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All the evidence points towards the latest generation of South African players being of a lower standard than previous generations.

Any chance of some analysis on what makes certain guys tougher to stop there than others, Nick?

This game should not have taken place, and if they were desperate to do so the teams should have been reseeded afterwards with the “lucky loser” OBVIOUSLY seeded last.

Am I just bitter because the Hurricanes got knocked out? Yes. But also it’s a stupid format.

The current finals format is a bit funny to get used to, I agree. But if they sort out the scheduling guff where the BRU vs HUR match could have been a non knockout game, as well as giving more punishment for the lucky looser (dropping them to 4th seed in the semis). The current format creates more meaningful matches than the alternatives.

Some examples of finals formats:

Top 6 ≈ 14 matches that matter

With the improvements above, the current system creates 6 competitive finals, plus say 8 matches in the regular season that are effectively knockout games. 14 games that definitely matter. Plus some games to decide the finals seeding in there too.

Top 4 ≈ 10 matches that matter

3 finals matches and say 6 games to fight over the top 4. At a best case you may get 12 crucial games

If offered the choice, the sponsors, the broadcasters, the fans, the players and the all blacks selectors would all take more meaningful games over any alternative format.

I appreciate that you prefer a Super Rugby style of play but maybe give URC another chance. There are some amazing games and rivalries out there.