The SA Shield in the Vodacom URC may not capture widespread public interest but winning it holds real significance for the players and coaches, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The gloves will be off when the Sharks and Lions clash in Durban on Saturday – the only URC game of the weekend – in a repeat of last week’s match at Ellis Park, but this time with silverware up for grabs.
John Plumtree’s men will be desperate to avenge their heavy defeat by the Pride as well as reduce the gap between themselves and the third-placed Vodacom Bulls on the overall standings – which is currently seven points.
The ninth-placed Lions, meanwhile, can build on their strong showing and finally break into the top eight, with only six league matches remaining after this clash to book a playoff spot.
The Sharks also know victory on Saturday will see them add the SA Shield – won by the Bulls for the first time last season – to the EPCR Challenge Cup and Currie Cup, which are already in the trophy cabinet at Kings Park.
And if the hosts don’t win, the SA Shield will find its way to Cape Town and the Stormers, despite the two-time winners currently being the lowest-ranked local team in the URC.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that without a strength-versus-strength Currie Cup, the SA conference in the URC is the best measure of domestic superiority.
He notes the Lions’ inconsistency, making them unpredictable against the Sharks, but backs Plumtree’s men to secure their maiden Shield crown.
“Winning the South African Conference Shield in the United Rugby Championship does matter, if not necessarily to the public, most certainly to the players and the coaches,” Keohane writes.
“Ask the players and the coaches of the four South African franchises and they will tell you there is prestige in being the best team in South Africa, in terms of the all-South African derbies.
“In the absence of strength versus strength Currie Cup rugby from pre Super Rugby’s start in 1996, these double-header, home and away, local derbies are a tournament within the URC league and it should get the necessary acknowledgement.”