Rugby: The South African challenge

Sharks captain Bismarck du Plessis. Photo by Getty

The South African challenge rather spluttered in Super rugby last year with just one side making the playoffs. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the sides from across the Indian Ocean.

For years, teams from South Africa struggled in Super rugby.

The travel was seen as a too big a hurdle. Their minds seemed to be elsewhere, and African teams often got on losing runs which could not be easily halted.

But about 10 years ago, things turned around. The Bulls got it together and started winning matches, and titles. The Sharks finally found some winning form, and even the Cheetahs managed to get into the playoffs.

However, it appears as though the same old demons are returning.

Confidence out of the republic appears to be on the wane. Teams are struggling to get much going. The player drain in South Africa is - if anything - worse than in New Zealand.

Players have picked up plenty of injuries and the travel factor is still hard to overcome.

The Sharks were the only South African side to make the playoffs last year but have lost coach Jake White, who left amid rumours of player discontent.

Former Springbok assistant Gary Gold and Brendan Venter have come on board with a mandate to play more attacking rugby.

White got results but played some boring stuff and never won too many fans. The Sharks' new regime is looking to give the ball a bit more air and use the backs.

The Sharks still have a good crop of experience, especially up front, but long-time loose forwards Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes and Jean Deysel have all departed.

Out the back, players such as Francois Steyn, Pat Lambie and JP Pietersen should make sure the Sharks are in contention.

The Bulls had a disappointing season last year, finishing ninth. One must wonder if their boring 10-man rugby game plan has run its course and they have to find something new.

The ageless Victor Matfield will ensure the team will get enough lineout ball, while Handre Pollard is a quality first five-eighth.

The Bulls have picked up some quality from the Cheetahs in the form of hooker Adriann Strauss, prop Trevor Nyakane and loose forward Lappies Labuschagne.

The Cheetahs will feel the loss of the above three players. The Bloemfontein-based side did well to make the top six in 2013 but regressed last year, losing close games and eventually finishing 14th.

Much will rest on the shoulders of attacking fullback Willie Le Roux and a solid set of tight forwards.

Down on the coast, the Stormers are in a state of flux. With key man Jean de Villiers out through injury, the side will lack leadership.

Schalk Burger is still around but is not what he was, while the likes of Peter Grant and Gio Aplon have headed overseas.

The Cape Town team has always had a good defence but needs to find a way to score some more tries.

The Lions actually had quite a good season last year, picking up some wins and not finishing last.

Lions skipper Warren Whiteley is a key man and is coming off a great year. They should be tough to beat at home but equally will find it hard on the road.

How the South African teams look

SHARKS

Captain: Bismarck du Plessis.

Coach: Gary Gold (replaces Jake White).

Key forward: Loose forward Marcell Coetzee.

Key back: First five-eighth Pat LambieLast year: Semifinals.

Prediction: Semifinals.

BULLS

Captain: Victor Matfield.

Coach: Frans Ludeke (eighth season).

Key forward: No 8 Pierre SpiesKey back: Centre Jan Serfontein.

Last year: NinthPrediction: Playoffs.