Steve Tew getting the excuses in

[Shaggy]

Isn't Steve few the same guy that signed Rodney so'oialo to a 4 year extension when he was already on the outer. Now he's being payed elite money to sit on his ass. He also signed a 30 year old flanker who a history of concussion problems and a player that is obviously on the downside of his career in richie McCaw to a 4 year deal. Tews the same guy that stuffed up the 2003 world cup hosting rights. He's got a great track record. He's got no one to blame except his poor mismanagement of funds. All they care about is themselves, that extra money they are getting is being taken out of the minnows pockets. And I mean non world cup minnow teams that struggle even with the irb input. More money for tew to squander.

... Except, So'oialo wasn't on the outer when he was signed he was an established All Black, and sometime captain ... Tew's a CEO, not a psychic, so he's going to get some right, and some wrong ... as for signing Ritchie for four years, it's great for NZ rugby, our young guys get to learn from our most experienced players.

... Yes, the CEO's job is primarily to look after their own union first, but that doesn't mean that the tier two sides aren't going to benefit from the relaxation of the sponsorship rules (this is probably going to be the difference for some of the PI sides, as to whether they can afford to attend or not)

... The supporting of the change in the scheduling by the top tier nations, to also have their turn, with a short turn around between matches, is hardly in their own best interests either

 

[Dizzy]

Agreed shaggy