Yes it does. The team that finishes 4th in a 9 man league should have a very difficult job in winning the competition. What is the point in a finals series anyway may I ask? Something I've never really understood?
How about making the second XI a full competition? Adding the old school Ireland team back in just for the second XI so every bye week the first team has the second squad plays Ireland. Could help with progression, selection issues, form and the like. Give me a hell yer.
Really now!? Vipers AND Allstars to start the season. I don't think the competition could handle two upsets in a row, to start the season Very much looking forward to round 5 myself.
Presumably a system where the team that's top of the table after 16 games is declared the winners is too complex?