Sharks XV coach Mike Vowles insists the Currie Cup remains a prestigious competition, while explaining their threefold approach to it.
Once the pinnacle of South African provincial rugby – involving full-strength, Springbok-packed teams – the Currie Cup has effectively become a third-tier competition behind the Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom URC, with the country’s four URC clubs using it as a development platform.
But Vowles says the tournament still matters.
“I think we take the Currie Cup very seriously,” he said.
“In the South African rugby context, it’s still a very prestigious competition. If you look at the resources that get poured into it, it’s obviously one that’s valued by many of the unions.
“From a Sharks point of view, there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure we’ve got a competitive squad and the resources to compete in the competition.
“As an organisation, it’s one we hold in high regard.”
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Vowles said the Sharks have three clear objectives during this year’s campaign.
“Firstly, we want to be competitive. It’s the only way to develop players. If you’re not competitive, it’s hard to get the best out of a group.
“Secondly, if you look at the makeup of our squad, we’ve got older players who are trying to re-establish themselves in their rugby careers. They’re looking to reignite their careers and it’s a great opportunity for them to put their hands up and compete for URC spots, while also helping us build squad depth at senior level.
“The third part, and probably the most exciting, is the younger group coming through.
“We’ve got some really good young players who have come through our academy and junior system, and some through our club system.
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“The Currie Cup is a great opportunity to test them in a senior environment where the game is quicker, faster and more physical than what they may have experienced at junior level.
“It allows us to make some early, accurate calls on where they are in our system and how quickly we can push them.”
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
The post ‘Sharks take Currie Cup very seriously’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks XV coach Mike Vowles insists the Currie Cup remains a prestigious competition, while explaining their threefold approach to it.
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