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
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 18, 2021
“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
What a load of bollocks. The author has forgotten to mention the fact that the Crusaders have a huge injury toll with top world class players out. Not to mention the fact that they are obviously in a transition period. No this will not spark a slow death for NZ rugby, but it does mean there will be a new Super Rugby champion. Anyone who knows anything about NZ rugby knows that there is some serious talent here, it just isn’t all at the Crusaders.
1 Go to commentsI wouldn’t spend the time on Nawaqanitawase! No point in having him filling in a jersey when he’s committed to leave Union. Give the jersey to a young prospect who will be here in the future.
4 Go to commentsIt was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
4 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to comments