The timely return of match-prepped Springboks could help South Africa’s URC franchises dominate upcoming European competitions.
South Africa’s domestic and international rugby calendars are set to overlap at the perfect time.
The Springboks close out the four-Test series against the All Blacks in Baltimore on 12 September.
On the same day, the Currie Cup wraps up with the Griquas defending the title against the Pumas.
Here’s how local and global competition is already setting the pace for the URC and beyond.
The Currie Cup has always been a testing ground for domestic teams, but this year’s timing is especially significant.
The premier competition wraps up on the same weekend as the high-intensity Test series against New Zealand.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has already seen his team tested at every position, giving fringe players time on the field.
This all matters because South Africa’s 4 URC franchises kick off the new season days after the clash in the States.
Round 1 fixtures will be held on 25 and 26 September, with the Stormers travelling to Connacht on Friday.
The Lions then host Leinster, the Sharks welcome the Ospreys, and the Bulls visit Zebre Parma on Saturday.
25 September
Connacht vs Stormers – Dexcom Stadium, Galway (20:45)
26 September
Lions vs Leinster – Ellis Park, Johannesburg (13:30)
Sharks vs Ospreys – Kings Park, Durban (16:00)
Zebre vs Bulls – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma (18:30)
Details correct according to the official URC website.
Each of these South African sides will be strengthened by Springbok stars who were honed against the All Blacks.
Here’s which domestic players represented their country during the Test series:
Bulls – Ruan Nortje, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom.
Stormers – Damian Willemse, Siya Kolisi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Wilco Louw, Paul de Villiers, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Reinach, Deon Fourie, Cheslin Kolbe (currently sidelined with a broken jaw).
Sharks – Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, Thomas du Toit, Andre Esterhuizen.
Lions – Morne van den Berg.
These four franchises will also begin their European title chase in a month.
The Bulls, Stormers, and Lions are set for European Rugby Champions Cup action from October.
For the Sharks, they have the EPCR Challenge Cup on their plate.
The Cheetahs, who made the Currie Cup semi-finals, will also be represented in the second-tier competition.
With three sides in Europe’s premier club competition, this is yet another opportunity for South African stars to shine at the highest domestic levels.
And with Springbok-sharpened players in the mix, each of these teams will have a head start on success.
If South Africa’s franchises can carry momentum forward, we could see Champions Cup ambitions taking genuine shape.
Source: The South African
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