Focus returns to playoff race for SA sides

South Africa’s four rugby franchises will need a new approach – a rethink – of their strategy when it comes to European competitions next season after they exited at the quarter-final stage in their first outings on the continent.

While there was some disappointment that no side could qualify for the semi-finals, the general consensus was that the first season was a success but that the South African franchises will have to be better with their strategic planning in season two of their European adventure.

However, there is no doubt that the South African sides have added value, despite some obvious “logistical obstacles”, with Glasgow Warriors’ coach Franco Smith adding his support after the first season of EPCR competition.

Smith’s side beat the Emirates Lions in their quarter-final, but he believes that with some adjustments the South African sides would become a lot more competitive.

“Apart from the logistical issues, and the flights they have to take and the fact that the French teams are not used to flying, apart from that they have added value. It is also an important competition for them to be part of,” said Smith.

While Smith didn’t want to comment on what South African sides need to do differently to do well in Europe, he did hint that some changes were needed.

“It’s a difficult question, because it might be interpreted wrongly,” he said.

“I’d refrain from answering it out of respect for the coaches there. But my philosophy is based on my experience in Super Rugby and Europe, and I tried to marry the two.

“But the Stormers have a good recipe with what they are doing. If you want to compete in both competitions to have a squad that is well-developed and you must have the confidence to use them.”

Glasgow Warriors coach Franco Smith.

In the meantime, the focus returns to the qualification for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs as the final fortnight of the regular season resumes this weekend and the big fight for places in the top eight will go down to the wire.

For both the Cell C Sharks and Vodacom Bulls, their matches against the two Italian clubs will be brutally important for their qualification hopes, especially now that three Vodacom URC sides are in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals and if one of them wins the competition, it will take away one of the qualification spots from the Vodacom URC for next season.

The DHL Stormers will be looking to their performance against a Munster side desperate for success, not only for the result but for the impetus of energy they need after looking so flat against Exeter on Saturday.

The defending champions know all too well the meaning of momentum going into the playoffs and while they are unbeaten at home for more than a year now, it will be vital for them to get back their mojo before the knockouts begin.

The Emirates Lions were disappointed by their own performance against Glasgow, and can still sneak into the playoffs if some other results go their way. Their performance against Leinster will not only be important for that, but also for their own progression as a team.

In the other matches Cardiff and Connacht will be keen to give their own hopes a massive boost with the Welsh side more desperate for points than the sixth-placed Irish team.

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Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixtures this weekend (SA times):

Friday, 14 April
18h30: Cell C Sharks vs Benetton (Durban)
20h35: Glasgow Warriors vs Scarlets (Glasgow)
20h35: Ulster vs Dragons (Belfast)

Saturday, 15 April
13h00: Vodacom Bulls vs Zebre Parma (Johannesburg)
16h00: Emirates Lions vs Leinster (Johannesburg)
18h15: DHL Stormers vs Munster (Cape Town)
20h35: Cardiff Rugby vs Connacht (Cardiff)
20h35: Edinburgh vs Ospreys (Edinburgh)

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