Air New Zealand Cup struggles
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The Air New Zealand Cup continues to struggle in New Zealand as the NZRU has confirmed they will stick with a 14-team competiton in 2009 providing a reprieve for Tasman and Northland.
The NZRU have indicated that all union will be subject to tough annual financial checks and that any union that fails to meet the criteria imposed will be axed. The NZRU appear to be drawing a tough line on teams now as they are adament they will not prop up teams anymore with financial handouts.
The new focus from the NZRU regarding the Air New Zealand Cup comes as an alarming drop-off in viewing numbers of the Air New Zealand Cup. Viewing figures are down 50% from 2006 levels and down 25% from 2007 which was a soft year with the Rugby World Cup on at the same time.
The continuing fall in viewers adds additional pressure to the NZRU and puts the future of the Air New Zealand Cup in doubt as they struggle to attract lucrative sponsorship deals to keep the competition afloat.
All Black stars sit out Air NZ Cup
The All Blacks are resting their big guns ahead of the November tour of Europe in hope to give their stars ample rest time after a busy Super 14 and international season.
Dan Carter is one star unlikely to play again until the tour and Ali WIlliams and Brad Thorn are two other stars who will be rested until the tour as the All Blacks preserve their big guns.
Other players will slowly return the to Air NZ Cup with Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Rodney So’oialo becoming available at the quarter-finals.
The touring party will be named on 26 October.