I still remember the lyrics of TopSport Super 10 series’ theme song back when South Africa first joined the southern hemisphere competition in 1993.
I was not even in my teens back then, can’t believe it’s been 27 years already.
Time flies and they say all good things come to an end.
And it looks like the end is nigh - as my Shakespearean friends (of whom I don’t have any) would say - for Super Rugby.
While talks about South African rugby’s split to the north are gaining momentum and looking to become a reality soon, it will be sad to see the end of southern-hemisphere rugby as we know it. It was good while it lasted.
For years, we were blessed by having the talents of Sean Fitzpatrick, Zinzan Brooke, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Dan Carter, Tim Horan, George Gregan, Stephen Larkham, Stirling Mortlock and others grace our fields in the colours of their franchise teams.
Some of you will remember those guys from yesteryear, while a quick Google search should help the more recent rugby converts.
But let’s be honest, Super Rugby has lost its edge over the years and yes, the best players in the world can now be found up north - where the big bucks are.
Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos admitted earlier in the week that the tournament has lost a bit of its flair recently and that he preferred the Super 10 or Super 12 format.
A Stormers star in those heydays, Marinos told Stuff NZ: “I still believe our best solution was in the 10-12 team competition structure.
“And I think Super Rugby would really resonate and appeal if that was a consideration going forward.”
It’s what he said next that left many rugby fans wide-eyed.
When asked about the future, he said: “That is a question for New Zealand Rugby ... we coordinate on behalf of the unions and there are different views among the Sanzaar partners around what could be possible going forward.”
Nou daar is dit nou.
Over the past few months, many a debate in rugby circles has centred around a trans-Tasman domestic tournament - for Kiwis and Aussies - with South Africa joining Pro14 in the UK, instead of playing in Super Rugby.
So instead of TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, the Ione brothers Akira and Rieko, Bernard Foley, Will Genia and James O’Connor facing our guys, we will now get to face the best Scotland, Italy, Wales and Ireland have to offer.
Better or worse than playing against the best of Australia, New Zealand and Argentina?
I reckon worse, but better for our rugby in the long run.
Let’s start with the road to Pro Rugby - qualifying via a domestic tournament.
If rumours are to be believed, then the top four South African teams from our domestic competition will qualify for the Pro16 tournament.
That in itself will breathe new life into a tournament that has struggled over the last few years.
I have been very vocal about the Currie Cup, or whatever they are going to call this year’s domestic tournament, which is rumoured to start on October 3, needing some flavour to boost interest.
With European qualification on offer, that spice will be a top-four finish and a place in Pro16.
Hypothetically speaking, if a move to the UK happens in 2021, then our friends over at the Kings will be slamming their heads against the wall right about now.
Having already pulled out of any domestic competition that might take place in 2020, and if the top four spots in this year’s tournament then determine who plays in Europe, then they would have automatically given up their spot.
That leaves Western Province, the Blue Bulls, Sharks, Golden Lions, Free State Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas fighting for four spots.
Now if the tournament runs into next year - which it is rumoured to do - some of the big teams will lose a lot of players to the Springboks for the November/ December Rugby Championship.
And that’s where the “minnows” will smell blood.
The Cheetahs will have their spot in Pro14 to defend, Griquas are known giant killers and the Pumas can pull off a big win on their day.
So what happens if WP then miss out on a top-four spot because their hele pack of forwards and halfbacks are playing in the Rugby Championship?
Will the likes of Bok ysters Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit then miss out on playing franchise rugby? Pffft...
There is a lot of kopkrap to do and I reckon it will still be a while before we get some real answers.
For now, I can’t wait for the action to begin - even if it’s just to silence the rumours and uncertainty about how rugby is going to look post-coronavirus.
Prooooovvvinnnnce! Or wait, is it Stooooormers?
I guess we’ll have to see once the call is made on what they will name the new domestic tournament.
But if they are referring to franchises, it will be the latter. Here’s to hoping that we’ll get clarity on these issues soon.
dudley.carsten@inl.co.za