• The possibility of Griquas and the Pumas being included in an expanded, domestic-based Super Rugby competition in 2021 has both licking their lips.
• Both sides were classified as franchises way back in 2017, but they have had nothing to show for that status as opportunities for a higher level of competition have remained limited.
• Yet the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for SA Rugby to have a re-look at its local products and the two smaller franchises believe the time is now for them to prove themselves.
• An expanded domestic tournament in 2021 - with all the national players available - could also see the loan system, part of SA Rugby's new contracting model, come into its own right.

At the end of 2017, Griquas and the Pumas were granted franchise status by SA Rugby's general council.

It meant the two teams would be the preferred candidates for when any new cross-border competitions arose, with reports at the time indicating they would be incorporated into the then-Anglo-Welsh Cup.

That tournament, considered more of a developmental platform for the involved teams, is now defunct.

Frustratingly, the Peacock Blues and the Lowvelders have been left in limbo for close to three years now, their only tangible reward for years of stability being their dominance of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge and real competitiveness in the Currie Cup.

Then, earlier this week, Jurie Roux, SA Rugby's chief, said this: "We've had to plan throughout these past few months as if we would only be able to play domestically. Everyone would. Then New Zealand indicated after their review that they would like to play domestically but with more than their five franchises."That's something we can do too. Nothing prevents us from including the Pumas, Griquas as well as the Cheetahs and Kings if they can't play in the PRO14."  

In Kimberley and Nelspruit, that comment is like music to the ear: A Super Rugby Mzansi of sorts, featuring at least two new teams.

"I'm well aware nothing is cast in stone yet, but that was really exciting hear," Arni van Rooyen, Griquas' chief, told Sport24.

"When we were awarded franchise status from 2018 onwards, there was an almost new sense of purpose for us. We've always been competitive, but the prospect of something a bit bigger being on the horizon gave us extra motivation."

An expanded domestic Super Rugby competition isn't quite entry into an expanded PRO14 as was mooted back in 2017, but at least it's something.

Griquas have been rather hard to ignore since last season.

They won the Rugby Challenge and made the semifinals of the Currie Cup before succumbing to stage fright at Ellis Park.

The Pumas, dogged by some iffy on-field decisions against them and injuries, weren't quite as successful in 2019 in the Currie Cup but still coasted to the final of the Rugby Challenge.

"If we can be part of a proper franchise competition, it will be nothing less than we and Griquas deserve," Pieter Burger, the Pumas' CEO, told Sport24.

"It's been a very long road for us since that change in status three years ago. We, as South African rugby, have always been good at talking a big game and conjuring up fancy presentations. However, that hasn't always resulted in action."

Some critics will point out the two unions' results over an extended period - particularly in the Currie Cup - provide limited evidence of them adding true competitiveness in the upper levels of the local game.

Yet the counter to that argument is how exactly can they improve if their only real platform is the hallowed but beleaguered domestic trophy.

"All it's ever been about is giving our players an opportunity," said Van Rooyen.

"Griquas punches above its weight because we attract two distinct groups of players. We pick up promising youngsters who fell a bit by the wayside in the age-group system and we target established players with a point to prove because of a lack of opportunities.

"These are players who really add value to a competition. The only real reason they sometimes struggle against the bigger teams is purely because they don't play against them enough."

Burger agrees, adding other factors should also play a role.

"Yes, of course you need to put a competitive team out on the field that can beat the Lions or Sharks on any given day," he said.

"But our value is about more than that. Surely we deserve a bigger platform for our place in the overall local rugby scene. We keep our finances stable in a challenging environment while still contracting well. We've produced players that graduate to Super Rugby level and even become Springboks, like Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch.

"The Pumas' referees association is the best in the country. We're so proud of that."

With 2021's potential carrot dangling in front of them, the mooted eight-team Currie Cup, slated to start somewhere in September, could be a particularly compelling product.

"It's a dress rehearsal of sorts. If we are in line to play next year, then what better way to justify our inclusion than delivering surprise results in the Currie Cup," said Van Rooyen.

"I'm convinced we make the Currie Cup a better competition. We have players with Super Rugby and PRO14 experience within our ranks and, together, with their immense will to prove themselves, it makes a great combination."

While the there's an expectation the national players will be withdrawn from the upcoming Currie Cup at some stage to prepare for the Rugby Championship at the end of the year, next year's Super Rugby product could be set alight as a full-strength, fully local tournament.

And that could bring with it the added bonus of SA Rugby's new contracting model finally putting the loan system to the test.

"[National director of rugby] Rassie Erasmus has consistently emphasised that we need to pull our player resources together better," said Burger.

"I've always maintained that we have enough quality players available for eight top-flight teams if we spread the talent a bit more evenly.

"Next year could see some really good players being loaned to the so-called smaller sides. That would raise our competitiveness even more and give those guys the prospect of consistent game-time.

"This is what the new contracting model has been all about. Can you imagine being Rassie and see your 20 best flankers playing against each other weekly? Or all eight flyhalves pitting themselves against each other? I'm convinced the rugby public would love such a product," he added.