‘Pro 12 will be brutal for Kings’
VETERAN rugby coach Alan Solomons has warned that the Southern Kings can expect a fiery baptism if they make their expected debut in an enlarged European Pro12 tournament.
The 66-year-old Solomons, who masterminded the Kings’ 2013 Super Rugby campaign, has also warned that the Kings will be at a distinct disadvantage, because of all the travelling.
There has been speculation that they may play some home games in England, at Saracens’ Allianz Arena in London, to cut down on excessive travel.
The Cheetahs and the Southern Kings are expected to be cut from Super Rugby by the SA Rugby Union on Friday, as the tournament is reduced from 18 to 15 teams.
Ironically the Southern Kings and Cheetahs clash in their final Super Rugby encounter in Port Elizabeth on July 14, so they will not have much time to regroup before the Pro12 kicks off in September.
“They’re not having a break at the end of a strenuous Super Rugby season,” Solomons said.
“They’re going into a competition that is literally nine-months long. It will be brutal. That is massive.
“Players are very well-conditioned today, so the collisions are mighty. I think the logistics are brutal – they will have to play away from home for about three weeks at a time.
“They’ll have to come out on a three-week tour and play a block of games together. And then sides coming to South Africa will have to play both South African sides.”
The veteran coach believes both South African franchises will adapt well.
“Knowing the Pro12, both teams, as they are operating at the moment, are well capable of being competitive,” he said.
“The Pro12 has always been a cross-border competition. None of the nations could have their own domestic competition as they don’t have sufficient playing numbers.
“I think it is a natural fit to have the Kings and the Cheetahs come in from a cross-border perspective. I think there will be benefit to both parties.
“It will be marvellous for the existing Pro12 teams to travel to South Africa and compete in a completely different environment,” Solomons said.
“I do think there will be good support for the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings.
“Certainly, there will be bigger television audiences and I think that’ll help the Pro12.
“Hopefully, there will be more money coming into everyone’s coffers – due to increased television broadcast revenues and the competition itself will generate better revenue.
Solomons said spending long periods overseas would handicap the new additions.
“You’re not practising and living at home and that’s the disadvantage,” he said.
“You’re not sleeping in your bed in your own home environment. The South African sides are at a distinct disadvantage, no question about that.
“But I think we have always felt like we were at a disadvantage geographically in Super Rugby and had to travel more than the others – and there is little you can do about it.”