TIME TO TACKLE ALL BLACKS
Peter Jenkins
The NRL can topple the All Blacks as the dominant force in New Zealand sport by fast-tracking a second team into the Shaky Isles.
The call comes from two high-profile Kiwi administrators with extensive experience in both codes who sense a seismic shift in the escalating war for hearts, minds and talent.
David Moffett, who headed up NZ Rugby, NSW Rugby, Welsh Rugby, Sport England and the NRL during the 1990s and early 2000s, told the Daily Telegraph that rugby union in NZ was no longer impregnable against the rising threat of rugby league.
His view was shared by Trevor McKewen, an ex-commercial and marketing boss at NZ Rugby, former Warriors CEO and a current media identity who said the NRL should act quickly to launch sport’s ultimate palace coup.
“I’ve never seen NZ Rugby face an existential crisis like this,” McKewen said last night. “I’ve never seen the game in a more vulnerable state.
“This perfect storm has arrived. NZ Rugby has significant financial woes and it has a governance structure a review has found as not fit for purpose.
“On top of that, the NRL is building a huge following in NZ and the talented 15-year-olds who once only thought of playing for the All Blacks are now playing both codes. They’re watching NRL and seeing the opportunities.
“NZ Rugby has always sold this narrative that the ABs are the greatest team in the history of sport. That’s now a myth … the allure of the All Blacks jersey is nowhere near as strong as it has been historically.
“The NRL can capitalise on that momentum with a second team here. They just need to appreciate the opportunity that exists. Don’t wait five or more years. Grab it by the throat now.
“With a second team the NRL will have games in NZ every week for seven months. That visibility and accessibility will have a massive impact.
“Super Rugby has lost its way and the All Blacks play at home five or six times a year. The NRL would have a constant presence driving talkability, coverage and participation, all key measures for popularity.”
Moffett is CEO at the South Island Kea consortium that is bidding for inclusion to the NRL as part of the competition’s proposed expansion.
After a recent rejection, Moffett has called for a meeting with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to work through the NRL’s bid requirements.
From his Christchurch base, Moffett said teams on both islands would deliver an instant national rivalry and significantly more content in NZ, and the sooner the better to take advantage of the All Blacks’ declining fortunes.
“The All Blacks have been the beacon of NZ sport for more than a century,” he said. “But there are now cracks in the wall.”
New Zealand has lost its last four Tests to South Africa, three of its last six to Ireland and its two most recent Tests against France. The All Blacks have also lost two of their last six Tests against Argentina.
Their most notable winning record is against the Wallabies – nine Test victories in a row.
