South African teams predicted to become 'unstoppable' in URC
A tough month on the road came to an end this weekend with South African teams returning home after a mixed bag in their first four weeks in the United Rugby Championship.
And while it has been a bit of a baptism of fire, there have been a number of talking points that will need attention before they return to action in round six at home.
While the South African sides have struggled with refereeing interpretations and especially the breakdown, one of their newest stars believes that they are slowly finding their feet, and once they do, the SA sides will be “unstoppable” in the competition.
Dylan Richardson, who qualified for Scotland last weekend and will join up with the national team this week, believes the South African sides are finding their feet, but that it has been tough.
The Cell C Sharks recorded one win in four, mirroring the feats of the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls in the four week period. The DHL Stormers had one draw and a win from their four outings.
Richardson reminded those who would listen that it is a new tournament, and it would take time for the SA sides to find their feet.
A serious setback for club and country… ???https://t.co/KsRHqQGxyI
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“It’s been difficult, it’s a new tournament and it’s a new experience for everyone. It’s more about the South African teams finding their feet a bit,” he said.
“The way the refs ref is different and that’s understandable and we have to abide by their rules. There are certain things that we need to do in terms of our game, to play at this level. There are certain other aspects that are required.
“But it is awesome for us, because as South Africans we are able to adapt as required to this type of game. As the tournament goes on, you will see the South African teams getting better and better with every game. It is just a bit of a learning process that shouldn’t take too long and a couple of months down the line the South African fans I’m sure will be proud of all the unions that have joined the URC.”
With the breakdown in particular a bone of contention, the South African sides will use this off-time to become more clinical and ensure they will be better when it comes to the interpretations when they face opposition again.
Something tells us the SA #URC teams are going to be a very different proposition in South Africa ?https://t.co/vmfhECmseE
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 17, 2021
Richardson said something the sides picked up was how hard the breakdown is targeted by URC teams, and how they need to adapt for it. But once they do, he has no qualms that the SA sides fortunes will change significantly.
“They are so clinical, which is awesome, because if we can get our game to that same level of breakdown, we will be unstoppable. They are very good at that, and it is something we picked up and noticed very early in the competition.”
Other factors that the SA teams need to focus on include decision-making, patience and being more clinical in the red zone of the opposition.
But as they return home after a tough start to the competition, they will be more focused, know what awaits them and now look forward to the luxury of playing at their home grounds.
And after a month away from home, that in itself could be a perfect boost for the teams.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments