South Africa’s top franchises have performed better than expected in their debut season of the European Champions Cup. Whether they have enough gas in the tank to perform in the playoffs, and at the back end of the equally important United Rugby Championship, remains to be seen.
Before the first round of the Champions Cup, a number of European coaches and players raged at the inclusion of the South African franchises. Conservative critics in the north began to question whether the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers would add value to the world’s elite club tournament. Some went as far to suggest that the inclusion of the trio would dilute the product.
Fast forward to the final round of the pool phase, where all three teams are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs. Results are what matter at this level, and yet the South African sides have proved that they belong via a series of rousing performances.
While the traditional facets of the South African game — set piece, breakdown and tactical kicking — have been prominent, the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers have certainly shown some ambition and precision on attack.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse and Jaden Hendrikse are just some of the backline stars that have hogged the headlines in recent weeks. Meanwhile, forwards such as Siya Kolisi and Hacjivah Dayimani have been just as breathtaking with ball in hand.
Schedule quirks, travel demands to curb momentum
Can these players and teams maintain their momentum — not only in the latter stages of the Champions Cup, but at the back end of the URC?
That is the big question for a fatigued South African contingent that has played non-stop for the better part of two years. The URC’s new partnership with Qatar Airways has further compromised the South African teams, who have been forced to travel to matches in Europe via far-flung Doha. What’s more, player resources will be stretched to the limit when top Boks earmarked for the World Cup are rested over February and March.
In short, the top South African teams cannot be expected to maintain their current form. The coaches will need to box clever over the next few months, and hope for a bit of luck with regard to injuries.
Fortunately, the top teams have bought themselves some time via a series of big results in the Champions Cup and URC. They can afford to take a few hits in the short term, ...