The South African teams have in many regards disappointed throughout the history of Super Rugby, with only 3 titles being won by a South African franchise in the competition’s 23-years. Historically known for their primarily forwards based rugby, in recent years the shift to a more expansive game of rugby has been made, with some exciting results. Can one of the South African sides prove their worth this season by halting New Zealand’s dominance and taking out a Super Rugby title in a World Cup year? Or are we going to get more disappointment and underachievement from the rainbow nation’s franchises?
LIONS
Head Coach: Swys De Bruin
Most capped player: Elton Jantjies (108)
The team from Johannesburg have had a turbulent history in Super Rugby. They hold the unwanted record of going a whole season without a win in 2010 and were subsequently relegated from the competition after finishing bottom of the South African conference in 2012. However, since being reinstated back into the competition in 2014 the Lions overhauled their coaching and playing staff and haven’t looked back, featuring in the last 3 Super Rugby finals. They’ll be hoping to go one better this time round.
Key Players:
Elton Jantjies: It’s hard to understand why Jantjies has never been able to succeed at international level. For his club side, he is a weapon at 10. His ability to take on the defensive line at pace is nothing short of brilliant and his deft kicking game gives the Lions a perfect platform to attack from. He is the nucleus of the Lions’ potent attacking game and they’ll rely on him more than ever this season as he matures as a fly half. If he plays as well as his last few seasons there’s no doubt he’ll be in the Springbok squad for the World Cup. The question is will he be able to finally step up in the green and gold? September is a long way away though and he’ll be fully focused on steering his side into yet another finals appearance.
Malcolm Marx: The 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee doesn’t need much of an introduction. Since his debut in 2014 the hooker has gone from strength to strength. A menace in the front row, his ball handling and footwork make him a difficult customer for even the strongest defence. His lineout throwing has been his biggest weakness but if he can improve that part of his game and stay fit it’s a no brainer that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with throughout 2019. With maturity beyond his years he’ll be pivotal to the potential success of the Lions and the Springboks this season.
Player to Watch:
Wandisile Simelane: ‘Wandi’ as he is affectionately known is one of the bright young prospects in South African rugby. A star for the U20s side, he had a breakout season with the Golden Lions in the 2018 Currie Cup. At just 20 years of age, he has a promising career ahead of him. He may have to bide his time in 2019 with established Super Rugby players in front of him in the pecking order within the Lions’ setup, but if given the chance he’ll no doubt prove to the world how talented he is. Remember the name.
Three finals, three losses. Even though the miseries of finishing near the bottom of the table are a distant memory for Lions fans around the world, it has no doubt been disappointing not to have won themselves a title. However, there are many reasons to be hopeful this season that they can go one better, and regardless of the level of success you can be sure that they’ll excite with their free-flowing brand of rugby.
Predicted finish: 1ST (SA conference), 2nd (overall)
BULLS
Head coach: Pote Human
Super Rugby titles: 3
Most recent title: 2010
Most capped player: Victor Matfield (140 caps)
The three time champions have struggled in the competition since their last victory in 2010. The brand of rugby that they played during their dominant phase has been surpassed by more expansive and open rugby. The Pretoria based franchise have failed to keep up with the transition. However, there is room for optimism in 2019 with a fresh new coach and valuable experience being injected into the squad with numerous new recruitments. With arguably South Africa’s best fly half at the helm, can they make their first finals appearance since 2013?
Key Players:
Duane Vermeulen: The barnstorming back-rower has made his way back to South Africa after three seasons abroad. Instead of returning to Cape Town to play for his former team the Stormers, the 32-year-old instead chose to move to Pretoria to play for the Bulls. Calling this a high-profile acquisition is an understatement, and the 45 cap Springbok will bring a wealth of experience and mentorship off the field as well as skill and physicality on it. He’ll no doubt play a massive part in the Bulls’ Super Rugby ambitions as the Springboks’.
Handre Pollard: The incumbent Springbok flyhalf is not short on talent, and his quality at the highest level of rugby is undeniable. Winning the 2012 U-20 World Cup at the age of 18, as well as playing in two more editions of the tournament were early signs that he was poised for stardom. However, a season-ending knee injury in 2016, as well as another long-term injury in 2017 in which his arm could have potentially been amputated have hindered his progression somewhat. Fully fit and rearing to go in 2019, with maturity and experience behind him, he will be the key to the Bulls’ 2019 season and the Springboks will hope he can stay fit going into the World Cup. Their hopes of a 3rd title will be heavily influenced by the 24-year-old playmaker.
Player to Watch:
Rosko Specman: The South African Sevens star has decided to make the switch to fifteens this season after a successful few seasons with the Blitzbokke. Blessed with infinite pace and mesmerising footwork it’ll be interesting to see how the 29-year-old adapts to life in Super Rugby. With limited space available to him can he prove his worth in the game of fifteens late into his career. A spot in the Springbok squad may be a far stretch for him, but he’ll be sure to make an impact for the Bulls this season.
The Bulls’ 2019 squad has a very young flavour to it. With the transition from the traditional Bulls style of play to a more free flowing brand of rugby, 2019 may be too early to predict any major success for the Pretoria side. However, if the team can gel early on and their youngsters get going it may be an exciting and optimistic season for the Bulls.
Predicted finish: 5th (SA conference), 12th (overall)
STORMERS
Head Coach: Robbie Fleck
Most capped player: Schalk Burger (123 caps)
In 2018 The Cape Town franchise had the highest average attendance in world rugby with 28,700 per game. A team with an extremely strong fan base compared to other Super Rugby teams as well as consistently being stacked with Springboks, makes one wonder why they have achieved so little in the competition. In 2019 there is room for optimism though as they have a strong squad with a mix of experienced internationals as well as exciting and talented youngsters. Will they be able to finally step up or are we going to see the same old disappointment from the Stormers.
Key Players
Damian Willemse: After bursting onto the scene in 2017 at the age of 18, Willemse has had an astronomical climb through the ranks having secured himself 4 Springbok caps in 2018. Equally comfortable playing at fly half or fullback, he’ll feel the pressure of the South African public to perform this season. At just 20 years of age will he be able to cope with the expectations that have been put on him? He certainly has showed his quality and potential and if the Stormers are to have a good season much of it will be off the back of his influence. With experienced players all around him he’ll have the perfect platform to prove his skills once
again this season.
Siya Kolisi: The Springbok captain proved he’s the man for the job in 2018, leading the Boks to a relatively successful season coming off the failure that was 2017. A series win against England early in the season as well as an incredible victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand were highlighted by the body on the line performances by the 27-year-old flanker. In the prime of his career, with the World Cup coming up in September, Stormers fans will be hoping that their captain can prove his worth and lead the Stormers to success this season. The expectations will be firmly on his shoulders and South African coach Rassie Erasmus will be hoping he can thrive off the pressure.
Player to Watch:
Sergeal Petersen: Petersen made his debut Super Rugby appearance for the Southern Kings’ first ever Super Rugby game against the Western Force in Port Elizabeth in 2013. In a man of the match performance the then 18-year-old Petersen scored two tries. He hasn’t quite lived up to the hype since then however in 2018 he was the Currie Cup’s leading try-scorer with 8 scalps. Now 24, the former Cheetah will be looking to kick-start his career, putting his name into the hat for a possible Springbok selection. His talent and skill is well documented, so adding maturity and composure to his play will be key to a successful season.
Predicted finish: 2nd (SA conference), 6th (Overall)
SHARKS
Head Coach: Robert Du Preez
Most capped player: Tendai Mtawarira (150 caps)
The 2018 Currie Cup champions have been runners-up in Super Rugby four times. In last season’s Super Rugby competition, they qualified for the finals in 8th place, going down with relative ease in the quarterfinals against the eventual winners, the Crusaders. Heading into 2019 with a fairly settled squad, the Durban based team will be looking to reach the finals once again, hoping to clinch the South African conference. With the likes of exciting prospects and established Springboks, there is definitely room for optimism for the Sharks.
Key Players:
Tendai Mtawarira: The Beast has been one of the best all round props in world rugby for over a decade. In the harsh environs that is international front rows, earning over 100 caps for your country is no mean feat. In 2019, he’ll be as fresh as ever. His scrummaging as well as his bouldering ball carrying ability will be as important as ever for the Sharks as they look to make a finals appearance once again. He’ll no doubt play a major role in the Springboks World Cup journey as well.
Lukhanyo Am: The Springbok 13 has impressed since his move to the Sharks in 2016. His strength and eye for a gap make him a potent option going forward and his accuracy and decision making can be relied upon no matter the context. At just 25, he’s yet to get into the prime of his career, and he’ll look to further entrench himself as an important backline player for both the Sharks and the Springboks in 2019.
Player to Watch:
Aphelele Fassi: The 20-year-old made a name for himself in last year’s Currie Cup competition when he chased down Springbok flyer Aphiwe Dyanti after the Lions’ winger gathered an intercept. But it’s not just his electric pace that has been turning heads. Comfortable playing at 10, 12 or anywhere in the back three, his mind for the game is promising given that he only graduated school at the end of 2017. With some eye-catching performances in last year’s Currie Cup, he’ll hope to step his game and perform at the highest level of club rugby. Donning the green and gold is more a question of when, rather than if for the young shark.
The squad will be looking for nothing less than a finals berth come the end of the season, but they’ll need their top players to perform consistently throughout the year.
Predicted finish: 4th, (SA conference), 11th (overall)
JAGUARES
Head Coach: Gonzalo Quesada
Most capped player: Agustin Creevy (30 caps)
The Argentinian side will be heading into their 4th season of Super Rugby. After qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in their short history in 2018, they’ll be expecting nothing less than another finals appearance this season. With the World Cup coming up in September it’ll be vital for the Jaguares to have a successful Super Rugby season.
Key Players:
Agustin Creevy: At 33 the Pumas’ captain is still as effective as ever. His mobility and handling are a thing of beauty. His offloading skills have even led to him being nicknamed Sonny Bill Creevy. His skills on the field are complemented by his leadership and experience off it. This an exciting year in Argentinian rugby as it’s the first year they’ll be heading into a World Cup after a Jaguares’ Super Rugby season and the 81-cap hooker will be at the helm for both the Jaguares and the Pumas in 2019.
Jeronimo De La Fuente: The captain for the 2019 season will have his work cut out for him as the Jaguares look to secure another finals appearance. On the field, he is a strong presence. On attack, he breaks the advantage line more times than not and on defence he is a brick wall, rarely missing a tackle. As captain his presence off the field will be as important as his presence on it and the Jaguares coaching staff will hope he has the experience and mentorship to guide his squad to a successful season. If he can do that there’s no doubt the Pumas’ decision makers will be looking at him for the Argentinian captaincy.
Player to Watch:
Mayco Vivas: The tighthead prop represented Argentina in the 2017 U20 World Championship. Having impressed for the U20s, he was added to Argentina’s touring squad at the end of 2018. Even though he failed to make an appearance, being around the national side would have been a priceless experience for the 21-year-old. With resting and injuries predicted to play an important role in this year’s competition, promising players like Vivas will be given their chance. If he can perform when called upon, Vivas could have a chance of making the Argentinian squad later in the year. He’ll take it game by game, but his potential is there for all to see.
Can the Argentinian side match or better their 7th place from last season? With a new coach and some fresh new faces there is definitely room for optimism. Proving their worth in Super Rugby is vital for their survival in the competition, and everything is in place for them to succeed.
Predicted finish: 3rd (SA conference), 8th (overall)