Hollywoodbets Director of Rugby, Neil Powell said the fact that they have been doing much better in the EPCR competition compared to the URC, where they’ve only managed one win and sit last on the table, explains their decision to rather concentrate on success in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
“It’s a bit of a focus shift for us because at this stage we don’t do well in the URC and I think with the EPCR only starting about a month ago, we’ve already played about five or six URC games."
“It was almost an opportunity for us to start all over again."
“I think sometimes when we get into a certain mode, it’s difficult to change our focus."
“However, with a new competition there is almost a new carrot in front of us knowing that, if we win the Challenge Cup, we get automatic qualification into the Champions Cup."
“So the motivation is there for us to make a step up in the Challenge Cup."
“From a URC perspective and the goal we set out for ourselves there, it’s probably based on the fact that we want to qualify for the Champions Cup next year, meaning we have to finish in the Top Eight of the URC."
“So hopefully this is the turning point for us, not just in the Challenge Cup, but also in the URC,” Powell added.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks, who are currently at the top of their pool in the EPCR Challenge Cup, will have the luxury of entering their match against the Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade on Sunday at 19:30 (SA Time) knowing exactly what they need to do to book their place in the Round of 16 as their match marks the last fixture of the weekend.