They should care. The Nix v Auckland game would have been a bigger crowd at a larger venue like Eden Park. Had family in Auckland (not football fans) who didn't bother trying to get tickets to Mt Smart as they heard it was a sell out.
Rugby can't afford to become the 2nd or even 3rd sport in NZ's biggest city. Be interesting to know the different merch sale stats for the Blues, Warriors and Black Knights in the last 12 months.
How is it going to look for rugby in Auckland, if within 5 years from now Auckland FC has their own rectangular 18K stadium and top notch facilities at Western Springs. That could happen, and would be a slap in the face for rugby which for years, has been looking for alternatives to Eden Park.
A 3rd A League club, and maybe 2nd NZ NRL club will come to Christchurch at some point. Though the NRL wants teams next in PNG & Perth. Still there is reason for rugby administrators to be worried, especially with the ABs being less dominant at the moment.
Rugby can't afford to become the 2nd or even 3rd sport in NZ's biggest city. Be interesting to know the different merch sale stats for the Blues, Warriors and Black Knights in the last 12 months.
How is it going to look for rugby in Auckland, if within 5 years from now Auckland FC has their own rectangular 18K stadium and top notch facilities at Western Springs. That could happen, and would be a slap in the face for rugby which for years, has been looking for alternatives to Eden Park.
A 3rd A League club, and maybe 2nd NZ NRL club will come to Christchurch at some point. Though the NRL wants teams next in PNG & Perth. Still there is reason for rugby administrators to be worried, especially with the ABs being less dominant at the moment.