Top 14 : Pierre-Louis Barassi de retour avec Toulouse

I didn't say that they encouraged other players to come. They as individuals strengthened the comp/team and young kiwis were able to learn from them. I can't think of a single AB prospect who left because of one of them.

Both players being better than BB.

We know Lima was top international quality, and sure, players can drop form for mutliple reasons, all I know is Samoa was measures better upgrading from Christian to Lima, and went from losing to a poor Japan side, to nearly beating the 3rd place winners. Solely on his contribution. Just because he doesn't have the flashy Mo'unga moments you want was exactly why his SA performance was so well applauded, he quitely ran the team around the park like a first five should.

I'd suggest to you you're narrow view is the reason you find contemplating these changes so hard, and why you're so extreme and make Razor level 'stubborn' arguments as a result. You hve to try and perceive what Sopoaga would have been like if the rules were different, not whether today he would be of value (he's obviously captured so you whole argument is null and void).

None of the names listed were All Black level when they left and by the time they were, they'd been captured and not selectable under World Rugby regs. Also, they left for more money as project players and they'd have known they'd earn more money playing for Wales or Ireland than the All Blacks.

I'm really a pro creating a national University league. They could legally require players who want to participate to bind themselves to a draft system once they league the college at around 22, which then means they're bound for the first 2/3 years following the draft etc.

That's not completely reliable and a big investment/change in and of itself of course. One other possible way NZR could get investment back is by saying "if our HP pathway doesn't offer you a future and you go overseas, you can still put your hand up to be eligible for our teams, but you won't be compensated for your time", essentially meaning you can get free All Blacks, perhaps saving a few million to invest in keeping other ABs in the country?

The idea being they'll already likely be on a similar wage to ABs (if NZR can't keep up with rising values), and their own value will increase as well as a result of being selected for the ABs, so they essentially get some compensation on their next contract. "we didn't think you'd turn into a international star in the first place, so where not going to punish you for trying your hand overseas" type deal. If you look at Ed's list above though, most of those players have left after that sort of youth developement of course (precisely after, turning 23), but of course it could have still be their AB dream that was keeping them here to prove they should have been part of the HPP, so maybe when they know they're still eligible from overseas, all of that list would have gone earlier (say after missing u20/21 squads etc). Currently that was partly the dilemma with Crusaders predicament last year, they had so many youth stars comming through at 10, they could invest in just getting one of them performing. Much like how Hotham took 4 or 5 games to hit his straps, maybe Kemara just needed one or two more as well, and Crusaders could have done away with the constant swapping around that followed. What I mean is that teams can easily lose not having so many youth fighting amongst themselves. Highlanders are similar, if there was only one HPP spot for Millar or Faleafaga, both have a better chance of developing with increased game time, one at the Highlanders and the other with say a French clubs development side/Pro Div2 companion club. While all those players remain eligible for the All Blacks.

The world cup is the pinnacle of any elite rugby players career, and Ford has repeatedly performed on that stage. Smith hasn't. Ford has been performing at an elite level for over a decade, Smith has been given a lot of opportunities but never really fired.

There are more highlights videos on youtube of George Ford than there are of Frans Malherbe, so does that make Ford a better player? Not all sportspeople perform skills that look good on highlights reels. There is more to sport than just flashy skills, the fact that you think that is what make sport exciting really just demonstrates that maybe you'd be better off not watching xv-a-side rugby. Sevens might be more your thing, which is fine. Lots of people lack the patience or intelligence to understand what goes on in the 80 minute code and there's no shame in admitting that you're among them.