Check out some of the important fixtures, results and team sheets that form part of this week’s rugby menu.
PREPARATION SERIES
Friday, 26 March
Sharks v Bulls (Kings Park, 7pm)
The Sharks outscored the Vodacom Bulls seven tries to two to wrap their preparation series campaign with a comprehensive 45-12 win at Kings Park on Friday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
Saturday, 27 March
Griquas v Pumas (Kimberley, 3pm)
Thinus de Beer slotted a 79th-minute penalty as Griquas claimed a morale-boosting 23-22 win over the Pumas on Saturday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
Stormers v Lions (Cape Town Stadium, 5.15pm)
The Stormers completed their preparation for the upcoming Rainbow Cup with a 44-12 victory over the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
Sunday, 28 March
Cheetahs v Eastern Province (Bloemfontein, 3pm)
The Cheetahs and EP will be looking to bounce back after disappointing defeats last weekend.
CHE – 15 Craig Barry, 14 Rhyno Smith, 13 Chris Smit, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Marcell Muller, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Andisa Ntsila, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Chris Massyn, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Conraad (Beertjie) van Vuuren, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi, 1 Alulutho Tsakweni.
Subs: 16 Janus Venter, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Carl Wegner, 20 Gideon van Wyk, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Ruan Pienaar, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.
EP – 15 Courtney Winnaar, 14 Xolela Payi, 13 Athi Mayinye, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Josia Twum-Boafo, 10 Inny Radebe (c), 9 Ethan Jantjies, 8 Luigy van Jaarsveld, 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 CJ Velleman, 5 Arnold Kleyn, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Marzuq Maarman, 2 Robin Stevens, 1 Siya Nzuzo
Subs: 16 Sithembiso Befile, 17 Lyle Lombaard, 18 Emile Klassen, 19 Ntsika Fisante, 20 Diego Williams, 21 Sachin Toring, 22 Davian Swanepoel, 23 Lennox Holster
SIX NATIONS
Friday, 26 March
France v Scotland (Paris, 10pm)
Wales were crowned 2021 Six Nations Champions after France suffered a 27-23 defeat to Scotland in the tournament decider in Paris on Friday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA
Friday, 26 March
Highlanders v Hurricanes (Dunedin, 8.05am)
Jordie Barrett handed the Hurricanes their first win of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season, scoring all the points in a 30-19 demolition of the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
Saturday, 27 March
Chiefs v Blues (Hamilton, 8.05am)
Damian McKenzie scored a self-converted try in the last minute of an enthralling contest to give the Chiefs a 15-12 win over the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday. CLICK HERE for the match report.
