Same old, same old Super rugby format

21 September 2016 - 09:19 By AFP and TMG Digital

The 2017 Super rugby competition will trial Thursday night matches and feature more afternoon games, but its much-criticised conference format will remain the same. Governing body Sanzaar introduced conferences this year to allow Super rugby's expansion to 18 teams, including the Sunwolves of Japan, Argentina's Jaguares and South Africa's Southern Kings.But the expanded competition - which straddles 16 time zones and four continents - resulted in complaints of lopsided contests, exhausting travel schedules and a fragmented four-conference system seen as too complex. In addition, the new teams battled, particularly the Sunwolves, who managed just one win from 15 matches.Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos yesterday unveiled an unchanged format for 2017, saying: "The new season is set to be another enthralling, action-packed one."Marinos predicted the new clubs would be more competitive next year. "It is anticipated that all three teams - Sunwolves, Jaguares and Kings - will be better for the experience of 2016 as we look forward to seeing their continued improvement."Super rugby 2017 will kick off on February 23 when the Melbourne Rebels host the Auckland Blues, while the Sharks will be the first South African side in action when they take on the Queensland Reds in Brisbane a day later.The Lions, this year's runners-up, will open their campaign with a local derby against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.The South African Conference will again be broken into two groups - Africa 1 and Africa 2 - which will include the Jaguares and the Sunwolves, who didn't play any New Zealand teams last year.But the Sunwolves face a daunting start against defending champions Hurricanes at home in Tokyo on February 25. The Japanese will play four of their home matches in Tokyo and three in Singapore.There will be a short mid-season pause and some split rounds in June and July to accommodate international fixtures.The final is on August 5.Each Super rugby team plays 15 matches and has two byes in the 17-round regular season. The eight finalists are made up of the four conference winners and four "wildcards". ..

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