As every rugby union fan in New Zealand knows, the decision regarding the future of the Air New Zealand Cup will be announced today at 3.30pm has been announced with the competition keeping the 14 team-structure from this year. But on Tuesday, following this article in the NZ Herald, I started thinking about what I'd do if I was in charge. Then, because I'm an idiot with not much better to do, I created my own framework.

I'm in favour of the conference based system as while the regional rivalry system has merits, I think that under the current format it has become slightly redundant. The unions themselves are based on political boundaries we haven't used in over a century!

So here is what I would pitch to the NZRU board, the chief executives of the various unions and the players themselves.

Read it

The MIGHTY Bay of Plenty rugby team traveled to Blenheim to play their first match of the Air New Zealand Cup. This is a flight that would usually take an hour or so.

However, due to the storms that were belting the country this week the flights were delayed and the team arrived 30 hours after they left Tauranga.

Then the game was played in a mud bath with the teams battling the conditions to a 8-7 BOP victory (that's the Tasman scrum to the right there).

The Steamers have now headed home to the warm east-coast weather Bay of Plenty where winter means you may need a jersey over your t-shirt, but you can still wear your jandals.

Scorers:
Bay of Plenty 8 (John Pareanga try; Delany pen) Tasman 7 (Mike Bright try; Miah Nikora con). HT: 7-5­

Well, the World Cup is over - with a whimper? or a bang? The Dropkicks discuss the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final and 3rd/4th play-off, as well as the 2007 Air NZ Cup Final, and Athletes and Dicks of the Week.­

Download Episode 40 - Rugby World Cup Final | Air NZ Cup Final

Subscribe to the Dropkicks Podcast (iTunes users click here).

The Dropkicks look back at the Air NZ Cup semi-finals, and ponder just who will take out the honours in the Wellington v. Auckland final. Athlete and Dick of the Week, and the last chance to enter our World Cup Competition.

Download Episode 39 - Air NZ Cup Semi-Final review | Final preview

Subscribe to the Dropkicks Podcast (iTunes users click here).

Quarterfinal action looms at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the Dropkicks make their picks as to who's going to be facing off come Semi-final time. Also: Air NZ Cup results, Athlete and Dick of the Week, and the rundown on the big Dropkicks competition.

Download Episode 36 - Rugby World Cup Week #4 pt.2

Subscribe to the Dropkicks Podcast (iTunes users click here).

Waikato head up State Highway #1 and comprehensively deal to North Harbour, with a 52-7 win, reclaiming the log'o'wood, and setting up an epic clash with Canterbury this week (1 September).