As the second United Rugby Championship’s (URC) season starts this weekend, commentator and former Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo has delivered his verdict on how local teams are likely to fare.
Despite the slow start in last season’s campaign, SA teams finished strongly with the Stormers rising against all odds to lift the title by beating the Bulls in an all-SA final in Cape Town.
The big debate now is: can SA teams continue where they left off last season, or will the Europeans bounce back?
Bobo believes the first scenario is possible, but it will take a lot from local sides to maintain the standards they set last season. That they have done well to bolster their squads ahead of the new season will stand SA teams in good stead.
The former player believes it would be key for the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions to plan their full season clearly and target home games to garner as many points as they can.
“Now we have an opportunity to have a proper target for the campaign on how you want to give yourself a chance to be competitive and get to the playoffs, instead of just playing, like we did last year when everything was new,” Bobo said.
However, Bobo envisages a tough season for the Stormers as he believes they are likely to be victims of their success. As the title holders, the Stormers have set a high standards for themselves, and every team in the competition will want to boost their confidence by knocking the champions off their pedestal.
“They are going to have a very difficult season. They have a target on their backs and everyone is coming for them. It doesn’t matter where they play, at home or away, teams will be coming for them because that’s who they want to measure themselves against, the champions,” Bobo said.
“If you give yourselves the best opportunity to be competitive in this league, you want to beat the champions. Teams will be looking at them differently, coming and gunning for them.”
Bobo believes the Bulls are likely to be the standout team from the SA conference because of the depth in their squad.
“I think the Bulls have set themselves up well because they are the first team to adapt to different squads for different opponents,” Bobo said.
The Bulls made interesting signings ahead of the season including Ruan Vermaak, Phumzile Maqondwana, Sbu Nkosi, Dylan Smith, Mihlali Mosi, Wandisile Simelane and Chris Smit.
“Last season the Bulls went from bottom of the log to win about eight to nine games in a row to make the playoffs, and won away from home when nobody thought they would against Leinster [in the semifinals],” Bobo said.
“I think that would give them confidence, knowing what they are capable of doing and knowing they fell off in the last stage of the tournament. I think that is going to encourage them to improve.”
The Sharks were probably the biggest disappointment last season ending their challenge in the quarterfinals, despite having arguably the best squad, with a number of Springbok starters. Coaching was fingered as one of the biggest problems at the Sharks, and that department has been boosted by the arrival of former Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell as director of rugby.
“The Sharks have to find a way to be consistent without their Springboks,” Bobo said.
“What they have to manage is how they transition those players back into the system and how they make sure the system maintains high standards while they are gone [with the Boks].
“There’s a lot of adjustment needed for the Sharks to be in a space where they would want to go past just playing the quarterfinals like last season.
“For the Lions, being competitive is key. Crucial for them is the energy they get from their signings and their enthusiasm and ambition, and the second year in the saddle for the management, which last year had a lot of teething problems because they didn’t really have the team from as early as the other teams had.
“Now with a preseason, I think it will help them understand they can use their home base as a place where they can pick up group points and understand the importance of winning home games.”
While the Stormers and Sharks have a bye this weekend, the Lions and Bulls will face off in a Jukskei derby at Ellis Park on Saturday (4.05pm) in the first action for the SA teams.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.