While the challenges and qualifying chances differ for the Sharks, the Bulls, and the Stormers, all three outfits will have a common goal when they take to the field against their European competition in Round Three.
There is not one Champions Cup match scheduled for this weekend that is not a must-win for the competing South African teams. Not a single one.
With everything to play for, we look at what’s at stake for the SA teams as they head into action after underwhelming starts to the premier club competition.
Stormers vs Sale Sharks (Saturday, 3 pm)
While the Bulls (5.99) are in troubled waters, perhaps no SA side is under more pressure than John Dobson’s group.
The Capetonians have managed just two United Rugby Championship wins in six games and suffered a humiliating start to the Champions Cup, with a frustrating defeat to Toulon in Gqeberha in the opening round, followed by a thrashing by Harlequins in London (although it’s worth mentioning that it was an understrength Stormers side that ran out for that game).
The Stormers’ season has been significantly impacted by an unprecedented injury crisis, but the team remains focused on what they can control. To stay in contention for the round of 16, they must win their two remaining matches, starting with a bonus-point victory at home. Winning against Sale Sharks and Racing 92 may not guarantee qualification, but strong performances will keep their hopes alive and showcase their resilience in challenging circumstances.
Sharks vs Toulouse (Saturday, 5:15 pm)
French giants Toulouse will make their first-ever Champions Cup trip to South Africa, and that alone makes this match an exciting one.
The six-time Champions Cup-winning unit has made quite the statement early on in the competition, demolishing Ulster 61-22 at home before teaching Exeter a rugby lesson and putting 64 points on them away.
The Sharks (12.77), on the other hand, should be boosted by the return of World Cup-winner Bongi Mbonambi, but their attack, however, will surely feel the absence of Bok backs Aphelele Fassi, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams (family bereavement) and defence mastermind Lukhanyo Am.
While John Plumtree’s side suffered an embarrassing 56-17 thumping against Leicester Tigers, they do at least have one victory in the competition, which makes their chances of top-16 qualification much more straightforward than that of the Bulls and Stormers.
But it will certainly not be easy against the defending Champions Cup kings.
Antoine Dupont’s name might be the first one that comes to mind when you think of France’s most decorated team, but he should be far from the only focus.
The Sharks must capitalise on their home-ground advantage against the star-studded Toulouse. Their next challenge, an away match against a much-improved Bordeaux Begles, adds extra urgency to secure a strong performance at home.
Castres vs Bulls (Saturday, 10 pm)
It will be the dance of the desperates at Stade Pierre-Fabre.
While the Bulls will be eager to end their three-match losing streak, the hosts will have no less motivation to secure a win after taking a beating from Saints in the opening round.
Castres and the Bulls – positioned fourth and fifth, respectively, in Pool Three – will both want to avoid being on the losing side.
Saturday’s curtain closer will see the Bulls hunt their first Champions Cup win of the season after defeats to Northampton Saints and Saracens, while the hosts fell short against Saints and secured a win over Munster.
The Bulls will return home for their final game, but that should by no means be a cushion their home defeat to the Saints, a game they should have won given their home-ground advantage and the altitude factor is a testament to that. Their 27-5 defeat to Saracens also erased any room for complacency.
