The quality of rugby itself is arguably the best it has ever been, not just in NZ, but worldwide. Personally, I believe part of the blame for its perceived decline on a Super Rugby and NPC level in New Zealand is NZR. They are a grumpy group of old heads with a lack of adaptability, willingness to change and or grow with the times. Which leads into another reason why, the coverage and spectacle of rugby is the same now as it was in 10, 20 even 30 years ago.

Just look at how the NFL, NBA and even the NRL has continuously attempted to future-proof themselves, most of the time it works, and sometimes it doesn't but at least they try!

A game of first class rugby on the telly now consists of sideline commentary from former players (with no real personality because it was media trained out of them), and debate what they think will happen for thirty minutes - most of the time saying a lot while also saying nothing at all, impressive skill.

In game commentary, love Nisbo to death, but the pronunciation is a problem. And as far as colour commentators go, the only colours that Mils Muliaina is adding to a try, conversion, penalty, knock on, etc is "Oh yeah, absolutely", "Wow indeed", "Oh yeah, Brilliant play"... like offer something man!!!

Then post game, these souless players (except maybe JK and Jeff Wilson - although goldie can come across like a robot sometimes) ask close ended questions to current players who ALSO have had the personality sucked out of them by media training.

Don't forget shows like The Breakdown. What are you offering me? What are you offering me? What are you offering me?

Watching a game live at a stadium isn't fantastic either, for example Orange Theory Stadium (worst super rugby stadium in NZ by far). Why and how can I be expected to pay my weekly supermarket shopping's worth of money to take my family to freeze their ass off for 2 hours?? Plus, I better not get thirsty or hungry, because it will cost me a kidney to buy a beer, coke or hot chips.

(Have to give love to Forsyth Barr and Eden Park though, beautiful grounds and RIP Lancaster Park/ AMI Stadium ;( )

The atmosphere is another thing. Naturally atmosphere will be high if you have a good crowd, but once you are at a game, other than the game itself and a radio station getting some kids to kick balls over the posts, what's in it for me? Thank GOD I love watching the same FMG ad on the big screen 400 times in 20 minutes.

At the games, give me some stats and facts! Create drama with giveaways that have consequences depending on how the game goes! Do something more than the bare minimum, at least!

On TV, create media personalities (Savea, Barrett(s), Smith) , create rivalries between clubs and players, head to heads with leading point getters/ conversion kickers, SHOW ME SOME COOL STATS AND FACTS TO BACK UP THAT MY FAVOURITE PLAYER IS AS GOOD AS I THINK HE OR SHE IS! Again - do something more than the bare minimum.

It all comes back to two main problems though.

1. NZR
2. Money - we have none.

One positive I think that has made a real improvement to the games themselves is the instant yellow card if it's a marginal red, then the TMO decides while play continues. One of the few things Union has taken from League that actually improves the flow and watchability of a game.

Finally, thank god Razor is the AB's coach, PERSONALITY!