Spotlight on Currie Cup's odd schedule
REACTION: The Currie Cup’s new schedule has an impact on the quality of rugby delivered by players admits Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie.
In the current 2022 season, matches are played every second week, handing a ray of new challengers for South African teams.
Already under scrutiny for the quality of rugby produced during the competition, round four have been characterised by the high penalty counts.
On Friday, during the Griquas’ 22-20 win over Western Province, there were 26 penalties conceded (nine for Griquas and 17 to the WP).
While on Saturday, it was no different as Cheetahs and Pumas also delivered sub-standard performances with ill-discipline and handling errors taking the front seat.
The Cheetahs conceded 16 penalties compared to Pumas’ 10 during their Currie Cup match.
“I stopped counting the penalties in the second half because there were just too many, ” Fourie told reporters after the match in Nelspruit.
“Some of those were silly mistakes so we will review those on Monday.”
He added: “The referee [ Morne Ferreira] was quite tough and penalised the attacking team a lot.
“We didn’t adapt to him and if we get him next time we will have to be better at the breakdown, especially with our cleanouts.
“He was consistent so I don’t have any problems with him.”
#ICYMI: @CheetahsRugby leapfrog to the top of the @TheCurrieCup standing with a win over @pumasrugbyunion
#rugby #news #PUMvCHE https://t.co/G6M8rvn51F— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) February 20, 2022
The coach admitted his team need to improve however he revealed the extended breaks play a big role in the team’s mistakes and unforced errors.
“It is difficult to prepare for a game that is only 12 to 17 days away,” Fourie told reporters after the win over the Pumas.
“However we got to get used to it and we have to be better.
“The quality of rugby is not on par and it is difficult to produced quality rugby in January and February in South Africa.
“I know it is not easy on the players but I do believe the skill set can improve and we as coaches will work hard to do that.”
Cheetahs will host the Lions on March 5 in Bloemfontein.
@rugby365com
