The South African teams will give everything on Saturday when they return to Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty for the first time this year, with a mouthwatering Jukskei derby kicking off the action in 2025.
A thrilling final round of the Pool phase of the Investec Champions Cup provided a demonstration of both why the South African teams should aspire to be in the competition and also what they need to do if they are ever to compete for the most coveted trophy in club rugby.
Damian Penaud delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring six tries as Union Bordeaux-Bègles dismantled the Sharks 66-12 in a dominant display at Stade Chaban-Delmas in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday.
Sharks coach John Plumtree has admitted that it has been a crazy season for him due to the numerous injuries suffered by players each week.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi once again leads the Hollywoodbets Sharks this weekend when they play their final Investec Champions Cup pool game against Bordeaux Begles at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in France. Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree has once again had to rejig his team following a frustrating run of injuries, having lost Vincent Koch,
It will be a case of sink or swim for the five South African franchises participating in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup competitions this weekend as the pool stage reaches a close with the first playoff round, which will play out in April, moving into view.
The Sharks traveled to France on Monday night without Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth.
The Stormers have confirmed that Springboks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will join the franchise in the 2024/25 season from Montpellier Hérault Rugby.
Sharks coach John Plumtree acknowledged the significant threat posed by Antoine Dupont in their Investec Champions Cup clash against Stade Toulousain at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday.