Why was it that last year the condensed NPC was embraced and yet this year, the crowds, coaches and players seem to be giving the 8 week competition the thumbs-down? Rugby overload? Economic recession? Mental and physical fatigue? Less time to actually coach?
It's a combination of all these elements. Last year, New Zealand and the rugby public accepted the condensed national competition because the ITM Cup was like an appetiser.
We devoured what was presented to us in a short period of time because we couldn't wait to get to the main course, the Rugby World Cup.
Eventually, like an "all you can eat" menu offered almost every night of the week, rugby supporters feel they've over-indulged, are over-stuffed, and as a result are over smorgasbord rugby. Last year, for instance, was a dream year for the Manawatu, resulting in a home final, and large home crowds.
This year things are not looking as rosy for the green and whites.
Manawatu, however is not alone in terms of struggling under the circumstances.
A recent survey of the provincial unions revealed most experienced dwindling crowd numbers, and players and coaches suggest the short turnarounds are not the best for optimal physical/mental recovery or learning. With viewer numbers and crowd enthusiasm for mid-week games languishing, thank goodness for the special moments like Ranfurly Shield challenges.
The chance to claim the shield has led forever hopeful Manawatu fans to head en masse into black-and-gold territory.
Maybe their support will lift the team, counter the fevered Taranaki fans, and contribute to a new chapter for Manawatu.
Parochialism aside, can New Zealand rugby and provincial unions afford to rely on the Log o' Wood and local derbies to resuscitate a competition that is experiencing a bit of a slump this year?
How opportune then, that at a time when the collective employment agreement is about to be renegotiated, everyone is voicing their opinion about what is "wrong" with the status quo.
Most agree that it is difficult coaching a team, let alone developing players individually, with short turnarounds, especially, when the NPC players are getting younger, and/or require intensive coaching to make the transition from club to provincial rugby successfully.
No-one can agree on how to "fix" the current situation, but I want to argue the case for an extended season from a learning perspective. For learning to occur, we not only need to "do" but also "reflect". In the business world, it is staggering to think how much experience is wasted simply because managers and staff do not have the "luxury" to stop and make sense of what has happened.
They're too busy meeting deadlines, achieving bottom-line measures and ticking off KPIs.
Coaches and players, alike, also need time to reflect. With three-day turnarounds, it is a pressure-cooker situation with regards to travel, recovery, review, preview, practice and then performance.
I'd also like to add that reflection is more than reviewing a game. It is the ability to analyse one's own practice, learn by doing, critically inquire and ask questions, and think about action on three different levels - technical, practical, and critical.
Technical reflection is concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of means to achieve certain ends (most in line with reviewing the previous game). Practical reflection allows for open examination of means, goals, assumptions, outcomes (are we training in the best way? Are our goals still relevant?).
Critical reflection calls for considerations of moral and ethical criteria (are practices in the rugby season equitable, just, respectful and professional?).
The solution could be as simple as providing a couple of extra weeks in the season to absorb and reflect on what is done.
The reality is that in a world where multitasking and endless opportunities are the norm, reflection is very much a luxury but one I argue we undervalue.
Let's hope both the NZRU and NZRPA take the time to reflect when renegotiating how we play, coach and consume provincial rugby soon.
