Wallabies coach: SA boosted European rugby
09/29/2023 07:14 AM
South Africa’s arrival in the URC and Champions Cup has benefitted the European nations, while the Australian rugby is worse off for their departure from Super Rugby, said Wallabies assistant coach Pierre-Henry Broncan.
The Wallabies have endured a rough 2023 under Eddie Jones, losing five games in a row before opening their World Cup campaign with a relieving win over Georgia.
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However, Australia’s quarter-final hopes are still hanging by a thread after successive losses to Fiji and Wales left the Wallabies needing a big win over minnows Portugal and other results to go their way.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s crucial Pool C clash, Wallabies assistant coach Broncan bemoaned the state of Super Rugby, following the departure of South African teams to Europe.
“When you had Super Rugby with the South African teams, it was a tough competition, very tough competition,” Broncan said.
“Today’s South African teams, they play in Europe and it was a benefit for the northern hemisphere.”
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A Frenchman who has played and coached in the Top 14, Broncan said that Super Rugby’s current format makes it a poor breeding ground for Test-level players.
“A big difference between the Top 14 and European Cup and Super Rugby with Australia and New Zealand, is the pressure,” he said.
“In France, there is pressure every game because there are massive things about relegation or qualification. It’s very important for the French and European teams.
“In Super Rugby, there is no relegation. It’s just play to win the Super Rugby. It’s a good thing…but just against New Zealand and Australian teams.”
Photo:EPA/Dan Himbrechts/BackpagePix
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