Adapting to artificial pitches for South African teams is crucial, says Jake White, as they become a more common feature in European cup competitions.
All four SA franchises are currently on tour overseas in the 2023-24 Vodacom URC, and White this week emphasised the challenges of playing on these pitches after the Vodacom Bulls lost their first game on a 3G turf against Ulster in Belfast.The Bulls are set to encounter Cardiff and Edinburgh on 4G surfaces, and speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash at Zebre Parma, White addressed the variations in surfaces, and overcoming diverse conditions.
“So it’s not just the wind and the rain and the home crowds, it’s adapting to the field surface that you play on as well. A lot of guys felt really sore on Sunday post the game because the field is so different. “We’re playing Cardiff next week on a 4G pitch, we’re going to play Edinburgh on a 4G pitch; the variation of the pitch and playing on different surfaces, weather, stadiums is something we’re going to have to get used to – and not just us, I suppose all SA sides have to adapt to.“And let’s not forget it’s very different to go play at Loftus for these teams in the middle of summer. So it’s not just one-sided, it’s for everybody.
Fouche explained the unique sensations of scrumming on 4G, describing it as feeling like they were “on top of the field” and noted the increased pace of the game.“It’s a different ball game getting used to the 4Gs, because scrumming time it’s a different sensation,” Fouche said. “Whereas in SA you can actually feel the ground for some traction, this 4G pitches is weird, it’s like you’re on top of the field.
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