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- As SA Rugby moves to determine which franchises will go to Europe in the future, Rassie Erasmus has noted several potential benefits for the local game if that route is followed.
- The national rugby director believes that the high global rankings of Wales, Ireland and Scotland mean that PRO Rugby is competitive and that fans will eventually identify with the tournament.
- Erasmus admits that there are also problems, but did not elaborate.
He’s leaving the determination (and politics) of which South African franchises could end up in an expanded PRO14 tournament to SA Rugby’s general council, but Rassie Erasmus believes there are several benefits to local play going north.
The federation’s top decision-making body meets Tuesday to vote on an issue that is likely to be controversial in any way, as SA’s six franchises must be reduced to four.
The Cheetahs are expected to face the guillotine alongside the liquidated Kings of the South.
Erasmus, the national rugby director, reiterated that he was not making an emphatic case for South Africa to join Europe because “I am not going to get into the many problems that I could tell you about” and that no official confirmation has been received. given yet.
“Please don’t quote me and say this is the way to go,” said the World Cup winning coach with a wry smile.
“The first benefit is that, as a fan, you will see the game in the same time zone. You will watch it in the afternoon, have a braai and a few beers with your friends. It makes a difference.”
However, as has become obvious over the years, one of the biggest advantages is the fact that South African teams will not have the pronounced travel challenges of before.
“For us, as coaches and players, you can get on a plane, sleep in it and play the next day,” Erasmus said.
“That’s good, for broadcasts and for your own planning. There are regular flights that you can get everywhere.”
Having experienced a successful stint in Ireland as Munster’s rugby manager, the 47-year-old also removed questions about PRO Rugby’s competitiveness, a fear expressed by certain quarters who believe Australian teams still represent superior opposition.
“You will be playing against the best players from countries that normally rank high in the world rankings. I don’t want this to be a rule because we were ranked 7 not long ago,” Erasmus said.
“But currently, when you think about where Argentina and Australia are currently, they are in 10th and 7th respectively. Ireland is invariably in the top four. Wales is always in the top five. Even Scotland is still very competitive.
Pierre Schoeman is one of several South Africans turning on the PRO14 (Getty Images).
“Those are the benefits. I can also tell you about a lot of problems, but in my opinion, the moment people start getting to know the players that play there, they will find that there are a lot of South Africans in those leagues.”
“You will see that these players are very good and play at a level close to Test Rugby.”
