Super Rugby 2020: All Blacks management strategy facing early examination

Kiwi rugby bosses are pointing to New Zealand's dominant record to defend the absence or limited playing minutes of their star players in Super Rugby.

While all fit Wallabies internationals took the field for the four Australian teams in the opening round, the contentious resting policy in New Zealand continued.

Designed to have leading players at their physical peak for All Blacks duty, the strategy has come in for additional criticism this year after Steve Hansen's team fell short at in the World Cup semi-finals last October.

Commentators have questioned the value of NZ Rugby's 'load management' policy and claim it devalues a Super Rugby competition desperately in need of its top players, as interest and viewership numbers fall across the board.

NZR high performance manager Mike Anthony said player welfare was a priority, along with giving the All Blacks the best chance of success, which is why they're persisting with methods first introduced 10 years ago.

"I know some rugby fans think the competition is compromised as a result, but the intention is to have the All Blacks fit at the right stage of the season, and by and large, we achieve that," Anthony told NZME.

"Since 2010, the All Blacks have won two World Cups and Kiwi sides have won seven out of 10 Super Rugby titles.

"Given our top players have only a 12-week off-season, which isn't long enough frankly, we have to manage their return to play very carefully."

Jack Goodhue in action for the Crusaders
Jack Goodhue in action for the Crusaders. Photo credit: Photosport

The restricted minutes hit some teams hard last weekend.

The Blues led the Chiefs at Eden Park, before captain Patrick Tuipulotu and two-try winger Rieko Ioane were replaced early in the second half, coinciding with a fightback from the visitors.

None of the 11 World Cup All Blacks in action for the Chiefs and Crusaders played more than 47 minutes.

World-class locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick won't be seen at all this Super Rugby season, after they were cleared for 'sabbatical' stints at Japanese clubs.

Blues star signing Beauden Barrett has been granted extended off-season leave, meaning he won't play five-eighth for the traditional strugglers until mid-April.

 

AAP 

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