Thierry Dusautoir, the former France captain, is notably unimpressed by the performance of South African rugby teams in the Investec Champions Cup, openly stating, "I am still waiting for South African teams to have a good Champions Cup." Since their entry into the competition in the 2022-23 season, South African clubs have yet to advance past the quarter-finals, a fact that hasn't escaped Dusautoir's critical eye.
During the ongoing season, the Stormers breezed into the last 16, while the Bulls barely scraped through, and the Sharks were relegated to the EPCR Challenge Cup's lower tier. Dusautoir didn't mince words: "South Africa came into the Champions Cup maybe four years ago and I am still waiting for them to have a good tournament."
"I have to admit, I prefer the last version of the Champions Cup. Now it is too complicated. It should be four pools of four."
Dusautoir also aired grievances over the current format of the competition, suggesting a return to simpler times with fewer teams per pool would be beneficial. Moreover, he highlighted the logistical nightmares of intercontinental travel, calling it "nonsense" and questioning the practicality of the current setup.
The rugby legend, who is a staunch traditionalist, expressed concerns over potential changes to the Six Nations format, amid discussions of including the Springboks in what would become a Seven Nations tournament. "The Six Nations is part of our identity and we have to protect it," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the competition's European essence.
Yet, it wasn't all critique from Dusautoir. He had high praise for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, likening him to the legendary French coach Guy Noves. "He takes the game beyond the pitch," Dusautoir remarked, appreciating Erasmus's innovative approach to rugby strategy.
"I don’t know who will be able to challenge South Africa. They are the best in the world right now. I hope the All Blacks are able to challenge them. Maybe the change of coach will help them."
Despite the criticisms, Dusautoir's comments reflect a blend of respect and high expectations, illustrating the competitive spirit and passion that define rugby at its finest.
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Thierry Dusautoir, the former France captain, is notably unimpressed by the performance of South African rugby teams in the Investec Champions Cup, openly stating, "I am still waiting for South African teams to have a good Champions Cup." Since their entry into the competition in the 2022-23 season, South African clubs have yet to advance past the quarter-finals, a fact that hasn't escaped Dusautoir's critical eye.
During the ongoing season, the Stormers breezed into the last 16, while the Bulls barely scraped through, and the Sharks were relegated to the EPCR Challenge Cup's lower tier. Dusautoir didn't mince words: "South Africa came into the Champions Cup maybe four years ago and I am still waiting for them to have a good tournament."
"I have to admit, I prefer the last version of the Champions Cup. Now it is too complicated. It should be four pools of four."
Dusautoir also aired grievances over the current format of the competition, suggesting a return to simpler times with fewer teams per pool would be beneficial. Moreover, he highlighted the logistical nightmares of intercontinental travel, calling it "nonsense" and questioning the practicality of the current setup.
The rugby legend, who is a staunch traditionalist, expressed concerns over potential changes to the Six Nations format, amid discussions of including the Springboks in what would become a Seven Nations tournament. "The Six Nations is part of our identity and we have to protect it," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the competition's European essence.
Yet, it wasn't all critique from Dusautoir. He had high praise for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, likening him to the legendary French coach Guy Noves. "He takes the game beyond the pitch," Dusautoir remarked, appreciating Erasmus's innovative approach to rugby strategy.
"I don’t know who will be able to challenge South Africa. They are the best in the world right now. I hope the All Blacks are able to challenge them. Maybe the change of coach will help them."
Despite the criticisms, Dusautoir's comments reflect a blend of respect and high expectations, illustrating the competitive spirit and passion that define rugby at its finest.