It's also the reason why rugby is able to maintain popularity. The fans know who the players are and can watch them play at home. Most New Zealanders would have never heard of Chris Wood in all likelihood.
I think for a home game players should be making that a priority. They would all be willing to play if we had a World Cup to go to. However, I don't want to criticise Chris too much because he is 22 and has already played 34 times for New Zealand. He was our best player at the OFC Nations Cup debacle. As long as he is available for the World Cup qualifiers then he deserves some leniency. Ryan Nelsen is regarded as a hero but he didn't play for us for years. Same deal with Rufer.
Actually rugby crowds have been way down in recent seasons and fans are disgruntled with the absence of All Blacks players from provincial sides.
Central control by the Rugby Union means All Blacks are pulled from playing for their provinces - the Rugby Union is seen as having too much power vs. the provincial sides and franchises.
In this opinion piece Duncan Garner really gets stuck in to the Rugby Union:
http://i.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/9906089/Not-so-super-rugby
[Condensed version edited by me below]
NOT SO SUPER RUGBY
"Gidday Steve, long time, no see. I'm writing to tell you I'm really bored with Super Rugby this year. It's putting me to sleep, mate. Seriously, I've fallen asleep on the couch twice this year watching it live on the telly...
...I'm usually at the games – but yeah, nah – can't be bothered these days. It's tedious, bloody dull and I reckon it's hugely over-rated now.
...For a start the big name players aren't always on the field. Fans have lost faith. We don't know who will turn out. I personally refuse to fork out big money to see development players – we want the real deal.
Dan Carter is on some celebrity "selfie" tour overseas so he can make the next World Cup and as a result the Crusaders look awful....
...Just 8066 turned up for the Hurricanes-Brumbies match on March 7 and 7666 for the Cheetahs the week after that.
You could play the games at Newtown Park, it would save you money.
Westpac Stadium is too big for Super 15 now. A distinctly average Phoenix side lured 9431 fans to the stadium earlier this year.
...Fans have been taken for granted – and you're seeing it at the turnstiles.
There's so much focus on the All Blacks and the elite side of rugby that it's killing the Super 15.
...New Zealand rugby has become dominated by one team, the All Blacks, and the smell of cash.
Don't get me wrong – I love the All Blacks. But I used to love the Super 15 too."