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'Only logical step': South African journalist predicts when the Springboks will join Six Nations
By Sam Smith
South Africa's four domestic teams joining the reformed United Rugby Championship is only the first step towards the 'plan' to have the Springboks move north says journalist Craig Ray.
The South African teams found immediate success in the URC, with the Bulls and Stormers making the final before the Cape-based took out the inaugural title and will now compete in next season's Champions Cup.
Speaking on Off the Ball's Monday Night Rugby show, the rugby writer explained that discussions are ongoing about the Springboks joining as early as 2024, months after next year's World Cup.
Each step of the integration of South Africa into the European season has been a prelude to pave the way for the national side to join the Six Nations.
"It's totally part of the plan," Ray told Off The Ball.
"The plan is to be in Six Nations by I think 2025. Possibly as early as 2024 after the World Cup.
"And it's certainly part of the discussions that are going on. Getting into the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup was the next step.
"The only logical step from there is into the Six Nations."
Whether South Africa's inclusion would be at Italy's expense is unknown, but Ray indicated that a 'Sevens Nations' tournament could include both of them.
Ray was confidence that the Springboks would playing in the tournament by 2025.
"What that's going to look like, as far as I know it's unclear. Maybe they have a better idea but I don't think it necessarily means Italy are relegated. It can become a 7 Nations tournament.
"But I think you can almost count on the Springboks being in it by 2025.
"I don't think our relationship with New Zealand or Australia is going to completely fall by the wayside. I suspect it might be the best of both worlds."
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Latest Comments
Just how many losses are the RFU prepared to accept before realising Borthwick is no-ones idea of a top coach .
If he is led by stats , then why is ford in the 23 again .
Surely Furbank should have been on the bench with his ability to play in three positions to fords only one .
Talk about not knowing his idea of moving the team forward.
Steward , lovely player , but to keep chopping about just makes the team adjusting to different personnel .
Will S Africa give Borthwick the runaround and NOT kick chase .
Go to commentsI cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.
This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.
A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.
Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.
When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.
Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.
The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.
I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.
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