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JJ Harmse
Pretoria – The Rebels have to reignite interest in Super Rugby among Australian audiences, the brute force and excitement of derby matches needs to lure New Zealanders back to the stadiums and South Africa as senior partner in the SANZAR alliance need to waltz together to make it all work.
That is the broad framework within which Super Rugby will kick off on Friday. It promises to be a longer and more exciting version of the showpiece between the three strongest Southern Hemisphere nations.
It remains to be seen whether South Africa will really benefit from the new tournament format. The warning lights are already flickering that the crown jewel of domestic rugby, the Currie Cup, will be swallowed by Super Rugby.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and the five franchise coaches have already admitted that there are potential pitfalls to the new tournament.
“Player management and depth will be crucial,” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.
Lions coach John Mitchell refers to the “journey” his team will embark on this year.
“If we keep on believing in what we want to achieve and work hard, every week will be a valuable one on our journey and bring us closer to our goal.”
The teams clash in Johannesburg on Saturday, when the Cheetahs and Sharks will also cross swords.
The physical intensity will be high and that is precisely what is worrying De Villiers.
“The next 21 weeks will be difficult because my ideal World Cup squad can change on a weekly basis if there are serious injuries. The manner in which the players are managed will be of critical interest for our chances in the World Cup (in New Zealand in September),” he said.
It surely can’t be expected of Ludeke, Mitchell, Allister Coetzee (Stormers), Naka Drotské (Cheetahs) and John Plumtree (Sharks) to still consider the national interest in their battle for survival. But stranger things have happened.
With all the local teams only playing four matches overseas and playing each other home and away, the playing field has never been this level. And that is precisely what will make things so exciting.
“Nobody really knows what to expect. That is why it’s important to do your own thing and make sure you’re sharp every week,” said Bulls captain Victor Matfield.
And that is precisely why every supporter will pay his entrance fee.
On your marks, get set…
