Rugby fans get in behind Makos

The campaign to save the Makos and keep the Tasman Rugby Union in the top tier of domestic rugby is gaining momentum. For those who aren't yet convinced of the top of the south's cause, JOSH REICH sets out what's at stake.

'Promote, foster and develop rugby throughout New Zealand and the world and ... control rugby throughout New Zealand."

As far as section 2.1(a) of its constitution goes, the New Zealand Rugby Union is doing a fine job of adhering to the second half of that statement.

Many would argue, however, that it's not doing such a bang-up job of the first.

After well over a year of to-ing and fro-ing about the makeup of New Zealand's flagship domestic rugby competition, the NZRU has come down with its final decree that four teams shall be culled from the Air Zealand Cup for next year's competition.

According to chief executive Steve Tew, the competition is not financially sustainable at present, and changes must be made.

So after the dust has settled on this season's competition after the November 7 final, the 14 teams will be ranked on a multitude of factors, including financial position, population, player numbers and on-field performance, covering the previous four years.

Speculation is rife that the four teams to be cut are Counties Manukau, Manawatu, Northland and the country's newest union, Tasman.

As would be expected, these four unions are talking tough, with most pointing to the devastating effect that being dropped from the top division would have on rugby in their region.

From Tasman's perspective, no-one would deny that the fledgling union has had its problems.

While competitive on the paddock in its early days, financial turmoil saw it on the brink of collapse.

Yet the union has improved its financial position, and its performances in the area that really matters see it in with a shot of claiming a historic playoff at home this season.

In the process, the union has proved itself well capable of promoting, fostering and developing rugby in the Nelson-Marlborough region. More than 8000 people were at Trafalgar Park to see the Makos tip over Auckland.

Last season, Ben Franks became the first player to make his All Black debut when playing for the Makos, and half a dozen others – all homegrown – were in the Crusaders squad.

Playing numbers within the region are up 4 per cent, coaching staff up 30 per cent.

Tasman chairman Nick Patterson says it is "disturbing" to think about what will happen to rugby in the region if the Makos are cut.

"I think it is really important to nurture homegrown talent and do everything we can to give the local talent the opportunity to play at the highest level.

"I think it is inevitable that we will see the talent disappear from the district to play at the highest level.

"I think we should all be disturbed about that, and I believe the players themselves would be most uncomfortable about that. They really want to be playing here in the top of the south."

While the likes of Franks, Kahn Fotuali'i and Kade Poki are the stars of the team, Mr Patterson points to the development of players such as Quentin MacDonald, Dan Hyatt and Joe Wheeler as those flourishing in their home environment – "homegrown, local talent, really cutting the mustard".

Frustration appears to be growing with the lack of communication from the NZRU, and the constant changes to its plans for the domestic competition.

The NZRU frequently talks about the excessive cost of the 14-team competition, but as yet appears to have done little to address one of the biggest drains on provincial coffers – the players' salary cap (although Manawatu chief executive John Knowles has said negotiations are taking place with the Players Association to reduce it from its near $2 million limit).

All unions met earlier this year knowing that the format of the Air NZ Cup had to change, but nothing was finalised.

"Certainly in the forums that were held to discuss it, there were several options of different competitions put together, of which a 10-team competition was one," Mr Patterson says.

"Certainly there were other options ... and a key undertaking that was given was that any second competition has to be meaningful for those teams involved."

Currently, the prospect for the four teams demoted from the premier competition is a new six-team league, including two teams from the current Heartland Championship. Patterson struggles to see how the two promoted teams will be competitive.

While the Tasman union remains upbeat, the situation is creating uncertainty. Contracts need to be signed and sponsorship deals finalised, and if the Makos are dropped, the question of the Nelson-Marlborough joint venture that gave birth to Tasman and the Makos will be raised.

Patterson says the union is doing everything it can to ensure that the people of Nelson and Blenheim will have the chance to again see the Makos play the likes of Auckland and Wellington in their home town.

"We've given an undertaking as the board that we will do everything we possibly can within our powers to ensure that Tasman remain playing at the highest level. We are working diligently away to do that."

To help save the Makos, add your name to the petition now circulating calling on the NZRU to keep the Tasman team in the top competition. The petition is widely available around Nelson, including at The Nelson Mail offices.

- The Marlborough Express