Draw @@@@ UP

[floppinab]

Look up incompetence in the dictionary............... and you'll find AFL!!!

The August 13 Syd - Bris. clash has been schedule on the same night as the Aussie leg of the Bledisloe Cup, both set down for Stad. Aust.

We've seen scheduling problems with Rugby matches come up before but this one takes the cake.

[bricon]

AFAIK the dates for the 2005 Bledisloe Cup are still TBC. They are planned for Sydney and Dunedin in August but the dates are yet to be finalized. There are only 2 Bledisloe Cup matches planned for next year, so it's imperative (for the ARU) that the match be played at Homebush; having to play at the Gabba or SFS would reduce the gate takings by over $5 million.

I hope that the AFL already have a firm booking in place for Homebush on the 13th August as that will totally stuff up the ARU's plans, should they want that date. If the AFL do have a firm contract for that date, it will be the ARU who is locked out (ie incompetant) and not the AFL.

We can't be constantly worried about what other codes (or entertanment products) schedules are, the AFL is always the first to lock in thier fixtures, there will always be conflicts.

[Damien]

I would be shocked if the AFL hadn't confirmed Telstra Stadium's availablity, this would throw the draw out big time as the Swans have to play three games out there.

I also believe (from reports I have read) that AFL has first rights on the stadium?

[j s]

Originally posted by Damien
I also believe (from reports I have read) that AFL has first rights on the stadium?

As we saw last year when a SF clash with the NRL was expected.

The AFL won (and then didn't use it that night anyway)

[floppinab]

Originally posted by bricon
AFAIK the dates for the 2005 Bledisloe Cup are still TBC. They are planned for Sydney and Dunedin in August but the dates are yet to be finalized.

My understanding was the ARU locked in that date a couple of months back.

My post was based on a story in the Sunday Tele today BTW.

I also believe (from reports I have read) that AFL has first rights on the stadium?

In front of League I believe you are correct but I'm not so sure about Rugger.

[Damien]

Originally posted by floppinab
My understanding was the ARU locked in that date a couple of months back.

My post was based on a story in the Sunday Tele today BTW.



In front of League I believe you are correct but I'm not so sure about Rugger.

I would personally doubt that if the "first choice" deal was in place for the AFL that it would be over a particular sport and not the stadium generally. It would have severe ramifications for the NRL/AFL relationship if the AFL went into that type of agreement just to out do League.

Time will tell I guess - I am sure the AFL will announce confirmation of the game or a change if required ASAP now that the Tele has highlighted the clash.

[CroatianSwans]

why dont the rugby play on friday night or sunday, they dont have to play that saturday the 13th

[vicburke]

Originally posted by CroatianSwans
why dont the rugby play on friday night or sunday, they dont have to play that saturday the 13th

because of the recovery time needed for rugby players. the IRB have rules and have particularly stated the amount of time players must be given to recover from each game.

if they play on say a friday or sunday night they dont get the same amount of time from the game previously and for the game the following week respectively.

the players board would be up in arms if they had to change to fri and sun nights.

[robbieando]

Don't forget the AFL vowed to pay Union back by any means possible, after Union put their big matches up against Swans matches in Sydney which effected our crowds. If the AFL do have first rights to the ground and I believe they do, then the ARU have no option but to either move to a different time that weekend or hold the Australia leg at a different time.

BTW does anyone have a link to that article????

[robbieando]

Originally posted by Damien
Time will tell I guess - I am sure the AFL will announce confirmation of the game or a change if required ASAP now that the Tele has highlighted the clash.

They confirmed the game when they released the draw. The AFL would of already confirmed the date with Telstra Stadium management before the released the draw, so if anyone has to change it will have to be the ARU.

[Damien]

Originally posted by robbieando
They confirmed the game when they released the draw. The AFL would of already confirmed the date with Telstra Stadium management before the released the draw, so if anyone has to change it will have to be the ARU.

That is certainly what I think - but this article seems to suggest otherwise.

[robbieando]

Originally posted by Damien
That is certainly what I think - but this article seems to suggest otherwise.

Can't find it on the net, any chance you can post what it said?

[barry]

It was only in the Rebecca Wilson column so take it with a grain of salt.

The AFL would have first dibs on SA, simply because they are playing 4 big games there every year at the moment, whereas RU has only 1 most years, even if theirs is bigger.

But as with last year and the ARU taking aim at the swans, its fantastic to see the AFL get one back by taking the "prefered" Bloodyslow cup date. (The RU dont nail down the fixture till a lot later).

I hope this sets a precedent where both sport sit down in the future and avoid all clashes. Good luck with the pig-headed rah rahs though.

[barry]

Originally posted by vicburke
because of the recovery time needed for rugby players. the IRB have rules and have particularly stated the amount of time players must be given to recover from each game.

if they play on say a friday or sunday night they dont get the same amount of time from the game previously and for the game the following week respectively.

the players board would be up in arms if they had to change to fri and sun nights.

The wont play on Friday because they'd get slaughtered by league in there "home" states. And they wont go on Sunday because they'd get slaughtered by re-run movies around australia. Forget this clap trap about player recovery.

Let 'em play sat arvo. If the bloody-slow is really as big as they make out it wont make a difference to the ratings, like the AFL GF.

[DST]

The AFL and Swans were the only ones to put money into the reconfiguration of the stadium. As part of that deal it meant we have first dips for scheduling at Telstra Stadium during the winter football months.

The Rugby Union will be looking for another date this year or a venue change which is unlikely.

DST