VIDEO: Dobson's solution for COVID-19 cancellations
WATCH as Western Province coach John Dobson gives his solution to the negative impact COVID-19-enforced cancellations could have on the Currie Cup competition.
Dobson suggested a possible review of the points allocation could result in ‘better behaviour’ by teams.
The Super Rugby Unlocked half of South Africa’s domestic season was disrupted by the cancellation of three matches – as a result of COVID-19 positive cases in teams.
It started with four positive cases and another five contact cases in the Lions camp – resulting in their Round Three encounter with the Cheetahs being called off at the last minute.
The Lions were also affected when a rash of COVID-19 cases caused the Pumas to pull out of their round six encounter with the Johannesburg-based franchise.
The third cancellation came when the Sharks had so many positive tests among their tighthead props that they could not fulfil their Round Seven fixture with the Stormers.
With each cancelled game declared a draw and two points awarded to both teams, the Lions have lost a potential additions six points – with the Cheetahs, Stormers and Sharks a potential three additions points.
Dobson, speaking during a virtual media ahead of Western Province’s Currie Cup Round One encounter with the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday, was at pains to point out that the Bulls “thoroughly deserved” to win Super Rugby Unlocked – COVID-19 or not.
“They gave their two closest rivals, us [39-6) and the Sharks [41-14], a smack,”Dobson said.
He added that they (Stormers/WP) were desperately disappointed not to be able to play against the Sharks last week.
“It was important for us, as we were heading in the right direction and wanted to maintain momentum.
“You want to play every week and get better, especially after what we went through at Loftus.
“It was sad and disruptive not to play and you also lose the opportunity of those points [on the standings].”
Dobson said they are “very strict” on their players.
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“We basically signed off on an agreement that we are at level four [lockdown].
“[“This includes] no socialising, home shop as much as you can. We have had 11 weeks of COVID-19 negatives in the senior squad.
“The chaps are generally behaving, but we know that can – absolutely freakishly and faultless – change very quickly.
“There were just two teams that didn’t lose points because of COVID-19, the Bulls and Griquas, in the first round.
“It will affect the integrity of the competition, not through anybody’s fault, assuming everybody follows best practice.”
He also said SA Rugby deserves a lot of credit for getting these competitions off the ground.
“I would personally like a review of the points allocation system.
“The two-two [two points each) and the draw is fair.
“We just mustn’t have a situation where we say it is your fault.
“I feel that if one team can fulfil a fixture and the other can’t, it is quite tough.
“If we have five COVID-19 cases in the front row next week and we can’t go to Ellis Park, then the Lions have lost a home game and potentially another three points.
“You will get even better behaviour amongst [the players of] the teams and unions if we were to run the risk of losing our full match points.
“The Nations Cup [in Europe] went that route and the [English] Premiership is going that route, with the 28-0 scores, but you also don’t want to lay blame.
“Personally I probably would be in favour of a 28-0 score.
“Anything that encourages exemplary behaviour is good. If you play for the Stormers and by going to the Waterfront you could cost your team to lose five points, maybe you won’t go to the maul.”
He said he does not want to come across as a petty person blaming teams.
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