Winning the Challenge Cup is imperative for the Sharks, but the Vodacom Bulls will have a different mindset regarding their Champions Cup ambitions, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The Bulls and Sharks will attempt to advance to the semi-finals of the EPCR competitions for the first time this week. The Durbanites face Edinburgh at Kings Park on Saturday, before Jake White’s charges tackle the Northampton Saints in England.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights the financial incentive of reaching the final of the Challenge Cup at a neutral venue and emphasises the Sharks’ need to secure this opportunity after a disappointing Vodacom URC campaign.
“There is prestige in winning the Challenge Cup title and the bonus for South Africa’s Sharks is automatic qualification into the top tier Champions Cup for next season,” he writes.
“The Challenge Cup is the pot of gold that will define the Sharks this season. In both the semi-final and final they get a split share of the gate, which is a big chunk when euros are converted to South African rands.
“For the Sharks, it is the Challenge Cup or absolutely nothing.”
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Conversely, Keohane argues that White is prioritising the men from Pretoria’s title prospects in the URC, seeing it as a more feasible route to success given their travel challenges and the experience of European clubs.
He also outlines the scheduling complexities faced by South African teams participating in multiple competitions simultaneously and reflects on the financial and logistical burdens they endure.
“It would have been a case of sink or swim for White’s Bulls if their season was to be defined by the Champions Cup, and realistically it is more a case of sink on Saturday to swim for the rest of the URC season,” Keohane writes.
“I have the Saints to win because they are playing at home, and I have the Sharks to win because they are at home. I also have the Bulls to feel they will be winners, even in defeat.”
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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