The Melbourne Rebels have folded, leaving us with one less team in the Super Rugby Pacific – and yet again, no Australian team in the Grand Final.

The Kiwi teams are dominating Super Rugby. I respect that.

But as a wise man once said; sometimes when you win, you lose, and when you lose, you win.

The reality is when it comes to NRL v Super Rugby Pacific, it’s a non-contest.

The NRL has the Australian market with a 26 million population, which they split with the AFL, dwarfing New Zealand’s five million.

The NRL has the mega broadcast agreement, Super Rugby Pacific does not.

Both the NRL and New Zealand Rugby have obliterated Rugby Union in Australia on different fronts. But NZ didn’t realize they were cutting their nose to spite their face.

Now whether they realize it or not, New Zealand Rugby is in the ninth round of a heavyweight title fight. The enemy is not the old foe of Australia Rugby, but a looming threat that has been ignored for far too long.

The NRL is coming hard after that Kiwi fan base, the Kiwi/Polynesian player pool, and the NZ financial market.

Another NRL expansion team may end up in NZ. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my league, but also want to see both a strong league and union.

New Zealand Rugby has already had a smash to the face, an eye closed up and a smashed rib.

As we enter the 10th round there’s good news. NZ has a mega ace up its sleeve, the Australian-hosted 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Leading into the Rugby World Cup, we need maximum Aussie eyes on Super Rugby. This can be done by a couple of shrewd moves to the Super Rugby finals.

How It Works

Simple as a sausage sizzle. Super Rugby Pacific championship continues as per normal, with a single exception, the top two ranked Australian teams do NOT compete in the Super Rugby Pacific final series.

Instead, these two teams compete in a State of Origin-style best-of-three series for the title of Australian Super Rugby Champion.

The winner claims the Stephen Larkham trophy, arguably the greatest ever Australian Super Rugby Player-Coach.

The Super Rugby Pacific finals continue as per normal without the top two Aussie teams, ensuring fierce competition for that coveted title. It keeps giving all teams a chance to shine.

This is now the bit where it gets good. The Super Rugby Pacific Champion then does battle against the Super Rugby Australian Champion in the Australian-hosted Super Rugby Superbowl.

This becomes the signature annual Super Rugby game held each year in Australia, where John Eales rugby fairy dust is sprinkled across the country. Everyone wins.

Why This Matters

1. Building Momentum for the World Cup: Australia is set to host the World Cup, and we need to build momentum to grow back into that position of strength. It’s a chance to showcase our rugby passion and readiness to host the biggest event in the sport. New Zealand finally has a chance to get off the ropes and go on the offensive with a flurry of hooks, left jabs and uppercuts.

2. Big Bro vs. Little Bro Punch-Up: Let’s face it, there’s always been a bit of a sibling rivalry between Australia and New Zealand. This format guarantees a showdown that’s more than just a game – it’s a battle for bragging rights. Australia’s population may be larger, but it’s the heart and soul of the teams that make the difference. A big bro vs. little bro punch-up in the Superbowl would be electric.

3. Boost for Local Support: Having the Superbowl on home turf would reignite local interest. More fans in the stands, more kids dreaming of playing for their local team, and a buzz that spreads from the stadium to the suburbs.

4. Financial IQ: Hosting a Superbowl isn’t just about the game. It’s about the economic boost to the city – hotels, pubs, restaurants, and local businesses all getting a slice of the pie. These finals could bring the rugby spirit back in spades across Australia.

Then there is the next Broadcast agreement. Imagine what this little money spinner would bring in. Grow the pie.

The Challenges

Sure, there’ll be grumbles. Logistics, travel, and fairness to other teams will all come up. But nothing worth having comes easy, right?

We’ve got to fight for our game. It’s been on the ropes, and now it’s time for a knockout punch.

A Call to Arms

This isn’t just a wild idea thrown out for the sake of it. It’s a call to arms for every rugby lover in Australia and New Zealand.

We need to rally, make our voices heard, and push for a system that gives our teams a fighting chance.

The Rebels might be gone, but the spirit of Australian rugby is far from dead. With a Superbowl and best of three Aussie Rugby Championship, we can bring the game back to the people.

We can create new legends, new memories, and a new era of Rugby.

So, what do you reckon? Let’s make it happen.

For the love of the game, for the future of our teams, and for every fan who’s ever screamed themselves hoarse at the telly – it’s time to take a stand.