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South African Super Rugby sides' future may lie in Europe
By Online Editors
Reports on South Africa’s future in Super Rugby will not be ending anytime soon.
According to WalesOnline, South Africa’s four Super Rugby teams could be joining the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings in the Pro14 in the near future.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the five NZ Super Rugby franchises are undertaking a review of New Zealand’s Super Rugby model to ensure the future success for teams and the competition on and off the field.
It is believed this review could have a significant impact on South Africa’s future in the tournament.
Super Rugby has become increasingly unattractive for fans and broadcasters alike over the years with its expansion into other countries like Argentina and Japan.
Several big names in the game, which mostly consists of former players and coaches, have called for an overhaul of the tournament.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which halted this year’s tournament, could also be the catalyst for change in the Southern Hemisphere.
With the regular season up in the air, New Zealand formed their own domestic tournament called “Super Rugby Aotearoa”, which begins in June. Australia are also busy forming their own tournament involving their franchises.
There has been growing support for a Trans-Tasman competition in future years and if stakeholders get their way then South Africa and Argentina could be forced out of Super Rugby.
Travel restrictions have made it impossible for Super Rugby to be completed this year and this restriction could also have an impact on next year’s tournament.
According to some in the know, a move north in the future will be a much more viable option for South Africa’s teams with its similar time zones. Travelling to the north will also be easier for South African teams and it will also be financially more beneficial for all involved.
The one stumbling block for New Zealand and Australia to get rid of South Africa is broadcasting deals.
“We have always been very interested in South Africa. We like them and see them as a key part of our future,” said PRO14 chief executive Martin Anayi said.
“The tournament works well at the moment but could work better if you could add teams to it. So that’s one avenue potentially.”
Meanwhile, Stormers head coach John Dobson feels that change is coming.
“I’ve got a horrible feeling this cacophony is going to have some sway,” said Dobson.
- Rugby365
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David Kriel is an average player. Sure he has pace but isnt physical enough and doesnt have the skill set. Fouche is a decent player but lacks experience and Du Toit and Wilco Louw have the experience and the pedigree to take over from Koch and Malherbe. Du Toit can also pack down on both sides like Nyakane could so he is a natural fit. Hooker has real potential, he has pace and power and is a reliable tackler. He might be the most natural replacement for De Allende at 12 but is still nowhere near his level. He needs exposure and would agree with his selection so he can develop. Julius is such a talent but not ready for the big time. Throws too many wild passes and always goes for the offload. Great pace though and has a feel for space. Gumede drops the ball too much otherwise has pace and versatility and deserves a shot. JC Mars is not ready and needs to be nurtured. Hartzenberg deserves a look in as he is quite a versatile player and does alot well. He tackles well, runs well and passes well. Ruan Vermaak is ready, Nohamba is in between a 10 and a 9 but deserves a call up to prove his worth. Erasmus does have plenty of options
Go to commentsAB's not scared of the Boks at all. They know they can beat them anywhere in country. They will also know that the Springboks will be the biggest threat to their record. The Boks will also know that many of their players will be 1 year older this year. Will Frans Malherbe, De Allende, Kolisi, Etzebeth and several others still be as good as they were last year. Time will tell
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