Five South African rugby teams compete in crucial matches this weekend that will determine their fate in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
It's a crucial weekend for South African rugby teams competing in European competitions. Five teams, the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, Cheetahs, and Lions, face make-or-break matches that will determine their fate in the top-tier Champions Cup and the second-tier Challenge Cup . The Bulls, determined to secure their spot in the Champions Cup, have selected a full-strength squad for their clash against the French side at Loftus.
Coach Jake White has opted for several Springbok stars, including Cameron Hanekom, captain Elrigh Louw, and Marcell Coetzee. The pack boasts Ruan Nortje at lock and an all-Bok front row of Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Gerhard Steenekamp. At the back, Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen form the 9-10 pairing.The Stormers, bolstered by the return of Evan Roos and Joseph Dweba, are aiming for a strong performance against their European opponents. Clayton Blommetjies steps into the fullback role, replacing Warrick Gelant who is rested alongside other key players like Manie Libbok and Deon Fourie. Jurie Matthee takes on the No 10 jersey, while Dewald Duvenhage is the scrumhalf. Meanwhile, the Sharks are facing a challenging match while still missing several key players, including Aphelele Fassi, Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Jordan Hendrikse, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, and Vincent Koch. They've named Yaw Penxe at fullback, Jurenzo Julius at center, and Siya Masuku at 10. Grant Williams returns after recovering from injury, and Jason Jenkins gets a chance in the second row. Siya Kolisi will lead the team from No 8. Lastly, the Lions, desperate for a win to stay in the Challenge Cup, welcome back center Henco van Wyk and flanker Ruan Venter for their encounter against the Dragons.
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