Sharks fiasco: All that money but no Champions Cup spot

The Sharks have little chance of competing in the Champions Cup next season despite a top eight finish.

The complexities of the United Rugby Championship and the path into the Champions Cup have been highlighted by the cash flush Sharks.

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The Durban team snatched a draw from the jaws of victory against Munster on the weekend and the result had massive consequences.

The Sharks must now win the United Rugby Championship if they want to compete in the biggest club rugby competition in Europe. They will need to win three away games to do that starting with Leinster in two weeks’ time.

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It’s unlikely. Some say impossible.

But why is this the case after they finished eighth on the URC table? Just remember a win would’ve sealed them seventh spot and a place in the Champions Cup.

The URC/Champions Cup provides a spot for every shield winner. They are Leinster, Stormers, Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff. And you’ll have to look all the way to 10th spot to find Cardiff. And even then the Welsh side only finished there after a derby win over Ospreys.

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Anyway, what it means is clear … the Sharks – despite spending all those millions in recruiting Springbok after Springbok – won’t be in the biggest competition there is next season.

Not exactly a great return on investment for their big-spending private owners.

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It’s quite ironic too because they could only muster a 22-22 draw against Munster in the URC a few short weeks after beating them 50-35 in the Champions Cup knockouts.

Rugby is a funny game, hey?

And don’t forget it was Siya Kolisi’s last game before he leaves for France. He was forced off with a knee injury which curtailed his farewell performance.

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