Springbok World Cup winner Handre Pollard believes the South African groups will take the Champions Cup to a “different level” when the competitors kicks off this weekend.
Pollard’s former staff, the Bulls, be part of the Sharks and Stormers within the previously named Heineken Cup for the primary time.
The Bulls face Lyon in Pretoria on Saturday, whereas the Sharks tackle Harlequins in Durban and the Stormers face Clermont Auvergne in France, additionally each on Saturday.
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World Cup profitable flyhalf Pollard, who joined English champions Leicester from French champions Montpellier in the summertime, is satisfied having the South African sides in Europe is a optimistic step ahead.
‘Benefit the competition’
“I understand completely some people are like ‘What are they doing here?” stated the 28-year-old from the Western Cape, the place he’s recovering from an damage that sidelined him through the Rugby Championship and up to date European tour.
“But I feel, after a 12 months or two, it’ll actually profit the competitors. It took the URC to a totally totally different degree and I actually imagine it is going to be the identical with the Champions Cup.
“The South Africa groups will deliver an amazing new flavour to the competitors. They have been taking part in a very nice, attacking model of rugby within the URC, whereas the physicality is the distinction between the highest 4 or 5 groups within the Champions Cup. It’s bred into us, in order that a part of the sport is fairly set.
“The clubs in South Africa will have to become smarter tactically to compete with the top teams in Europe. It might take them a couple of years to find their feet, because it’s so different, but I think it’ll be great. People will enjoy it.”
Weather affect
Pollard, who has performed in South Africa and Europe believes the climate within the totally different elements of the world may also have an have an effect on.
“The weather is going to play a role. Going to South Africa in January, it’s going to be hot, humid, and tough, and then the next week you come up here in the snow! It’s going to be very interesting to see how the teams can adjust.”
The 65-times capped Pollard says being concerned in European Cup competitors shall be an amazing expertise for gamers in South Africa.
“For them to come over and play in the Stade Michelin against Clermont, or go to the Aviva and play Leinster, it will be great to see our young guys in South Africa take that pressure, thrive under it and learn from it. It’ll be a great learning experience. I’m very excited to see what they can do.”
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