Interesting article from Taine Randell last week about the Cantabrification of New Zealand rugby.  There is an old saying "When Auckland rugby is strong New Zealand rugby is strong" which is logical given that a third of NZ's population resides there.  However given the relative performance of Auckland & the Blues in the past 10 years compared to the All Blacks this link is now less certain.
 
What is disturbing as Randell points out is that the Crusaders success in Super 12 / 14 rugby has led to people associated with that success taking control of NZ rugby.  The way Steve Teflon Tew has risen to the head office being a case in point.  The there is the awarding to coaching positions to anyone who has been on the Crusaders coaching staff, eg Wayne Smith, Steve Hansen, Colin Cooper & now Mark Hammett.
 
The biggest problem this presents is the creation of "group think" & that everything must be done the Cantab way.  The strength of any rugby nation comes from molding the strengths of its different regions / teams & using that diversity.
 
Then there is the question of excess player resources at one province which has been further borne out this week with the news that Slade will start at number 10 for Canterbury in the NPC & Stephen Brett (called into a the All Black squad on standby already this season) will ride the pine.
 
Well said Taine - good to have someone back in NZ with a fresh view & not trotting out the same old dribble.