By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
The most significant competition in club rugby kicks off this weekend as the Champions Cup gets underway.
Teams from the Gallagher Premiership, URC, and Top 14 will battle for the prestigious title. Of course, the likes of Leinster, Toulouse, and La Rochelle are the favourites to secure the trophy.
However, the South African competitors will look to make their mark and conquer European rugby.
It is safe to say the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers, and Emirates Lions have all contributed massively to the URC.
This means that impacting the European stage is the next logical step for South Africa’s teams. Their squads are filled to the brim with talent, and one of them is more than capable of lifting the trophy in Cardiff come springtime.
Impact on the URC
Since joining the URC, the South African clubs have added a different element to the competition, making it more intriguing to watch.
They bring a level of pedigree and quality to the URC, playing fantastic rugby that is easy on the eye. The four teams have demonstrated consistent excellence in the competition, often fighting towards the top half of the table.
The Stormers even claimed the first URC title and have been a consistent presence since their arrival. The Bulls appear to be the strongest competitors among the South African teams, as they are always in contention for the title.
They nearly won it last year, but a resilient Glasgow Warriors performance kept the trophy from their grasp.
This South African element is vital to the make-up of the URC, not just on the pitch but in marketing terms as well.
Their success on the field enhances the competition’s appeal and makes it a fascinating watch for fans.
Many international stars can be found across the four sides who are sensational players with a rugby ball in their hands.
The South Africans have established themselves as consistent threats in the URC, and now it is time to do the same in European competition.
Their Ventures into Europe
There are differing opinions on whether the South African cohort should be playing in the Champions Cup.
However, with the quality of their squads and the support from fans, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to compete if they qualify.
To date, they are yet to make a significant impact on the competition.
However, the Sharks put that to rest last season after winning the Challenge Cup and defeating Gloucester to secure the trophy.
They will look to build on this momentum and have a strong campaign in the pinnacle of European rugby. Their compatriots will take inspiration from this and aim to make history in this storied competition.
The Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers boast excellent athletes and an abundance of depth, which will serve them well in a competition that could take them deep into the season.
Home advantage will be crucial, as playing in front of their home crowd is a massive plus for a South African side.
Opposing teams often take time to acclimatise and adjust to playing in the southern hemisphere. When teams travel to South Africa for URC matches, they often struggle.
A great example is when the Lions dismantled Edinburgh 55-21 in front of their home crowd. Each South African side has the tools to compete and make history in European club rugby.
Who is Most Likely to Get the Job Done
As stated before, all sides have the potential to win the title. However, the Bulls seem to have the best shot.
Over recent years, they have consistently flown the South African flag in the URC, frequently near the top of the table and demonstrating they can win high-stakes knockout games.
A prime example was their win against Leinster in the URC play-offs last year.
The Bulls boast tremendous players, including Cameron Hanekom, Canan Moodie, and Willie le Roux, who will aim to do fantastic things in the competition.
The Stormers will rely on Manie Libbok, who has a knack for scoring points, having been the leading point-scorer in the URC last year.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have a formidable roster, including Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, and Grant Williams, who will look to add a European title to their legacies.
Of course, the Cheetahs and Lions should also be mentioned, as they will fancy their chances in the Challenge Cup this season.
It will be fascinating to see how these sides fare against Europe’s best, as they all aim to etch their names into history.
With so much firepower in every side, now is the perfect time for South African clubs to disrupt the European competitions and showcase their prowess.
It is all about translating their URC success to Europe, as these tournaments will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the players’ mind.
READ MORE: Springboks going to need a bigger trophy cabinet…
