Sharks boss John Plumtree is concerned that they risk wearing out their Springboks stars unless change is made to the gruelling schedule.
South African rugby is in a unique position by having a foot in both the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere camps.
Domestically, they have aligned themselves with Europe as their top franchises play in the United Rugby Championship (URC), but internationally the Boks are still competing in the Rugby Championship.
Non-stop rugby
However, that has effectively made it a 12-month season for the top players who are based in South Africa.
Although those based in Japan, such as Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, have it easier on their bodies, those competing in the URC do not have the same luxury.
It has therefore left Plumtree worried looking ahead to the next Rugby World Cup in Australia as the Springboks attempt to claim an unprecedented three-peat.
“Unless these guys are managed properly, you might not see it straight away, but there will be an accumulation over time, and with the World Cup coming up in three years, there’s a danger of some of our older athletes not being able to make it,” Plumtree told reporters as he provided a word of warning to SA Rugby.
“I think South Africa’s in a good position to handle [the rugby schedule]. No other country could, because we’ve got some really good depth and a lot of good players.
“The Japan [club] season isn’t as hectic as ours and that’s a bit of a saving grace for the Springboks. But the Springboks who play in South Africa need to be managed well.
“And it’s not just about rest and playing rugby, it’s about rest and getting their bodies right by having a proper pre-season window when they can get fitter and stronger.
“It’s definitely something we have to look at, and it’s not something a coach should get into trouble for talking about.”
Plumtree’s comments come with the Sharks in the midst of an injury crisis.
Although Test trio Lukhanyo Am, Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are among those who could return for their clash against Toulouse in the new year, the Durban outfit suffered further setbacks in their 24-20 URC defeat to the Stormers.
‘Very stressful for the team’
“It was not a great day at the office on the injury front,” the head coach said.
“Emile has problems with his knees. We have to bulletproof him differently. He is such a good player, but he has been plagued by injuries.
“Jurenzo [Julius] was cramping. Andre [Esterhuizen] and [Aphelele] Fassi had left the field with injuries.
“We did the best we could under the circumstances. Injuries are a thing at the moment. They seem to be haunting us a little bit.
“They are not one or two-week injuries. They are more like six to eight weeks. It is very stressful for the team.”
