It is high time Super Rugby picked up its act. So too numerous Australian players, who have for too long got away with going through the motions.
In World Cup years, a tournament that has lost its way suddenly becomes relevant again, as it reverts into something important- a continuous national selection trial. It even convinces those who gave up on it some time ago due to a confusing and unfair format to have another look.
Super Rugby ratings always lift in World Cup years. But that should not be treated as a slap on the back moment for SANZAAR officials, who are desperately looking for anything to praise themselves as they continue to meddle and muddle the game.
They instead must try to work on ways to improve a failing structure, which at the moment is blatantly biased towards South Africa and Australia- as they have the far easier conferences. It is also grossly unfair as not all teams play each other.
Culling teams recently was one glaringly obvious step, but they must go even further, and make it a 12-team competition- where everyone plays each other. Then excellence will be properly awarded, rather than B grade teams provided with a second chance.
At a time where there are serious doubts over whether broadcasters want to continue showing this clapped out competition, SANZAAR is at least able to do something about fixing up this mess.
They are in a far more solid position than World Rugby, currently immersed in this sideshow of a babble-fest about a proposed World League shakeup of the Test calendar. What hope have they got in getting this international Test knockout concept up when English and French clubs own the players? It's pigs might fly stuff.
The best way for Super Rugby to be treated more kindly by the Australian rugby public is if the local playing standards improve. In recent years, the only games worth watching have been the New Zealand local derbies. The rest are a bit like this season's cricket Big Bash League. Average players producing average performances.
With it tedium. But in the Australian rugby ranks, there are no excuses for mediocrity. The 2019 Australian World Cup squad is an open book, with only a small handful guaranteed of positions. The opportunity is definitely there during the Super Rugby for fringe dwellers, unknowns and newcomers to emerge from left field and secure a seat on the Wallabies' flight to Tokyo in September.
After all, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has often shown madcap desperation at the selection table, as he constantly discovers his options in numerous positions is threadbare. Also the new Wallabies head honcho Scott Johnson is a free thinker, and doesn't mind a departure from the mainstream.
The most glaring areas where the Super Rugby provide some solutions is in areas where there is a distinct shortage of talent. Hooker, the back-row and No. 10 are all critical and worrisome spots.
At hooker, Tolu Lotu is too ill-disciplined to be seriously considered a regular international rake. His on-field stupidity and inability to avoid being provoked by opponents will eventually cost the Wallabies major Test matches. Tatafu Polota-Nau's erratic lineout throwing is again a concern.
In the back-row, the Wallabies are realising that not having a large No. 8 or tall blindside flanker is a major liability. David Pocock remains Australia's best player, but it is asking too much of him to combine No. 8 with openside flanker, especially as Michael Hooper is getting appreciably looser in open play. The Pooper combination is looking pooped.
A specialist, rather than makeshift No. 8 has to be found from one of the Australian provinces; otherwise the Wallabies will head to Japan appreciably short of what is required to even be a World Cup threat.
The Wallabies' biggest sore is at No. 10... and it's festering. It's Bernard Foley, and nothing else.
Foley is fragile, and well down the international fly-half totem pole. Numerous countries have better playmakers, while in recent years he has struggled with injury. Most crucially he has had concussion issues.
World Cup triumphs revolve around quality No. 10s. That World Cup winners club is an exceptional list- Grant Fox, Michael Lynagh, Joel Stransky, Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson, Butch James, Aaron Cruden/Stephen Donald and Dan Carter. Foley is not at that level. The only one he would compare with would be James, and one consolation is that at least Foley uses his arms in the tackle.
Even more disconcerting is that there is absolutely no backup. Kurtley Beale was tried last season, and was a complete flop. Beale was scatty, baffled by what was required, and for good reason was soon discarded. Then again Beale has been a liability for some time, and is being found out. I would not be shocked if Beale does not make the World Cup squad.
One No. 10 possibility is Jack Maddocks, but it is highly unlikely he will appear in that position for the Rebels during the Super Rugby, after the Reds gladly shoved Quade Cooper their way. Cooper will be the Rebels five-eighth, and despite all the brouhaha about him possibly re-emerging from left field to again be the Wallabies fly-half, surely not. No-one- in particular oppositions- have forgotten Cooper's dismal 2011 World Cup campaign.
The Super Rugby will only be of some use if candidates like Maddocks do get a chance, and gives the Test selectors options. If it once more revolves around protecting one's own nest, this tournament will remain in the same category as the national team- an abject failure.