South Africa’s European Problem faces an acid check this weekend that wants a agency response, although it could be within the EPCR Problem Cup moderately than the extra prestigious Investec Champions’ Cup.
Whereas no South African aspect certified for the Spherical of 16 within the Champions’ Cup, three URC franchises face very actual challenges this weekend as they give the impression of being to remain alive within the Problem Cup, realizing {that a} slip up might depart the nation with none illustration within the competitors in any respect.
The Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions all head to Europe realizing they maintain their fates in their very own fingers, and can wish to restore some delight within the problem from down south, a lot in order that they’ll’t be topic to the traditional speak of why they’re in Europe in any respect.
Nonetheless, all three face tough video games, powerful encounters that aren’t simple to foretell an consequence, and the traditional struggles of type outdoors South Africa is an actual query mark on all three as they head into motion this weekend.
✨ Spherical of 16 Fixtures ✨
Bathtub Rugby, Racing 92, Hollywoodbets Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls drop into the competitors, some mouthwatering ties to come back 🍿
Who’re you backing to make the #ChallengeCupRugby closing in Cardiff, tickets on sale now ⬇️
— EPCR Problem Cup (@ChallengeCup_) January 22, 2025
The Emirates Lions most likely have the obvious of fixtures, dealing with an Edinburgh aspect coached by former Sharks coach Sean Everitt – a problem acquainted to them in each single method.
Add to that the large victory at Ellis Park earlier this yr, and the Lions definitely know the right way to take an Edinburgh aspect aside.
However either side’ conditions have shifted immensely since that early season recreation, with the Lions coming off a “horrific” whitewash to Glasgow Warriors final week – as their defence coach Jaque Fourie put it, whereas Edinburgh have been buoyed by a win over Benetton and have all their Scottish internationals again.
Right here a lot of the stress is firmly on Ivan van Rooyen’s workforce. Once they thumped Edinburgh in the beginning of the season, they have been aiming for a prime 4 end within the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Now, months later, they appear destined for the same season to the final three, the place they missed out on the highest eight and the frustration is palpable all spherical, elevating questions on the way forward for the teaching workforce.
Edinburgh have had an up and down season, and Everitt is beneath stress, however a win will relieve a few of that as they nonetheless sit within the shadow of neighbours Glasgow, one thing their followers usually are not snug with.
Accidents and inconsistent type make the Vodacom Bulls journey to French membership Bayonne a more durable one to name, particularly as Bayonne at the moment are fourth within the Prime 14 and by all accounts are an excellent outfit.
Enjoying a French aspect of their yard is rarely simple, however the Bulls will take lots out of the actual fact they got here inside a whisker of beating Lyon final season and actually, was it not for some fascinating refereeing calls on the finish, they’d have.
Nonetheless, it is a Bulls aspect that performs in matches and begins, and has finished – by coach Jake White’s personal phrases – some “silly” play in current video games. They typically conspire to be their very own worst enemy and the secrecy across the touring celebration makes it powerful to know which Bulls aspect would begin.
However they’ve received extra away from residence and are getting used to the calls for of taking part in abroad extra – added to the truth that White is relying closely on gamers who’ve beforehand starred in Europe to guide the problem.
Bayonne have a mess of worldwide stars of their ranks – together with England midfielder Manu Tuilagi, Pumas hooker Facundo Bosch and Tongan prop Tevita Tatafu whereas former Springbok Uzair Cassiem continues to be residing it up on the ripe age of 35.
They’re a tricky outfit and can welcome the Bulls in entrance of a partisan crowd, making it a tricky ask to win away from residence.
The Sharks appear to have taken a distinct method to the competitors, and if studies are to be believed, have despatched a younger workforce to France to face Lyon of their Sunday match-up. Lyon aren’t any slouches, however it will likely be fascinating to see in the event that they area a few of their internationals – like former Springbok Arno Botha, Georgia star Davit Niniashvili and Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini. In addition they have the likes of Fijian magician Semi Radradra, Irish flyhalf Paddy Jackson and Italian wing Monty Ioane to name on.
If Lyon picks their strongest aspect, it might be a tricky time for the Sharks with out a lot of their Springboks, however it should definitely check their mettle in powerful circumstances.
Elsewhere, there will likely be curiosity when Johann van Graan’s Bathtub face French membership Pau, whereas the large different fixture within the knockout stage is Montpellier internet hosting Gloucester.
EPCR Problem Cup
Spherical of 16 fixtures
Friday
Edinburgh vs Emirates Lions (21.00)
Part Paloise vs Bathtub (21.00)
Saturday
Bayonne vs Vodacom Bulls (13.30)
Montpellier vs Gloucester (18.30)
Perpignan vs Racing 92 (21.00)
Connacht vs Cardiff (21.00)
Sunday
Lyon vs Hollywoodbets Sharks (18.30)
Ospreys vs Scarlets (18.30)
