Toulouse captain Antoine Dupont says having South African sides within the Champions Cup forces groups to call second-string lineups as a consequence of prolonged journey constraints.
In December’s second spherical of video games, the Sharks and Stormers despatched weakened groups for video games in England.
Golf equipment flying hundreds of kilometres in the other way have additionally made related choices as they prioritise participant welfare and different matches.
“We see it’s very onerous to play all of the video games with all of the journey together with your first-choice staff,” Dupont instructed reporters earlier than Saturday’s recreation with the Sharks.
“Clearly, you ask questions in regards to the logic of the competitors,” the Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist added.
Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola, nonetheless, defended South African groups’ involvement within the competitors, and the second-tier Problem Cup.
“Taking part in a recreation like this is a chance and from a sports activities standpoint we’re fortunate,” he mentioned. “You may debate the relevance of another issues however from a sports activities standpoint it’s good to face totally different groups.”
READ: Sharks put together to neutralise ‘protected’ Dupont
Champions Cup holders Toulouse have despatched a first-choice aspect with a bunch of France internationals to Durban to face a Sharks staff filled with World Cup-winning Springboks.
Scrumhalf Dupont (28) denied the match might function retribution for the 2023 quarter-final loss to South Africa.
“For certain, recollections will come again,” the previous World Rugby Participant of the Yr mentioned. “There’s no concept of revenge with that in thoughts. It’s a unique context now however subconsciously a small a part of us will give it some thought.
“We all know that once they’re at house with their first-choice staff they’re formidable.”
© Agence France-Presse
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