Exclusive: Bob Skinstad Weighs in on Champions Cup Woes for South African Clubs

South African sides competing in the Champions Cup have faced significant challenges, struggling to balance a packed schedule and adapting to the demands of European rugby. Former Springbok Bob Skinstad shared his perspective on the difficulties, highlighting scheduling issues, player rotation, and the impact of international refereeing controversies.

Round 3 Recap 

It was a mixed bag of results as only the Stormers were able to return with a win, an all important round for any South African side to potentially reach the playoff phase of the competition.

Sharks vs Toulouse

"I looked at the [Toulouse] pack , which was significantly heavier than the Sharks. After the game Antoine Dupont said he looked up at the clock and it was five minutes gone and he thought, oh my goodness I am not making it through this," Skinstad told SportsBoom.com. 

"The conditions were obviously what the Sharks are used to but there were so many errors in that game. Man, Toulouse is an awesome team. Coming back with a win at the Shark tank, we got an indication of what kind of team you have to be to win this kind of tournament."

Stormers vs Sale Sharks

"It was an amazing win for the Stormers, you get those days where things go right for you and some no and that's the story of the Stormers this season. It's not often you get teams having those days at the same time."

"Every mistake Sale made, the Stormers turned those chances into tries. I mean they were racking up points quicker than I've seen but not from stuff they constructed themselves."

"Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Stormers."

Bulls vs Castres

"The Bulls have had a good start to the season, if you look at their URC results. They were hoping to work off those results in the URC and transfer that onto the Champions Cup."

"I think they have a lot of learning to do, they know these are high running teams in the French Championship [Top 14]. They've [Castres] got good quality players and are flipping difficult to beat at home."

"I have had first hand knowledge of French rugby and the standard of French rugby. They are unbelievably passionate and well supported. That home environment will definitely feel like a 16th man on the field and I think the Bulls felt it."

"It will be a difficult turnaround for the Bulls, which is a bitter pill to swallow but maybe they can concentrate on the domestic environment."

Fielding 'Weakened Teams' Away

South African teams have faced criticism for rotating squads and prioritizing certain competitions. The need to balance the Champions Cup, URC, and Currie Cup, while adhering to mandatory player rest periods, has led to difficult decisions.

"Coaches sometimes have to gamble, prioritizing URC qualification for next season’s Champions Cup. It’s a tough situation compounded by an overlapping schedule. Until there’s a global season, this issue will persist."

Inability to Host Playoffs

South African teams are barred from hosting semi-finals or finals in the Champions Cup, regardless of their seeding. The financial and logistical implications of this restriction are significant.

"It can be incredibly frustrating, especially if we don't have an agreed global season. Can you imagine if you are one of the commercial managers of the teams and the Sharks or someone and can't host fixtures. Toulouse going to Durban was fantastic."

"Look, last week's fixture was a loss for the Sharks but I mean for the fans to see some of the best players in the world coming from France, it's the first time Antoine Dupont has been to South Africa in a while."

"These are highlight games [Sharks vs Toulouse], why can't we get more of them? South African teams not being able to host these playoff games is hugely detrimental to the finances and the sustainability of the tournaments. I think it's silly, for sure!"

Scheduling Woes

South African teams have often complained about the complexity of the traveling, which hampers their preparations for their fixtures. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has since lashed at the South African teams to stop moaning about the challenging schedule.

"South African teams participating in European rugby [EPCR] is a good thing, it's good for South Africa and Europe. I have said it numerous times and I am not going to change my opinion. Until we repair the scheduling, South African teams will be at a disadvantage, we have further to travel for away games...it's just difficult."

"We also have the Currie Cup, which is happening almost at the same time. So the sides have to divide their resources with the different competitions. Then compounding that with the scheduling, which is done to the advantage of the Northern Hemisphere teams for the Champions Cup."

"I want us to play in the Champions Cup but I am not a fan of the [South African] teams bowing to the fact that the scheduling needs to happen in a certain manner. They have been compromised more than anyone else."

Refereeing Challenges

Recent criticism of officials, including Connacht winger Mack Hansen’s comments about referee Chris Busby, has sparked debate about respect for match officials. Busby’s rumored resignation has raised concerns about the treatment of referees.

"Players commenting on officials is problematic. It’s not their place to criticize referees publicly. While coaches can discuss decisions constructively, disrespectful comments harm the game. If Busby’s personal reasons involve such treatment, it’s deeply concerning."