URC has proved doubters wrong says Bok legend
World Cup-winning former Springboks skipper John Smit says all the doubters of the BKT URC have been proved wrong, as he explains just why it has become so popular in his homeland.
It’s now into the third season of the big four South African franchises competing in the cross-country league and attendances have hit a new high there, while three of the sides are currently sitting in top eight play-off spots.
Smit, who captained the ‘Boks to World Cup glory in 2007, said: “There was a lot of scepticism at the beginning, but this tournament has really convinced all the doubters.
“I do think the rise of BKT URC has been phenomenal.
“I have been a promoter of us moving north for quite some time, even when I played.
“I really thought the best scenario for us – both commercially and rugby-wise – was to play across the same time-zone against the northern hemisphere.
“That view was probably created by my stints at Clermont Auvergne in France and Saracens in England, in terms of the rugby experience I had at those two clubs.
“When we didn’t have a lot of contact with the northern hemisphere, we all thought Super Rugby was this thing that sat on a pedestal.
“But in my first season with Clermont, playing in the Heineken Cup, I realised just what a competitive international tournament that was.”
Former hooker Smit continued: “I feel we are better placed in this current scenario because we are having to play different types of rugby.
“We are having to adapt, evolve and innovate more than when we were in Super Rugby where there was only really one style that everybody had to play to gain the most success.
“In the BKT URC, all teams have to be able to play more than one style and to be able to adapt to the weather and the different types of pitches.
“You encounter very different climates. European teams have to travel to the heat of South Africa in December, January, February and we’ve got to go to the cold at the same time.
“There’s a difference in the kind of rugby that’s played because of the contrasting conditions.
“I do think that is helping us at an international level and the same goes for all the countries involved, in terms of being able to adapt for Test matches.
“The cool thing about the BKT URC is it’s provided something really different for all of us, especially for us here in South Africa.
“We have always just been in Super Rugby. Having a competition now that’s got such an international flavour, with players from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, England, is amazing for us.
“I have interest in teams in the north that have players from South Africa that I recognise. There are a lot more touch points.”
Speaking at a URC media round table, the 111-cap Smit added: “I just find it so refreshing and it’s great to see that the log is so jammed. It’s phenomenally competitive.
“I would say the South African players weren’t sure what to expect to start with, but I think they are pretty happy. They definitely don’t miss those five week tours to New Zealand and Australia.
“We have also got a chance of winning most of the games that we play – probably 70 per cent of the fixtures.
“If you look back to Super Rugby, if you are away to the Crusaders and you haven’t beaten them in ten years, the self belief is not exactly brimming over.
“The other factor with a fixture like that is are people going to wake up at 2 o’clock in the morning to watch us get smashed in Christchurch? Probably not.
“The time zone plays a big role in the growth and popularity of the BKT URC across all the supporters of all of these teams,
“We are all sleeping at the same time and waking up at the same time.
“Those are the things that make a difference to the growth of the BKT URC.”
Running the rule over the four South African sides, former Sharks star Smit said: “We have two franchises that have contracted in a great fashion and have delivered in the Stormers and the Bulls.
“They have been competitive for the last two or three years.
“Then you look at the Lions’ level of performance and their ability to beat teams with sometimes more than double the player bill and you realise they really are a great unit. They are a difficult team to beat as we saw last weekend (winning away at Connacht).
“The Sharks have a magnificent looking team, but are at the bottom end. It’s like walking through a parking lot and seeing a Ferrari and then as you peer through the window there is no gear box. That’s the reality.
“Being down the bottom of the log with that squad, it does beg for answers that all of us desperately want.
“I wish I had them because that’s a big part of my life and that Sharks badge sits ingrained into my soul.
“To watch them struggle is difficult, so the win last weekend (against Edinburgh) was magic. It’s wonderful to see them win again.”
As for who will win the title, Smit believes it will be one of the two sides taking part in Friday’s top-of-the-table clash in Dublin.
“I do think it’s going to be between Leinster and the Bulls this year,” he said.
“That’s why this weekend is that much more interesting.
“I think it’s important that Leinster shows them who is boss at home.
“I see the title-winner coming from the two teams at the top of the log at the moment. One of those takes the tournament.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Tamati Tua. …the Taniwha NPC midfielder. Ollie Sapsford, Hawkes Bay NPC midfielder…doing well
1 Go to commentsFiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
33 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
33 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
33 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to comments