SA teams must drop ‘guest’ mindset

THE honeymoon phase is officially over.

- JOHN GOLIATH

Three years into South Africas northwards migration, the novelty of the United Rugby Championship and the glamour of the Champions Cup have been replaced by a cold, hard reality check.While we've seen some incredible highs - the Stormers’ early URC title and the Bulls’ run to various finals - the European experience has been, let’s be honest, a bit of a roller-coaster.

Lately, it's been the kind of ride that leaves you feeling more bruised than exhilarated. Competing with Europe's elite in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup isn’t just about showing up with Springbok pedigree and a “never-say-die” attitude; it’s a logistical and tactical puzzle that we haven't quite solved yet.

The most glaring issue is the one we can't change: geography.

Hauling world-class athletes across the equator, through multiple time zones, and then asking them to front up against grizzled French and English packs in subzero temperatures is a massive ask. It's a unique physical and mental burden.