Player recovery vital for SA teams over busy festive period - former Bok Terblanche

Former Springbok winger Stefan Terblanche says player recovery will be of utmost importance for South Africa's franchises over a busy festive period.

The SA teams head into an historic first full festive programme of URC and Champions Cup action where player resources will be put to the test.

"I think it's going to be tough. The physical conditioning of the players will be very important. But I think the most important part of this next phase of the competition will be recovery," Terblanche said in a URC statement.

Terblanche understands the conditions awaiting the SA teams, having played in the northern hemisphere and in some of the biggest matches over the festive season.

He was renowned for being one of the fittest rugby players and a pioneer in terms of player physical conditioning.

While the URC is in full swing, the Champions Cup also gets underway this weekend. The Sharks host English club Harlequins in Durban on Saturday (15:00), while the Stormers are away to French outfit Clermont Auvergne (17:15) and the Bulls host French club Lyon in Pretoria (19:30).

The Lions and Cheetahs are also in action in the second-tier Challenge Cup. The Lions host Welsh side Dragons on Saturday (12:45), while the Cheetahs are in France to tackle Pau (15:00).

"Players often train too hard or want to do too much in the week leading up to a game," added Terblanche.

"I think the work they have done in the pre-season is paramount and that will carry them through the season, especially with the travelling now going to the northern hemisphere and the change of weather and conditions and then coming back.

"It will be hard. But I'd definitely say that from a player point of view, the most important thing now is going to be the recovery after the