Super 15 v Aviva Premiership.

There are many parts of the rugby calendar that I look forward to- 6 nations, Autumn Tests, Cup Finals etc. I also very much enjoy the Super 15 Season and when watching this year’s tournament I started to think about the differences between that and the Aviva Premiership, and why the rugby played seems more adventurous.

Let’s examine the evidence- S15 is free flowing, error-stewn at times and rugby akin to Barbarian stuff! Witness Quade Cooper’s outrageous cross field kick when behind his own goal line last week and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Conversely, the Aviva Premiership can be dour, grinding percentage rugby. Interestingly, even stars of the SH that come to the AP to play, revert to that type. Why are both so different in character?

Well, it would be easy to suggest that the weather and pitch conditions play a large part, but I don’t think that is the only reason. Equally, you could suggest there’s a cultural difference, but again, I wouldn’t subscribe to that either. More probable is the reason that in the S15 the league (and franchises) are ring-fenced; there is no promotion or relegation and that in itself allows players to play with a degree of impunity, fearless of losing, and able to express themselves without the potential shackles of relegation looming over their head.

Clearly, there are pro’s and con’s of both systems. The AP means that every game, especially towards the end of the season, has something hanging on it- whether that be a HEC place, relegation or an Amlin Cup spot. This means players are performing under pressure each weekend, and that pressure can manifest itself in terms of relegation and a real loss of a revenue model should a side go down. Literally, players are playing for their own jobs and their teammates jobs at times. In the S15, when 2 sides are not challenging for play-offs, there’s nothing to lose, other than the ranking within their own country and as a result, they tend to play a game with less fear.

Does this mean that S15 are practicing skillsets that perhaps AP players do not? On the other hand, do AP players play under greater pressure, making them stronger when it comes to one-off cup games? Certainly England have performed will in one offs at a number of World Cups, and NZ to date have consistently under-performed, which is interesting.

It’s a delightful paradox. I could not comment on which games breeds the better rugby or the better system, neither am I promoting one over the other- it is merely an observation.

It’s a debate that rightfully will rage on, but I believe that these are some of the fundamental differences and the reasons why we see such a dichotomy of styles and attitudes.

Keep well and enjoy the game,

Dave.