Jean de Villiers says a “whole new level of rugby education” is required for local coaches, players and fans on how to navigate mid-season breaks in European competition.
The Lions and Vodacom Bulls showed their mettle in the Vodacom URC last week with home wins over the Sharks and DHL Stormers, respectively, which bolstered their playoff hopes with seven league rounds remaining.
These results saw the Bulls go second on the log behind Leinster and the Lions wrap off the round in 11th position, while the Stormers dropped to ninth with the Sharks rooted to the foot of the table.
The URC will resume on the weekend of 22 and 23 March, taking a pause for the last two weeks of the Six Nations, and in a statement issued by Vodacom, De Villiers acknowledged the challenges – and benefits – for SA teams trying to build momentum.
“The interruptions in the season for other series is something we in the southern hemisphere are still getting used to,” the former Springbok and DHL Stormers skipper said.
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“We are used to finishing one tournament and then starting the next one. There is a whole new level of rugby education that is required, especially for supporters.
“They need to manage their squads and look deeper into the future in terms of the balancing act between winning and resting key players. Work is now done over 12 months, rather than from series to series.
“I think it will also ensure that our players become much more aware of how they should take care of themselves. A global season like this runs the risk of burning out the energy levels of your biggest asset – the players.
“However, we see that larger groups are being developed and coaches are more focused on managing players. I believe that it is in our best interest for our players to play regularly. I think it will be easier in five years or so.”
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
