Super Rugby returns for its 15th year when the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 kicks off on Friday 12 February.

 

The annual international provincial championship, which brings together the top 14 teams across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, runs from the second weekend in February through until the final on Saturday 29 May.

 

While, like all sports, rugby has evolved in cycles through the Super Rugby Era; statistics back the competition’s value as an entertainment package.

 

To date, 6095 tries have been scored in Super rugby from 1066 games. That represents one try for just over every 13 minutes of play, or an average of just over five and a half tries for every competition game that has been played.

 

The fast-paced action kicks off in New Zealand when the Blues host the Hurricanes at the North Harbour Stadium in North Shore City on Friday 12 February.

This is the first of 94 matches spread across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

 

The Western Force and Brumbies meet in the second match of the 2010 championship, which is the first to be played on Australian soil, later on the opening night.

 

The two teams kick off at 7.05pm [10.05pm, AEDT], and will create history as Perth’s Member’s Equity Stadium hosts its maiden Super Rugby game.

 

The move to a more traditional rectangular venue will bring the Force’s home matches into line with the rest of the competition.

 

Australia’s second match sees the traditional rivals; the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs, come together in what is sure to be a passionate atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday 13 February, starting locally at 6.40pm [7.40pm, AEDT]

With both sides determined to improve on last year’s rankings, and new personalities involved in each camp, a gripping contest is in prospect.

 

The uncompromising nature of the contests on the opening weekend should help set the Australian sides up for the challenge ahead, of breaking back into the competition’s top four.

 

Australia has won the tournament twice, with the Brumbies capturing the title in 2001 and 2004. Last year was just the third occasion that Australia had failed to provide representation in the playoffs.

 

ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill said Super Rugby, from its outset, forged a tradition for entertainment and it was crucial the 2010 season added to that rich heritage.

 

“We want teams to have an emphasis on an exciting spectacle, as well as success in the Investec Bank Super 14,” said Mr O’Neill. “The public demand value for money. They want to be thrilled and will vote with their feet to prove that point.

 

“We all have to accept that Rugby, like every other sport in the marketplace, is in the entertainment business. Make no mistake, everyone acknowledges that winning is vital to each and every province in the competition.

 

“However, you also have to win with style. I am extremely confident we will have a commitment from our four teams to do just that this season.

 

“Heading into 2010, I also want to express the ARU’s gratitude to Investec Bank for the ongoing support they provide to the world’s leading provincial competition.”

 

Super Rugby’s most successful coach, Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, who won the title five times during his tenure at the Crusaders, believes Australia’s representatives will present themselves well.

 

Deans has expectations; both in terms of their championship performance, but also in expanding the depth of competition for spots in the Wallabies side to be chosen at the end of the tournament.

 

“There’s a real hunger amongst the players as the season begins,” Deans said.

 

“You can sense that corresponding with the franchises, and viewing the players in training, and it is an attitude that should stand them all in good stead for what is a pretty gruelling competition. There’s a great opportunity ahead for those who are prepared to do the work and perform consistently week to week.”

 

Principle sponsor Investec Bank is also looking forward to the season ahead.

 

“Investec Bank’s association with rugby in Australia reflects the top performance, passion and energy which we as a company share.

 

“We consider there to be a strong bond between rugby and Investec Bank. In Rugby people work together as a team but also display individual brilliance.  For us at Investec, business is like that. The quality and intensity of competition between teams will make the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 season challenging, and we are looking forward to a successful season for the Australian teams,” an Investec Bank spokesperson said.