Aussie Pro Rugby
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@NTA said in Aussie Rugby:
What is the cause for the Brumbies tho? They're winning games - and in attractive fashion, mostly - but can't pull the numbers they did.
Something like the old "snapping the elastic" idea bandied about in distance running. That worry for a runner who is losing contact with another in front, as the imaginary elastic is being stretched. It's still possible to get back while he stays in contact but once it snaps he's gone.
The way rugby is run is dropping it through the back of the spectator pack. The game is still jogging alongside a few middle-aged tragics 40s/50s and up, but the demographic bands below that have largely snapped and are gone. Yes, that's an oversimplification and just one of many things going on. But, for something that was a niche sport to start with, that drop off over time will be readily seen in a small place like Canberra.
To be fair, the decline is evident enough elsewhere as well.
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@NTA said in Aussie Rugby:
@antipodean said in Aussie Rugby:
@NTA said in Aussie Rugby:
Further: Sydney Club Rugby might be enjoying a resurgence in spectator numbers, and even quality of play, but it is still a fucking basket case.
And at the expense of Super Rugby crowds.
I always wonder how much of that is a factor?
The big attendance clubs recently have been Manly and Warringah - and their fans are known for not travelling away from the Insular Peninsula. The final between the Rats and Uni in Parramatta was not a raging success despite the Rats having a decent shot (until the Uni Super Bench came on).
The northern beaches derby looks like a fucking hoot, but I don't think many of them had been to a Super Rugby match in the last decade unless it was at Brookie.
I think that's part of the problem. Club rugby with cheap tickets and cheap drinks, like-minded people out to enjoy the evening is a great afternoon. If higher standard rugby offered the same thing they'd make the effort.
What is the cause for the Brumbies tho? They're winning games - and in attractive fashion, mostly - but can't pull the numbers they did.
A fair bit of the above. The ground is a cold shithole in the middle of nowhere, the rugby of the last few years has been low risk, kick for the corner and maul. Canberra loves a winner and they're not competing at home in the finals so people aren't attending.
The problem with rugby in Australia is structural; it's not set up to reward good clubs. Penrith got booted despite having talent because the best players every season were poached.
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The solution is a review board to work out solutions...
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New Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and his assistants have sent one of Australia’s highest-profile players a clear indication of where he sits in the pecking order by leaving him out of an extended "players of national interest" squad.
While there are a number of exciting new names on the list, including Brumbies young gun Noah Lolesio, multiple sources have told the Herald that Kurtley Beale, a 92-Test veteran who has featured at three World Cup campaigns, is on the outer.
Etc
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@NTA Mmmm "Little information has been provided as to exactly how many players feature in the most up to date PONI squad but it is understood players are aware where they stand."
A hint that it will be the Wallabrumbies? Or maybe just My Little Ponies?
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This is getting more interesting by the day. Andrew Slack has his say.
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@sparky said in Aussie Rugby:
Big u-turn by Dave Rennie. He said he'd walk if she got booted up.
She resigns before she gets pushed (the writing was on the wall), but Rennie stays.
Call me a cynic, but he was always going to stay. Where else was he going to go?
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@sparky said in Aussie Rugby:
Big u-turn by Dave Rennie. He said he'd walk if she got booted up.
She resigns before she gets pushed (the writing was on the wall), but Rennie stays.
He never said he'd leave, it was just click bait news titles
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