Champions, Challenge Cup semi-finals: Keep an eye out for these SA players, coaches

While there are no South African teams involved in this weekend’s Champions and Challenge Cup semi-finals matches in Europe, there are a number of local men to keep an eye on.

In the top-tier Champions Cup, Leinster host Northampton Saints in Dublin on Saturday, while Bordeaux Begles host Toulouse in Bordeaux on Sunday.

Irish giants Leinster have in their ranks former Springbok World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber as well as lock star RG Snyman. Both men are sure to play a big role in the match against the side from England.

Northampton’s South African presence comes in the form of No 8 Juarno Augustus, who has been in good form again for the English club, but has yet to get a look-in at Bok level. Perhaps this is his opportunity to convince Rassie Erasmus he, too, should be in the eighthman mix.

The all-French affair on Sunday doesn’t involve any South Africans, but there are a number of household names who’ll be in action.

In the second-tier Challenge Cup, Edinburgh take on Bath, while Lyon face Racing 92 in another all-French game.

Edinburgh are coached by former Sharks boss Sean Everitt while Bath are looked after by former Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan.

Several players with a South African background will be in action. Loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman will start for Edinburgh while former Cheetahs man Boan Venter will play off the bench.

For Bath, Thomas du Toit will pack down at tighthead prop, with Quinn Roux at lock. Francois van Wyk and Louis Schreuder will play off the bench.

In the second semi-final, almost forgotten former Bulls and Bok No 8 Arno Botha will turn out for Lyon while Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, formerly of the Stormers, starts for Racing 92 — the team Siya Kolisi briefly played for a year or so ago.

Fixtures

Champions Cup semi-finals

Leinster v Northampton Saints (Dublin, Saturday 6.30pm)

Bordeaux Begles v Toulouse (Bordeaux, Sunday 4pm)

Challenge Cup semi-finals

Edinburgh v Bath (Edinburgh, Saturday 4pm)

Lyon v Racing 92 (Lyon, Sunday 1.30pm)