The pressure is on: Time for SA teams to up the ante as URC reaches boiling point
The United Rugby Championship (URC) rescheduled fixtures are done and dusted, and six rounds remain before the playoffs.
The United Rugby Championship (URC) rescheduled fixtures are done and dusted, and six rounds remain before the playoffs.
For the South African teams, every fixture from now on will be crucial, and there’s very little room for error.
The Stormers are primed to qualify in a good position and secure a home quarterfinal, while the Bulls, Lions, and Sharks still have plenty of work to do.
ATR takes a look at this weekend’s clashes and how the SA teams will fare against their opponents.
Vodacom Bulls
Cardiff Rugby
Bulls vs Cardiff – Loftus Versfeld Stadium
The Bulls will be looking to bounce back after producing an underwhelming performance, which saw them go down 32-19 against the Stormers a week ago.
In that clash, the men from Pretoria were outclassed, bullied at set pieces, and had no answers for a Stormers side that looked motivated.
The Bulls have heavily relied on forward dominance this season, and their pack was tamed, while the backs found the going hard.
This week provides a fresh start for Johan Ackermann and his troops, and he has selected a strong side, which includes Cameron Hanekom, who returns from a lengthy injury.
The Bulls will have their hands full with a Cardiff side that’s brimming with confidence and currently sits in fifth place on the log with eight wins in 12 matches.
Ackermann will be looking for a polished performance from his troops because a victory at home could set them up nicely ahead of the final stretch.
Last Match Form
Lions vs Edinburgh – Emirates Airline Park
In past seasons, the Lions found themselves grappling to stay in the top eight, but things have changed in the current campaign.
The men from Johannesburg have picked up some unexpected results and added themselves to the conversation for a potential playoff spot.
Their victories against local sides put them in a healthy position, and they currently sit in seventh place with six wins after 12 matches and 33 points.
Similar to the Bulls, the final six matches of the season will be crucial and defining for Ivan Rooyen and his troops.
Edinburgh have proved a tough challenge for them in recent seasons, and it will be a tough mountain to climb. The Lions will bank on their home form and hope that altitude will come into play on the day.
Sharks vs Munster – Kings Park Stadium
Oh well. They meet again.
The last time the Sharks played Munster in Durban was during last season’s quarterfinal, which went down to the wire and was decided with a penalty shoot.
There was controversy during that clash after Jaden Hendrikse went down with a “cramp” just as Jack Crowley prepared to take his kick before winking at him.
The Sharks won the game and progressed to the semifinals, but it’s that moment that grabbed all the headlines for days to come.
Munster undoubtedly will be out for revenge. They haven’t had the best of seasons but find themselves sitting in sixth place while the Sharks occupy 11th spot.
The Sharks need a bonus point win to boost their chances of qualifying for the playoffs with a handful of tough fixtures on the horizon.
DragonsDHL StormersDragonsDHL StormersStormers vs Dragons - DHL Stadium
The Stormers will be expected to run riot against a Dragons outfit that’s struggling this season.
Their win against the Bulls got them back into second position behind the Glasgow Warriors, who are ahead by four points.
The Stormers' next four home games will be crucial, and winning all four could set them up for a strong finish to the season.
They’ve also got a handful of experienced players who have returned and made an immediate impact against the Bulls.
The dip in form against some local teams steered John Dobson’s side in the right direction, and they’re now firing on all cylinders.