THE southern hemisphere’s Super Rugby season begins Friday under the shadow of the impending World Cup.

But rather than providing an entertaining prelude into the world tournament, and possible insight into its winner, the Super Rugby tournament could be damaged by the World Cup’s proximity, which begins Sept. 20 in Japan.

Coaches in all five competing nations are under pressure, or under the direct edict of their national unions, to rest players who are likely to be selected in World Cup squads.

For that reason, the shortened competition — uninterrupted by the usual break for June test matches — will lack star power, making it more difficult to stop fast-waning fan support.

Super Rugby’s live and television audiences have plunged in recent seasons with the expansion and contraction of the tournament and the continuation of a confusing conference system.

The absence of All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, Pumas and Brave Blossoms from the tournament this season, if only for a handful of games, is unlikely to win back fans.

In New Zealand, New Zealand Rugby has struck a deal with Super Rugby coaches, which will see All Blacks miss two matches during the regular season at the coach’s discretion. Most are likely to slot those matches early in the season, stripping early-season games of draw-card players.

In Australia, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has yet to strike a formal deal with Super Rugby coaches but is likely to ask for an agreement, like in the one in New Zealand, under which top players will miss one or two matches.

In South Africa, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has met or talked with Super Rugby coaches to discuss a plan under which top players’ workloads would be managed.

(SD-Agencies)