in general here and in Australia.
On a weekend in which the NRL celebrated the astonishing “Anzac round” achievement of all eight home teams selling out their stadiums for the first time – including the Warriors at Wellington’s Cake Tin, a place where the Hurricanes struggle to fill to even half-capacity – the success of the weekend in Christchurch after the super round flops in Melbourne in 2022-2024 was imperative.
The increasing popularity of the Warriors here and across the ditch, and Moana Pasifika’s probable demise which has highlighted the tenuous financial situation of all 11 franchises, means Super Rugby and the New Zealand and Australian rugby unions badly needed a win.
Fortunately for them, they got one.
Christchurch’s hospitality and accommodation providers have been huge beneficiaries of the influx of 14,000 visitors, many of whom travelled from Australia.
It was reported that one bar went through 50 kegs of beer – 2500 litres – on Friday, and it was difficult to find a table in the riverside bars even three hours before the kick-off of the Crusaders’ match.
Indeed, on Friday afternoon, World Rugby chief executive Dr Brett Robinson, a former Wallabies loose forward, launched a passionate defence regarding what his organisation is doing to help the game in the Pacific in the wake of the Moana Pasifika news in front of many hundreds enjoying a brew, including former teammate Michael Brial, a player many Kiwis will remember as the man who launched an extraordinary attack on All Black Frank Bunce in a Test in Brisbane in 1996.
Asked how serious a threat league is to union in Australasia, Robinson was clearly reluctant to give NRL boss Peter V’landys a public relations victory, but said: “The point that we have to double down on... is that rugby’s competitive advantage is that we are truly a global game.
“We have to stay true to our competitive edge. And with the greatest respect, I don’t think rugby league could quote 2.2 million women playing the game around the world.
“Our aspiration by 2030 is to have another 1.2 million women playing this sport. We just have to keep it all in perspective… we respect we’re in a competitive contest, but Rugby Australia just announced an incredible surplus because we had the British and Irish Lions come into our country last year.
“We have a Rugby World Cup in Australia next year that will deliver a financial windfall. We have a women’s World Cup in Australia that will showcase the very best of the international game.
“Rather than focus on what may be considered weaknesses we should focus on the strengths of our game which are we are a truly global game.”
Robinson added of the Moana Pasifika situation: “I don’t want to get into the situation regarding Moana, but what I do want to say is that rugby is the game of the Pacific.”
There is no doubt that rugby is winning the war in terms of the international game and there is little doubt too that league will continue to make inroads at a domestic level.
The question remains how Super Rugby will build on this weekend. Such a concept is unlikely to work elsewhere in New Zealand due to the demographics and stadiums in Auckland and Wellington. And Dunedin does not have the population or accommodation providers.
Will Christchurch get another go next year or will Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Perth see the potential and make a bid?
With the league threat an ever present in terms of attracting rugby's young talent, Super Rugby organisers must choose wisely.
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