Sharks' Nche urges resilience as SA franchises falter in Europe

THE South African rugby teams’ struggles in Europe were again laid bare over the weekend, with the country’s franchises enduring a bruising round in the EPCR Challenge Cup and Champions Cup.

- JOHN GOLIATH

SHARKS prop Ox Nche says the Durban side now facing a play-off scenario against Clermont to save their Champions Cup season. | BackpagePix

(BackpagePix)

Heavy defeats and missed opportunities highlighted the physical and mental toll of competing across hemispheres.

The Sharks were among the sides left frustrated as the South African teams struggled to match their European counterparts, a pattern that has sparked debate around player fatigue, squad depth, and the relentless demands of the modern rugby calendar.

With local sides now balancing the United Rugby Championship alongside two gruelling European competitions, teams have preferred to target home matches with their first-choice players, while sending second-stringers abroad.