Why URC success is so important for Boks

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber is confident his team can feed off the success that South Africa's franchises had during the 2021/2022 United Rugby Championship season.

To the surprise of many, the Stormers and the Bulls contested the URC Final with the Capetonians coming out on top to win the inaugural title.

That success has built up some positivity and momentum in the South African rugby scene and Nienaber is counting on that to rub off on his Bok team who are preparing to face Wales in a three-Test series.

It could have a far larger impact by the time the World Cup comes around in 2023.

"You hope that the momentum created is not just for Boks, but for the whole country as well," said Nienaber.

"The most important factor for us is the spectators.

"There is momentum now and positivity for people that support rugby.

"I hope that positivity spills over onto us.

"I hope it helps us grow an extra arm and an extra leg."

The story continues below...

The importance of playing in finals

Nienaber believes it is important for South Africa's players to be exposed to finals as much as possible.

Several players involved in Saturday's URC Final have been included in the Bok squad and looking further afield there was also representation in England's Premiership Final, which was played on the same day.

No.8 Jasper Wiese was the man of the match in Leicester's 15-12 win over Saracens in that Final at Twickenham.

"The common denominator in all those finals was physical intensity," Nienaber said.

"There was also a massive tactical battle when it came to territory and putting the other team under pressure. That was consistent in all those games.

"It's nice if our players can play in big games like that because Finals are probably the closest there is to international rugby."

@rugby365com