The withdrawal of four of EP's top teams has not taken the shine off what some would argue has become a watered-down EC Super 14 rugby tournament, Park coach Hannes Huisamen says.
He says the withdrawal of Kruisfontein United, Harlequins, Gardens and Despatch Oostelikes means new teams will have a shot at pulling off a podium finish.
The tournament kicks off on Saturday with matches being played throughout the EP and Border regions.
Park open their campaign against Star of Hope who showed good form in 2024 to gain promotion to the Score Energy Drink Grand Challenge.
“Obviously those teams who pulled out of the Super 14 are good and they would have been tough opposition,” Huisamen said.
“I don't the tournament has lost any gloss because of teams pulling out.
“There is still going to be very good rugby played because officials took the rest of the Top 12 teams and the Grand Challenge is a good competition.
“All the teams can gun for that podium spot.
“But the thing is there are other teams that are willing to play.
“Ultimately we just want to play matches against other sides.
“It is going to be great to be back on the field.
“I can't say it will not be as tough because you don't know the strength of the other teams will be.
“I'm just glad there are other teams who want to play.”
Huisamen says Park will be fielding a new-look side this season when they bid for honours.
“We have a few new players we will be calling on in 2025,” he said.
“Our goals are to keep on building on the foundations we laid last season with the young players coming through.
“With an extra year's experience, we can say let's go for that podium spot in the Super 14.
“However, our focus will be a bit more long-term on the Grand Challenge, but we will definitely give it our all in the Super 14 first.
“We will try new combinations in the Super 14 so we can have a consistent team throughout the Grand Challenge.
“I think the Grand Challenge can be won if you have consistency and depth.
“Park are expecting a tough game against Star of Hope in our opener at Londt Park.
“For both teams, it will be the start of the season and it's just going to be about making the least errors.
“If you can minimise your errors and play your game then you should win.
“Our off-season season has been really good and we had good numbers at all our training sessions this year and the guys are keen.
“We have a nice group of youngsters who are very enthusiastic.
“Park are looking forward to the challenges and it is always good to play games and that is where you learn.
“The club guys play rugby to play games and not just to train.
“I think if they could skip the training they would.”
The Border group comprises EL Police, Swallows, Komga United, Young Leopards, Old Selbornians, Moonlight, Ncera Leopards and Fort Beaufort.
Saturday's Super 14 fixtures (all 3.30pm kickoff):
EP Conference: Group A: Park v Star of Hope, Progress v Brumbies. Group B: Trying Stars v Central, Joubertina v United Barbarians.
Border Conference: Group A: EL Police v Komga United, Moonlight v Old Selbornians. Group B: Ncera Leopards v Fort Beaufort, Swallows v Young Leopards.
Block friendlies at Daleview Sports field in Despatch:
2.30pm: Harlequins v Kruisfontein, 4pm: Gardens v Despatch Oostelikes.
The Herald
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