A number of top Springboks are expected to return to action for their local teams this weekend, which should add a whole new dynamic to the prospects of the Sharks, Stormers and Bulls as they kick off the second round of the Champions Cup.
The Stormers have been performing well even in the absence of their national stars, and so they will need to carefully reintegrate some of their Springboks to ensure there isn’t any disruption, while the Bulls and Sharks are really in need of all the help they can get.
Both the Sharks and Stormers are in action on Saturday, while the Bulls will play away against the Northampton Saints on Sunday.
HERE ARE ALL THE KICK OFF TIMES TO NOTE FOR THE SHARKS, BULLS AND STORMERS
Friday, December 12
- Leicester Tigers vs Leinster: 22:00
Saturday, December 13
- Stormers vs La Rochelle: 15:00
- ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Sale Sharks: 17:15
- Sharks vs Saracens: 17:15
- Bordeaux-Bègles vs Scarlets: 19:30
- Munster vs Gloucester: 19:30
- Glasgow Warriors vs Toulouse: 22:00
Sunday, December 14
- Castres Olympique vs Edinburgh: 15:00
- Harlequins vs Bayonne: 15:00
- RC Toulon vs Bath: 17:15
- Northampton Saints vs Bulls: 17:15
- Bristol Bears vs Pau: 19:30
REINFORCEMENTS NEEDED
This Saturday, Andre Esterhuizen is set to earn his 100th cap for the Sharks, and he said the returning Springboks are determined to help turn the team’s fortunes around when they host Saracens in the Champions Cup on Saturday.
“A lot has happened while we were away, but everyone is focused on the same task – getting this team back to where we should be,” he said. “We’re just concentrating on this weekend and playing rugby to the best of our ability.
“We’ve had two really good training days – it’s been incredibly hot in Durban, but the boys got stuck in. The young guys trained well, and now with everyone back, we’re pushing hard for a proper team performance.
“We’ve had honest conversations about the responsibility we need to take as players. Now that we’re all back, our full focus is on turning things around and building momentum.”
