NPC - news, injuries etc
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Liam Napier is reporting that the three Auckland sides will be pulling out of the comp, after their attempts for exemptions failed.
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I wouldn't even bother with SFs, maybe just a final between the top 2 qualifiers. There would be 4 rounds to go after this weekend so the competition would finish by mid-Nov.
It would be harsh on Taranaki if there is no promotion-relegation based on their record so far, and who they have beaten.
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@bovidae so who gets demoted? Auckland currently sit at the foot of the table.
Maybe have a promo-relegation play off instead of automatic this year, currently that'd be 'naki v Wellington for teams available
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@taniwharugby said in NPC - news, injuries etc:
@bovidae so who gets demoted? Auckland currently sit at the foot of the table.
Maybe have a promo-relegation play off instead of automatic this year, currently that'd be 'naki v Wellington for teams available
That's what I am thinking. Have a promotion-relegation game between the top Championship team and bottom Premiership team competing.
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@bovidae said in NPC - news, injuries etc:
It would be harsh on Taranaki if there is no promotion-relegation based on their record so far, and who they have beaten.
NZR tried to end promotion/relegation this year. They wanted all 14 teams playing the one competition (with regional pools)
They just failed to get agreement in time this year. I expect them to push it through next year
Cancelling promotion/relegation this year would help them make an argument for it
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@duluth yeah I can't see them sticking with promotion/relegation, it's too messy in the current Covid environment. They need to go back to the 14 team structure as that will be easier too manage if we face disruptions in the future.
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I would say that legally they won't be able to hold finals or have promotion relegation.
If they tried, I would suggest legal representatives from the three unions would try and have a go at any decisions.
Advertising revenue, sponsorship all that could be at risk by progressing the competition as scheduled, minus the three teams.
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@southernmann There's nothing legally stopping them from holding finals. It's not detrimental to anyone to have finals. Maybe give the winner a different cup or just winners' medals.
Promotion/relegation isn't detrimental to anyone either, if Auckland's position in the Premiership is safe (I'm not saying I'm in favour of it, this year).
I think more advertising revenu & sponsorship is at risk if you play fewer games. -
I'm not against a 14-team competition, as long as they don't do the stupid north/south pool split. It would mean you're in the same pool and are guaranteed to play the same opponents every year and that's just not good enough. Adding a few cross-over games doesn't change that sufficiently.
Maybe let provinces pick all their opponents the same way they now decide the cross-over games. Choose in order of overall ranking or reverse order of ranking; ranking mid-table and up or down; home and away, etc.
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Here's the official media release:
Bunnings Warehouse NPC to continue without Auckland based teams
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed the Bunnings Warehouse NPC will continue without the Auckland based teams; North Harbour, Auckland and Counties Manukau, and will release a revised season draw in coming days.
The Bunnings NPC season will continue with the 11 Provincial Unions outside of the Auckland region, and NZR has confirmed there are plans to stand up a separate Super City Series for Auckland, North Harbour and Counties-Manukau once they are able to resume playing.
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@stargazer Wonder if the the players from the three Auckland teams join other teams to get game time. Real shame for RTS, as he came over earlier to get a start in NPC.
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@sbw1 said in NPC - news, injuries etc:
@stargazer Wonder if the the players from the three Auckland teams join other teams to get game time. Real shame for RTS, as he came over earlier to get a start in NPC.
Legally not possible. a) They're stuck in the Auckland region; if teams didn't get permission to relocate, why would individual players? b) The competition rules don't allow switching teams.
And why would they? Have you read the quote from my previous post at all? They're working on a Super City Series, so if that goes ahead, they will get some game time. -
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@crucial said in NPC - news, injuries etc:
Te Kuiti/Otorohanga included also. Hope that doesnt impact Cane's KC game
Game is in Taupo, but a lot of the players might need to stay there for the next couple of nights...
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@donsteppa said in NPC - news, injuries etc:
No games for the Steamers for two weeks with that draw. Not ideal, but helps the lengthy injury list I guess...!
perhaps a full backline in 2 weeks, ..albeit functioning backline might require a different change lol
2021 Heartland Championship Draw - RUGBY HEARTLAND
