Sharks and Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will play a vital role in their Champions Cup clash against Harlequins on Saturday. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
South Africa’s three biggest franchises, the Stormers, Bulls and Sharks are ready to see what they are made of as they open their respective European Champions Cup campaigns on Saturday.
The Bulls and Sharks have the luxury of playing their opening matches at home, while the Stormers face a tough away clash in France.
ALSO READ: Explainer – Everything you need to know about the Champions and Challenge Cups
For the United Rugby Championship (URC) defending champ Stormers, they face a difficult clash against Clermont.
Despite the home side struggling in the Top 14 this season, French sides traditionally do well in the Champions Cup and they will be fired up for their home clash against the Stormers.
The visitors will be looking to their returning Springboks to help inspire them as they try and get their Champions Cup campaign off to the best possible start.
Five players in the Stormers traveling squad, namely Steven Kitshoff, Brok Harris, Joseph Dweba, Deon Fourie and Alapati Leuia, have Champions Cup experience and they will play a big part in preparing the rest of the side for what they are about to chase.
The Bulls will be looking to get their campaign off to a strong start when they host Lyon at Loftus on Saturday night.
Lyon has had a decent season so far in the Top 14, but will be facing a completely new challenge to what they are accustomed to against an in-form Bulls on the Highveld.
The Bulls have built up a good head of steam with some impressive URC wins over the past few weeks and they will look to take that momentum into the clash against Lyon and try get off to a winning start.
The Sharks face an interesting encounter against English Premiership high flyers Harlequins in Durban.
Harlequins have enjoyed a strong season to date and will be full of confidence heading into the Sharks match, while the hosts have not been at their best lately.
They will hope that their Springbok contingent of Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Jaden Hendrikse and Makazole Mapimpi will give them a boost and help them pick up what would be a good win to get their campaign off to the perfect start.
SA team fixtures (all on Saturday)
Sharks v Harlequins – 3pm
Clermont v Stormers – 5:15pm
Bulls v Lyon – 7:30pm