Kiwis should ditch a team - Norma Plummer

Outspoken Australia Diamonds coach Norma Plummer says Kiwi teams don't serve up enough of a challenge in the trans-Tasman competition and it's stunting the development of her up-and-coming stars.

Six days ahead of the start of the third season of the ANZ Championships, Plummer told Sunday News New Zealand should axe one of its sides and allow a sixth Australian team.

"The thing for us is Australia used to have eight club teams and we're now down to five. From my point of view I find that hard," Plummer said.

"Australia's still not getting that development of another 36-odd players.

"I don't think there's enough depth in New Zealand to have five teams. I think Australia should have six and New Zealand four. I've said that from the on-set – I think most people did. That was written in New Zealand papers and there was no comment. I guess it's been worked out to be fair and equal, and that's where it stands.

"I'd like to see it extended and I'd rather see the top team in Jamaica and the top team in England included to make it a bit more international, more like Super 14 rugby.

"I think it was bandied around a long time ago, about having this kind of competition – top teams from around the world playing together.

"That's purely a personal point of view – that's the way I'd like to see it go. But I don't think at the moment it's anywhere near being realistic financially."

Since the inaugural season in 2008 only two New Zealand teams, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Southern Steel, have seriously challenged the Australian quintet.

Worst of the bunch is Wellington-based franchise Central Pulse, who have won only one game in two seasons. Plummer says they are proof there's not enough depth this side of the ditch and uncompetitive teams should move aside.

"I think there should be opportunities for challengers in those situations – if a team is consistently down the bottom a team can come in and take their spot," she said. "Australia could certainly fulfil another couple of commitments in terms of teams. That wouldn't be a problem.

"With teams playing all the time I hope the rivalry between New Zealand and Australian teams doesn't burn out. If we look at the Super 14, it's up to everyone to keep the programme exciting.

"The ANZ hasn't made it harder to attract fans to games between Australia and New Zealand to date and, all going well, that won't die. But will it overdose? We have to wait and see."

- © Fairfax NZ News