Opinion: South African sides must turn up the heat against northern foes in United Rugby Championship

The South African franchises must lift the tempo and exploit the altitude and summer conditions when they host the northern hemisphere sides in a series of historic fixtures this week, writes Jon Cardinelli.

The inter-hemisphere battles of the United Rugby Championship have been largely one-sided affairs. The Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks have combined for just eight wins in 20 matches against European clubs since the tournament commenced last September.

The situation is far worse than those overall win-loss statistics suggest. Three of those eight wins have been achieved against Italian clubs. Collectively, the South African franchises haven’t won a single game against clubs hailing from Ireland or Scotland.

What’s important to note is that all of those fixtures were staged in the United Kingdom and Europe. It remains to be seen how the northern teams will fare when they travel to Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Stellenbosch for a series of historic fixtures this weekend.

Things have changed

Fans of the PRO14 may recall when the European clubs faced the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth between 2017 and 2020. They might remember some of the results and performances, and may be inclined to believe that the better European teams will continue to succeed in this part of the world.

This tournament has changed in more than name, though, over the past six months. The Cheetahs and Kings – the weakest of the six South African franchises – are no longer part of the picture. The Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers have joined a revamped competition and have brought the best South Africa-based players with them.

The inclusion of the “Big Four” franchises has altered the competition in other ways. Visiting teams are now required to face the Bulls and Lions at altitude, and at hostile venues such as Loftus Versfeld and Ellis Park. Playing on the hard grounds of the highveld will require a further adjustment. The conditioning of these visiting teams – particularly in the final quarter of matches – will put fitness levels to the ultimate test.

The challenge will be very different on the coast. The sub-tropical climate of Durban may sap the energy of players who are used to a very different environment in Europe. The humidity can be a particularly debilitating factor. In the past, many visiting teams from Australia and New Zealand have failed to adapt to the sweltering conditions.

The Stormers left Newlands in 2020 and made Cape Town Stadium their home. They will host Zebre Parma this week up the road in Stellenbosch, though, due to another event – the Cape Town Cycle Tour – being staged at a similar time.

The change of venue won’t help the visitors, though. The Western Cape region has experienced a particularly hot summer to date, and it is typically several degrees warmer in Stellenbosch than it is in Cape Town at this time of the year.

Can the local sides use these conditions to their advantage, and flip the script on the northern hemisphere teams?

At the very least, they should look to play the game at a higher tempo, and take the European players further out of their comfort zone.

One would expect the Stormers to win big against Zebre in Stellenbosch on Sunday. The Cape side is still hurting after a narrow loss to Connacht in Galway two weeks ago. They will be determined to get their campaign back on track, and to push the Sharks for first place in the South African pool.

The Sharks should be too strong for the Scarlets in Durban. There’s been so much hype about this Sharks team recently, and when one looks at the number of Springboks in their squad – and after hearing that the likes of Eben Etzebeth will be joining them from July – one can understand why.

If this Bok-laden team fails to get the job done at home against the Scarlets, there will be serious questions about the players’ temperament. Consistency has been an issue for many South African sides of late, so this game represents an opportunity to set the record straight and to build some momentum.

The big game of the weekend features the Bulls and Munster at Loftus. The Bulls are looking to build after their recent win against Zebre, and they may fancy their chances against a Munster side missing a few Ireland stars on duty in the Six Nations.

Munster boss Johann van Graan, however, will be desperate to orchestrate a win at this venue, Van Graan attended the school across the road from Loftus, and went on to serve as a coach in the Blue Bulls system for a decade.

The Bulls could strike a blow for South African rugby this week if they defeat Munster and claim the first Irish scalp of the season. It remains to be seen, though, whether they will look to their forwards to get the job done or whether they will unleash their talented backs – keep an eye on South African sevens star Kurt-Lee Arendse – to threaten Munster’s defence via a high-tempo approach.

The Lions don’t boast the personnel of the other franchises, but they may fancy their chances against Cardiff in Johannesburg. Ellis Park is a notoriously tough place to visit, and the Welsh players will be hard-pressed to cope with the altitude, the heat and the hostile reception they will receive from the home fans.

The South African teams may get their revenge when the northern hemisphere sides come calling this week. A perfect four-from-four weekend would serve as a powerful statement.

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