Is SANZA right in telling European teams to send there top players to NZ, SA,& Aust during June?

Question

It is getting boring to see the likes of a French C & Engalnd C team touring down under and getting smoked becasue their top players are playing club rugby.

SANZA has told them to do something about it

Answer 1

Well you have to understand, players from the Northern hemisphere have a longer season than their Southern counterparts, particularly the French. I know they're professionals but they do need a break. For example the day of France's first test against Australia, the final of the Top 14 was being played meaning their season was only ending then.

Also apart from Ireland, clubs own the players' contracts so they want to see the best results they can, I'm assuming you're familiar with the Club/Country battle that was going on in England. It was because Internationals were interfering with the clubs' matches.

Answer 2

England(believe it or not)  sent the strongest team available. The only thing that prevented the full team going was injuries.

Wales sent the strongest team available (Baring loads of injuries  to loads of key players)

Ireland sent the strongest team available.(Baring injuries)

France had a championship decider over one of the weekends.

So what the h**l are Sanzar talking about?

The NH could gaureentee that full teams will be picked and they will be in the exact same situation. You can't account for injuries.

EDIT..

It isnt a excuse. It is a fact. I also know for a fact that Wales and England had a really strong desire to send full teams out. With Wales under new coach Gatland, the summer tests were the most important thing after the six nations. But they left without 9 key players because of injuries.

If it was a world cup in june the players would have been wrapped in cotton wool and been in camps for 4 months (from the six nations)- and the regions and clubs would have allowed for this...to avoid injuries. New Zealand kept the players out of club competitions for a Year before the last WC.

Wales and England don't have strength in depth, neither does australia (or most major teams) ..and you take that risk when arranging and buying tickets for these  tours..

Answer 3

The Northern Hemisphere are only in it for themselves. If they had it their way the wouldn't have to tour at all, the SH teams would come to them every year.

Answer 4

I think SANZA are justified. The euros have two choices:

Club comps shortened to acommodate internationals

Not be invited down under.

If a nation can not send their best team, they should not come. I would much prefer to see trials between possible and probable teams, and more time and preperation devoted to training for fewer internationals with teams at 100% strenght.

One test against the WC Pumas side would have been way better than watching NZ thumping Ireland and England without even breaking a sweat. Tickets were unsold for these matches and the stands are tiny in NZ. As for France and Australia - hardly a training run.