URC gamble is starting to pay off for SA Rugby
When SA Rugby bravely shifted away from their long-standing relationship with Sanzaar and Super Rugby and decided to throw in their lot with European club competition, there was plenty of uncertainty as to just how well the move would pan out.
Now, with the United Rugby Championship (URC) in its final weekend of round-robin action and three South African sides in the quarterfinals already, one can only say it has been a great success.
It’s been a tremendous journey for the Sharks, Stormers and Bulls, and even the Lions have shown their worth in being way more competitive than many expected.
The tentative first steps into the URC were made when the country was still in the grips of Covid restrictions, the franchises were without their Springboks and they had to start their campaigns in Europe in the northern hemisphere autumn.
It was a chastening introduction and there were understandable fears over whether SA Rugby had made the right decision. Wiser heads pointed to the circumstances above and pleaded patience.
And how richly that patience has been rewarded with the four South African teams tenaciously dominating the second half of the competition, making their home stadiums fortresses and producing some thrilling rugby in the process.
Of all the sports in South Africa, rugby has probably borne the brunt of Covid, given how they were the code which was most accustomed to having big crowds in stadiums.
With at least one URC home quarterfinal now guaranteed, wouldn’t it be marvellous for that team/s to have the backing of a properly sold-out stadium?
SA Rugby have been patience personified when it comes to working with government and their time-lines in terms of Covid protocols. But having seen the British and Irish Lions tour almost ruined last year, one totally understands their frustration at how slowly the wheels are now turning to get spectators fully back into stadiums.
If only Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa was as preoccupied with something that really will contribute to the economy, rather than that stupid monumental flag of his.
You always see politicians front and centre, ensuring they are in the limelight, when our sports teams enjoy global success. They piggyback so hard on the triumphs that you cannot help but wonder whether they believe they played an integral part in achieving the result.
The truth, of course, is that politicians do very little for sport in this country. You only need to look at facilities, especially at grassroots level, to see that. And yet they bask in the nation-building and social cohesion that sporting success brings, as if they had a key role in ensuring those outcomes. It is just another example of the parasitic tendencies of our politicians.
But even without capacity crowds in South Africa yet, one feels the URC will go from strength-to-strength.
On the last weekend of round-robin play, defending champions Leinster are guaranteed to finish top, but little else is certain. A team like the Bulls, depending on the results, could either finish second or seventh.
SA Rugby are sure to see the vindication of their brave move in future, having aligned with the major economies of the rugby world.