but has less points than 3 non conference winners, does it still makes the play-offs or semis?
If that is the case, this competition is flawed? A side that is not in the top 6 could actually qualify?
yes saffex, it is very flawed and on other forums i have venemously talked about the bullsh!t of this current format.
so basically the top 3 teams of the combined confernce are going to be each national confence leaders, in order of points. this is so rubbish, cos the hurricanes highlanders and bulls all have more pts the the brumbies and last week, the crusaders should have been in the top 6, but were ousted by the brumbies and this rubbish format.
bottomline this format rewards participation, not achievement.
Agreed, in fact its a joke and how on earth it was ever agreed upon is beyond comprehension
The system was designed to accomodate Australia because they hardly ever have teams in the play-offs. In Australia, rugby is about the fourth football code in order of preference and not having any play-off games hasn't helped their cause either, so this system ensures at least one team in the play-offs which they hope might bring the crowds to their games.
Agreed, it is a totally flawed system and should be scrapped.
u have to ask why were australia given a 5th team, if we have to use such a flawed system, especially when that 5th team is composed a high number of foreign players.
if they dont have enough aussies to sustain a 5th team and we have to play in a format which allows the top 6 teams to be in a finals, but not the top 6 teams with the most points, then one of the clubs need to be scrapped.
i say it should be the western force, their franchise is a sinking ship, even the coach has bailed, u take pocock out of the force equation and ur left with a team whose players would struggle to make the bench of other teams.
but leave the rebels alone, cos i live in melbourne, and i get to go to 4 games a year, the two against NZ and the two against SA and when i suffer insomnia, i will go watch the aussie darbies, LMAO, :D
You cant say there is no reason as there is one. Financially it works well even if it is unfair. Theoretically though the 11th ranked side could get a home semi which would be a huge travesty.
