Super Rugby Pacific organisers exploring All Blacks great’s play-off idea after Rebels axe
Under Mils Muliaina's suggestion, the Brumbies and Highlanders would face off for the right to take on the Blues in the semi-finals.
Super Rugby Pacific organisers are discussing whether to alter the league’s format in the wake of the Melbourne Rebels’ demise.
Rugby Australia have decided to axe the franchise following their continued financial struggles, which saw them go into voluntary administration ahead of the 2024 season.
The Rebels will therefore be removed from the competition for 2025, reducing the numbers of sides in Super Rugby to 11.
Current structure
Currently, eight out the 12 franchises qualify for the play-offs as they face off in the quarter-finals before the semi-finals and final.
Keeping that format while removing a side would likely invite ridicule and, as a result, change is almost inevitably going to take place.
There is of course the option of bringing in another team to bring the number back up to 12 but, at the moment, that isn’t being considered.
According to the New Zealand Herald, there are two options that are being discussed, with the most likely being a six-team play-off.
It is akin to the structure seen in the Top 14, where the top two clubs are rewarded for their stellar campaigns by gaining automatic qualification for the last-four.
That leaves the remaining teams to fight for the other two spots in what the French call the Barrages.
All Blacks great Mils Muliaina was one of those to call for that idea to be introduced when he appeared on The Breakdown at the weekend.
“11 (teams) would be okay with me. One round and then a top-six, and then the top two teams have a break, with the others playing off for a semi-final spot,” he said.
Second option and rivalling the Champions Cup
Fellow New Zealand legend Jeff Wilson agreed with Muliaina, stating that “I think top-six makes sense” and also liked Sir John Kirwan’s proposal of introducing a “Heineken Cup-style” competition to run alongside Super Rugby.
That tournament suggestion, which would be the southern hemisphere’s version of the Champions Cup, is not currently on the table for the organisers, but they do have an alternative option for Super Rugby Pacific.
They would take inspiration from the NFL, splitting the league into conferences where the top qualifier is given the week off.
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