Stephen Jones, notorious for his sharp tongue and sharper pen, has unleashed another volley of criticism at South African rugby teams playing in Northern Hemisphere competitions. Writing in his Sunday Times column, Jones claims that the inclusion of South African teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European cups is a misstep that has hampered the progress of these tournaments both on and off the pitch.
Jones points out a significant flaw in the URC format, noting,
"One of the drawbacks of the URC is that unless there is a local derby involved, because of the travel, the matches never draw away fans, which removes a great deal of the atmosphere – and it is also true that, occasionally, some of the clubs do not draw many home fans either."
However, it’s his critique of South African squads in European contests that really turns up the heat. Jones lambasted the decision to include what he calls "rank stupidity of having South African teams in previously European competitions," arguing that their participation has "held them all back grievously."
The frustration isn’t just limited to journalists. Coaches across the north are reportedly at their wits' end with the logistical nightmares caused by long-haul matches disrupting the season's rhythm. Jones reveals,
"There are directors of rugby who despair of the vast trips involved just when they are finding their rhythm in the season and who believe there is no way the competitions can last long in the present formats."
Furthermore, Jones throws a punch at the prestige of South African teams in Europe, describing them as "pipsqueak" compared to their stature in the Currie Cup. He also casts doubt on their commitment to European glory, highlighting that it's a rarity to see full-strength Springbok line-ups in these competitions, implying that resting takes precedence over competing.
Despite these criticisms, it's worth noting that the Stormers have remained unbeaten after six rounds in the URC and the initial rounds of the Champions Cup. This performance might suggest that the South African teams are more than capable of holding their own, even if not always with their top players on display. Still, the debate rages on about the integration of Southern Hemisphere giants into traditional European battles.
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Stephen Jones, notorious for his sharp tongue and sharper pen, has unleashed another volley of criticism at South African rugby teams playing in Northern Hemisphere competitions. Writing in his Sunday Times column, Jones claims that the inclusion of South African teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European cups is a misstep that has hampered the progress of these tournaments both on and off the pitch.
Jones points out a significant flaw in the URC format, noting,
"One of the drawbacks of the URC is that unless there is a local derby involved, because of the travel, the matches never draw away fans, which removes a great deal of the atmosphere – and it is also true that, occasionally, some of the clubs do not draw many home fans either."
However, it’s his critique of South African squads in European contests that really turns up the heat. Jones lambasted the decision to include what he calls "rank stupidity of having South African teams in previously European competitions," arguing that their participation has "held them all back grievously."The frustration isn’t just limited to journalists. Coaches across the north are reportedly at their wits' end with the logistical nightmares caused by long-haul matches disrupting the season's rhythm. Jones reveals,
"There are directors of rugby who despair of the vast trips involved just when they are finding their rhythm in the season and who believe there is no way the competitions can last long in the present formats."
Furthermore, Jones throws a punch at the prestige of South African teams in Europe, describing them as "pipsqueak" compared to their stature in the Currie Cup. He also casts doubt on their commitment to European glory, highlighting that it's a rarity to see full-strength Springbok line-ups in these competitions, implying that resting takes precedence over competing.
Despite these criticisms, it's worth noting that the Stormers have remained unbeaten after six rounds in the URC and the initial rounds of the Champions Cup. This performance might suggest that the South African teams are more than capable of holding their own, even if not always with their top players on display. Still, the debate rages on about the integration of Southern Hemisphere giants into traditional European battles.