Queensland Super W coach wants New Zealand expansion
Queensland Super W coach Michael Hayes wants the Australian women's rugby competition crossing the ditch as soon as possible after a successful inaugural season.
NSW needed extra time to claim the first Super W title with a 16-13 victory over Queensland at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Friday.
Members of both camps hailed the five-team tournament as a tremendous success, and Hayes feels Rugby Australia should try to involve New Zealand teams from next season.
"They are talking about two rounds within our own conference, but I would actually like to see us take the big step," Hayes said.
"Take it, grab it and go and play some good rugby over in New Zealand and New Zealand teams come and play some good rugby over here.
"I think what we've seen tonight is outstanding rugby and I think on a world stage, it was as good as anything I"ve seen.
"I've seen World Cups and what both teams displayed there tonight was good, if not better, than some of the World Cup games I've seen."
NSW captain and fullback Ash Hewson, who kicked the deciding penalty on Friday, would also like to see the Australian teams tackle New Zealand opposition.
Hayes also believes the success of the first season of Super W could entice players to move from other sports.
Players were unpaid for the inaugural Super W season.
"We do it for the complete and utter love of the game," Hewson said.
"Every single hit, run, ruck, breakdown is hit with passion and love for the game; that's why it's such a great spectacle."
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great article! I wonder whether we will we see Ireland adopt the Nienaber blitz? All the teams who have tried it so far (SA included) have gone through significant teething problems in the first season; Ireland could possibly be in the unique position of being able to switch to a hard blitz in season 2 of a world cup cycle and already have so many players used to the system that it can be implemented seamlessly.
Go to commentsThey probably left another 20 on the field to be fair. Also - the officiating was… ordinary.
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