S14: NZ support for six-team plan
Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:55
New Zealand officials are not only supporting the idea of a Super 14 expansion, they have touted a six-team format for their own country.
The New Zealand Herald reports that the latest proposal to hit administrators suggests the Blues be split into two franchises, as well as changes made to the Chiefs' partners.
According to the newspaper report there is a push to have six New Zealand sides involved in the series - perhaps as early as next year, but more likely 2010 - as plans for a competition overhaul continue to be sought and listened to by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
Under the scheme, the Blues would become a stand-alone operation based on the Auckland region, with Northland and North Harbour joining Counties-Manukau in a separate franchise.
"Thinking is not limited to one option, if you asked me to put a shed of money on anything I couldn't, it is very early stages but anything is possible," a source told the NZ Herald.
Under the same suggestion, the Chiefs franchise would also be adjusted with Taranaki joining Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
