Led by John Dobson, South African United Rugby Championship coaches have slammed the comments of former All Black Stephen Donald’s assertion that the URC is less competitive than Super Rugby.
Donald said: “The URC competition is probably a low, a very, very low level compared to Super Rugby, the Champions Cup stuff certainly would be [of the same level] when discussing Jordie Barrett’s to the All Blacks after playing for Leinster.”
Donald was speaking alongside fellow former All Black Jeff Wilson on The Breakdown TV show.
The comments of Jordan have sparked the age-old north-south debate in world rugby, and Stormers coach Dobson was having none of it.
‘Real Test rugby’ says Stormers’ Dobson
“Super 12 was the best provincial competition ever. But it got diluted. Since the South African teams left Super Rugby, it’s changed,” Dobson exclusively told SportsBoom.com.
“Super Rugby looks different now and not in a way that reflects what wins World Cups.”
Dobson went on to explain how similar URC rugby is to Test match rugby.
“Breakdown contests, mauls, long scrum sets, that’s real rugby. That’s test rugby.”
As for the specific comments of Donald, Dobson said: “Wow! I couldn’t disagree more. URC is test-match rugby. If Jordie Barrett doesn’t make the All Blacks, would he make the Ireland team? Probably, I am not sure. Would the Crusaders beat Leinster? I’d love to see it, but I’d bet on Leinster. Same for the Bulls vs the Waratahs. Bulls it is.”
Bulls coach Jake White, meanwhile, preferred not to take either side in the debate.
“There’s no right or wrong answer. It depends on which teams and competitions you’re comparing,” said White.
@Michael_Sherman
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