Sports
How SA Teams Can Boost Their Champions Cup Performance Next Season

This season’s Champions Cup has been a tough one for South African rugby, with local teams failing to make it past the pool stages. The Bulls, who reached the quarter-finals last year, and the Stormers, who were eliminated in the round of 16, were unable to replicate their success this season. The Sharks, along with the Stormers and Bulls, will need to adapt their approach if they hope to be more competitive in future seasons.
The concerns about competing in Europe’s premier rugby competition are valid. Bulls head coach Jake White has pointed out that financial constraints prevent the return of key players like Handré Pollard, RG Snyman, and others, which has impacted the team’s performance. The long travel, injuries, and financial limitations are factors beyond the control of South African franchises, but there are still areas where they can take charge.
One significant change that South African teams must make is in their approach to the Champions Cup. While the United Rugby Championship (URC) remains a top priority, the Champions Cup should be viewed as the pinnacle of club rugby, akin to the Champions League in football. The recent decision to field a second-string team in crucial matches—such as the Bulls’ 59-22 loss to Northampton—demonstrates the need for a shift in mindset.
Just recently, the Stormers left key players like Manie Libbok and Warrick Gelant out of their squad and were ultimately defeated 31-22 by Racing 92. The loss kept them from reaching the play-offs, despite having the opportunities to win the match. Had the Stormers fielded their best players, they may have secured a spot in the knockout stages.
The critical games in the Champions Cup are the pool games in December and January, and this is where South African teams need to field their strongest line-ups. In contrast, the URC stretches over a longer period, providing more chances to recover from slow starts. Prioritizing the Champions Cup during its crucial period will be vital if South African teams are to succeed.
The Springbok Test schedule also adds complexity, with matches in July, the Rugby Championship, and the November tour to Europe. This can lead to players being stretched thin, as seen with Canan Moodie’s extended European stint last year. Moving forward, South African teams may have some relief as the Springboks face less challenging teams like Italy and Georgia in July, allowing second-string players to take over. This shift will give top players some rest and allow for better team selection in the Champions Cup.
As White pointed out, the Bulls are unlikely to face the same tough scheduling next season. The upcoming season’s Rugby Championship and the URC should allow for better rotation of players, enabling South African franchises to field their best teams in the Champions Cup. By ensuring their top players are available for the crucial pool games and aiming for at least the last 16 and quarter-finals, South Africa’s teams can prove their worth in Europe and quiet critics who question their participation in the competition.
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