Eddie Jones believes the Super Rugby competition has become too diluted, and that Australian rugby should revert to three teams as it was in the Super 12.
Speculation remains rife over what changes could be in store for Super Rugby from next year, with two or three teams expected to be cut.
Jones, who coached the Brumbies from 1998 to 2001 before becoming the Wallabies' head coach, said the Super Rugby product just isn't what it used to be and that change was certainly needed.
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'I think it's lost its way,' he told the Canberra Times. 'It's become too diluted. The great thing about Super Rugby when it was Super 12, was that it was the best players against the best players and the quality was so high.
'Now because there are extra teams – Argentina, Japan, Australia has five and South Africa has six – it has diluted the standard of play.
'It has definitely affected rugby's popularity. Back then anyone could beat anyone, but now there are too many games you know the result of before the kick-off.'
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Jone said the introduction of the Force and the Rebels had only had 'marginal' success in increasing the depth of the Wallabies, and that Australia should cut back on their number of teams currently participating in the competition.
'I believe Australian rugby should go back to three teams and if they want to keep Perth going, then set up the next level to keep developing players.'
Photo: Nick Wilson/Getty Images
