SA teams must shake off defeats and gear up for URC battles

After two weekends of European disappointment for South African sides, local franchises have to shake it off and get right back into the thick of things as the United Rugby Championship (URC) hits the business end over the coming weeks.

With the Champions and Challenge Cup competitions now out the way, all of their focus can turn to the final two rounds of the URC pool stage, with all four SA sides battling it out on various fronts.

The defending champions and second-placed Stormers have already sealed their place in the competition knockouts and secured a home quarterfinal, but with third-placed Ulster breathing down their necks, they still need to win their last two pool games to secure second place.

Leinster have already sealed top spot, so it is important for the Stormers to make sure they finish second so they can be in line to host a semi-final, should they get there, and a possible final, like they did last year.

Unbeaten at home

Home ground advantage has proved extremely beneficial for the Stormers, with the side having gone unbeaten at Cape Town Stadium since December 2021, so it is vitally important for them to finish as high as possible.

They face a tricky challenge against fifth-placed Munster this coming weekend, before ending their pool stage against Benetton next week.

The Stormers are favourites for both games, and should they play to their potential, they should be able to pick up two wins to secure second spot and head into the knockouts with good momentum.

Bulls and Sharks

The Bulls and Sharks, currently lying seventh and eighth on the log respectively, both need to win their final two pool games to make sure of a place in the quarterfinals.

The eighth-placed Sharks are just one point ahead of this weekend’s opponents Benetton, who are ninth on the log, and it is basically a do-or-die game for both teams.

The Sharks will be strong favourites, but should they slip up, Benetton will take their place in the playoff spots ahead of the final round of pool games.

The Bulls take on URC whipping boys Zebre and they should be confident of picking up a full house of points which could seal their place in the quarterfinals by the end of the weekend should other results go their way.

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The Lions are currently in 11th place on the log, three points behind the Sharks in the final playoff spot, and they have no option but to try and upset what is expected to be a second-string Leinster side in their penultimate pool match.

A loss for the Lions will end any chance of them making the knockouts.

All four South African teams will be at home over the final two rounds which should give them a boost to have the best possible finish.