From Daily Maverick · Jon Cardinelli · · 3m
Sharks and Lions face early playoff tests
South African derbies this weekend will show whether the four franchises can sustain a title push through a gruelling season.
In brief
South African derbies this weekend will show whether the four franchises can sustain a title push through a gruelling season. The United Rugby Championship derbies in Pretoria and Cape Town on October tenth will test whether South Africa's four franchises can compete for the title while managing a demanding schedule…
Derbies set the tone
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The United Rugby Championship derbies in Pretoria and Cape Town this Saturday represent the first big test of the new club season. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be watching closely.
South Africa's track record
Over five years, the Bulls qualified for four finals and the Stormers won the inaugural tournament in twenty twenty-two. The Sharks underachieved despite superior resources, and the Lions only recently qualified for the playoffs.
A demanding season ahead
The twenty twenty-six twenty-seven schedule is particularly demanding because leading players will compete in the Rugby Championship and the World Cup in Australia, which kicks off next October.
Strong start for South Africa
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The Sharks lead the table after two rounds. The Lions are in third place after beating defending champions Leinster and the Ospreys. The Bulls and Stormers accumulated six league points to maintain top eight positions.
All four could make playoffs
For the first time since the competition's inception, there is a strong possibility that all four South African franchises could be in the playoff mix next May.
Bulls need a win
The Bulls play at Loftus Versfeld and cannot afford to lose after blowing an opportunity against Munster in Limerick last week.
Lions' overseas weakness
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The Lions will face La Rochelle in France for their Champions Cup debut, then Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. Their overseas record of two draws and seven losses last season was a point of concern.
Stormers seek revenge
The Stormers remember how JP Pietersen's Sharks beat them in back-to-back fixtures last season and how a shock loss to Connacht at home compromised their playoff hopes.
Sharks' chance to impress
The Sharks failed to qualify for the playoffs last season. They travel to Lyon, Cardiff and Munster after this weekend. A win in Cape Town would give them momentum for that demanding tour.
Derbies as Springbok trials
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Stormers defence coach Norman Laker said the derby is almost like Springbok trials, where every player wants to prove he can be a Bok. Rassie Erasmus has used seventy-two players this international season.
“It's almost like Springbok trials, every single guy wants to prove that he can be a Bok.”
Fringe players in contention
Fringe stars and uncapped players could force their way into Springbok contention via a stellar performance in this weekend's derbies and the club matches that follow.
The key point
The United Rugby Championship derbies in Pretoria and Cape Town on October tenth will test whether South Africa's four franchises can compete for the title while managing a demanding schedule that includes the Champions Cup and the World Cup in Australia next October.
