Answer: Extremely. In fact, it could be argued that it is the worst in the world, across all sports and all competitions. It’s so bad I don’t even know where to begin.
First of all, what’s the deal with the conferences? Are there two or are there four? Surely it would be a lot easier if the ‘Australasian Group’ was just a single conference? That way we could actually look at the points table and have some kind of understanding of what the hell is going on. But like many things, that would just be too simple. Instead we have the Brumbies hosting a quarter-final against the Highlanders despite our boys finishing the season with nine points more than them.
It’s not like the whole conference system is brand new to the world of sport. The NBA have utilised it successfully for decades. So why is our system so flawed and utterly ridiculous? The Lions, who have finished second, had the joy of playing against the new boys on the block in the Sunwolves and the Jaguares, while also having to fend off the lacklustre quality of the Southern Kings and Cheetahs. To reward their breezy season, they get to host a quarter-final against the Crusaders, who had to battle it out with the rest of the New Zealand sides to try and secure the one—yes one—home quarter-final spot.
While the New Zealand sides have the quality to go abroad and grab a victory, they have been given an undeserving disadvantage. If they do not go through to the semi-finals, SANZAR will have a lot to answer for. In my opinion, they either have to go back to the way it was a few years ago, or they have to follow in the footsteps of the NBA and have inner-conference playoffs that end with a team from each conference meeting in the final. For now though, let us watch this shambles as it completely unravels.
P.S. Up the Landers!