South African rugby fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting weekend as the DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls prepare for their matches in the Investec Champions Cup. The Stormers are set to play against the defending champions, Stade Rochelais, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, while the Bulls will compete against Lyon in France.
In addition to these highly anticipated matches, the Emirates Lions will face the Newcastle Falcons in Johannesburg in the EPCR Challenge Cup, and the Toyota Cheetahs will take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Bloemfontein for a thrilling local derby.
The Stormers are determined to bounce back from their recent defeat against the Leicester Tigers and are looking to capitalize on their home advantage at the DHL Stadium. With a fresh lineup that includes several Springboks staying behind in Cape Town, the team is poised to put up a strong fight against Stade Rochelais, who have experienced both successes and setbacks in the French Top 14.
Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls are in high spirits after securing six wins out of eight matches this season. They are confident in their ability to secure a vital victory on Lyon’s home turf at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland. Despite Lyon’s slow start to the Top 14 season, they are determined to turn things around after a close defeat against the Bristol Bears in the Investec Champions Cup.
In the EPCR Challenge Cup, the Emirates Lions will be aiming for their fourth consecutive win when they face the struggling Newcastle Falcons at Emirates Airline Park. With the home advantage and the confidence from their recent away win against Perpignan, the Emirates Lions are ready to confront their opponents head-on.
The Toyota Cheetahs and Hollywoodbets Sharks are also expected to deliver an exhilarating match in Bloemfontein, with both teams riding high on confidence after their impressive victories last week. This promises to be an exciting showdown, with both sides showcasing their prowess in set pieces and solid attack.
The upcoming matches are as follows:
Investec Champions Cup
DHL Stormers vs. Stade Rochelais
Date: Saturday, December 16
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 15:00
Referee: Christophe Ridley
TV: SuperSport
Lyon vs. Vodacom Bulls
Date: Saturday, December 16
Venue: Matmut Stadium de Gerland, Lyon
SA Time: 19:30
Referee: Mike Adamson
TV: SuperSport
EPCR Challenge Cup
Emirates Lions vs. Newcastle Falcons
Date: Saturday, December 16
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
SA Time: 17:15
Referee: Benoit Rousselet
TV: SuperSport
Toyota Cheetahs vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks
Date: Sunday, December 17
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
SA Time: 15:00
Referee: Andrea Piardi
TV: SuperSport
South African rugby enthusiasts can expect an impressive display of talent as these teams prepare to compete in the European rugby arena. With high stakes and intense competition, the weekend promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans of the sport. Get ready to witness unforgettable matches as these talented teams showcase their skills on the international stage.