Fans keep the faith in SA assault on Europe
Despite five South African teams qualifying for the round of 16, SARugbymag.co.za readers are bearish about the prospects of a European trophy coming back to the Republic.
Despite five South African teams qualifying for the round of 16, SARugbymag.co.za readers are bearish about the prospects of a European trophy coming back to the Republic.
All five SA teams have qualified for the round of 16, but how far will they go?
Lawrence Dallaglio has hailed the Ospreys as the story of the European season, but fellow British & Irish Lions icon Brian O’Driscoll believes the DHL Stormers will grab the headlines in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.
Toulouse coach Ugo Mola says that SA sides “have turned things upside down” in Europe this season after five teams from the Republic progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions and Challenge cups.
Catch up on the weekend action involving SA players based overseas and on duty in the final round of the Champions and Challenge Cup, as well as how some Springboks played in Japan’s League One.
The Stormers, Sharks and Lions will be at home, while the Vodacom Bulls and Cheetahs will take to the road as South Africa’s full contingent qualified for the European cup playoffs.
Siya Masuku kicked an overtime penalty in Parma on Sunday to book the Cheetahs’ place in the Challenge Cup playoffs and eliminate Pau.
Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse marked his return to action with 20 points from the boot as the Lions beat Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday to secure a place in the Challenge Cup round of 16.
The Cheetahs made injury-enforced changes for the do-or-die Challenge Cup match against French outfit Section Paloise in Parma on Sunday evening.
Fit-again Jordan Hendrikse will start at flyhalf when the Lions look to secure a place in the Challenge Cup playoffs against Dragons in Newport on Sunday afternoon.