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URC chief delivers the latest blow in Cheetahs' fight for survival

(Photo by Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images)

United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi has dismissed talks of a possible B division for the new URC competition that would offer the Cheetahs franchise in South Africa more exposure. Hawies Fourie, the Cheetahs coach, had suggested after their recent Currie Cup win over Western Province that they were hopeful of competing in a second division URC event.

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However, Anayi has knocked back the idea during a midweek virtual media briefing with reporters. “It’s not on the cards,” said Anayi. “We have a real job on our hands… to make the URC as good as it can possibly be and we are getting there. So, not for the present.”

The Cheetahs contested the old PRO14 between 2017 and 2020 and have seen a continued drain of their best players since missing out on inclusion in the URC. They and the Southern Kings were cut from the roster to accommodate the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers after the South African decide to quit Super Rugby. 

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    We are joined by Springbok rugby royalty with very special guest Siya Kolisi | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 31

    We’re joined by Springbok royalty, Siya Kolisi, who discusses his incredible journey to becoming one of the most iconic players the sport has ever seen. Siya discusses his career journey both on and off the pitch including – altercations off the filed, the genius of Rassie Erasmus as a coach and selector, URC vs super rugby, the possibility of moving to play in Europe, his thoughts on Boks joining six nations, resetting rugby pathway, an incredible impromptu supper with Gerald Buttler, Drinks with Jurgen Klopp & Roc Nations positive influence on rugby.

    Anayi, though, is aware of the problems. He added: “We do love the Cheetahs, by the way. They are a big part of our history and if we can help them in any way to find a competition that does work for them, you can rest assured that we would do that. But there are no plans for the URC second division at the moment.”

    The existing URC format has a 16-team league table but the four regional pools determine European qualification. The highest-ranked team in each pool – Irish, Scottish/Italian, Welsh and South African – earns a Heineken Champions Cup place for the following season with the remaining four URC berths going to the next four highest-placed overall league teams not already qualified.

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    Anayi remains in favour of retaining a geographical spread for Champions Cup qualification rather than a strict top-eight meritocratic system. The impact of the pandemic on the new tournament has been significant but he remains optimistic about the future with a two-year review of the competition due at the end of next season. 

    He added: “We took a huge hit cost-wise but we will still be more profitable than last year and that goes back to the clubs despite that experience. I’m really looking forward to a non-covid season but we just roll with punches and try to be as resilient as possible.”

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    R
    RedWarrior 14 minutes ago
    Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

    The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

    I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

    We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

    Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

    Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

    But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

    Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

    Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

    9 Go to comments
    LONG READ
    LONG READ Mick Cleary: 'It's about time England started shaping their own narrative and got the job done.' Mick Cleary: 'It's about time England started shaping their own narrative and got the job done.'
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