VIDEO: Kiwi coach doesn't want average teams joining new comp

SPOTLIGHT: Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown believes Super Rugby Aotearoa is the way forward for New Zealand Rugby.

Tensions between Rugby Australia (RA) and NZ Rugby have been high since the Kiwis released a blueprint last month for a radical shake-up of the Southern Hemisphere competition in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Aside from jettisoning South African teams and Argentina's Jaguares, it also had room for only between two and four of Australia's Super Rugby teams, which Rugby Australia deemed unacceptable.

Australia wants the inclusion of all five sides contesting Super Rugby AU, the domestic competition established after the Super Rugby season was suspended.

Meanwhile, RA has put together a multi-pronged broadcast package includes new content such as a Super Eight play-off tournament.

The Super Eight tournament will involve the top two teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and a team from Japan and South America and will follow various Super Rugby competitions.

However, Brown feels that a NZ versus NZ model should be the priority for his country.

"It's been pretty exciting," Brown told the New Zealand media.

"I think the players have enjoyed going into battle against the other New Zealand franchises.

"It's always a tough challenge, but one the players enjoy getting up for.

"No, I don't think [it's been too taxing], it's just footy.

"Every game is pretty tough, and it takes a few days to get over.

"But in the end I think you'd rather play in this comp rather than a diluted one where you can play average and still win games of rugby."

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He added: "I think they've enjoyed it [Super Rugby Aotearoa], especially coming out of COVID, where we weren't sure what was going to happen."

"I think the fans have really embraced the comp and made it what it is.

"Players love playing in front of big crowds, and playing entertaining footy, so I think it's been great."

Despite the support for an all NZ tournament, NZ Rugby has already said the five-team Super Rugby Aotearoa format is "not sustainable" with players feeling the effects of back-to-back derbies.

"It’s been more physically demanding than other seasons, when you are playing other sides," said Highlanders loose forward Dillon Hunt.

"These games are like test matches really, and you do feel it after the game.

"But the load has been right.

"The coaches are setting us up to perform well at the weekend.

"We make sure we get things right during the week."

Sources: Stuff & AFP