Sharks coach John Plumtree will look for a response from his team as they look to defend their EPCR Challenge Cup title, starting with the Round of 16 this weekend in Lyon.
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The Bulls are the only side going into the Challenge Cup knockout matches with winning momentum, with the Sharks and Lions having plenty of hard work to do to keep their campaigns on track.
As the South African sides gear up for their do-or-die European matches overseas, there will be a sense of optimism for the Loftus side as they prepare for their duel in France. It seems like only Bulls mentor Jake White and Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen will field sides close to their strongest to challenge for a place in the quarterfinals.
Indications are that the Sharks, who are the defending champions, have sent a second-string team as they prioritise the United Rugby Championship (URC). But a ‘B’ Sharks team can still cause a surprise or two as they’ve shown time and again.
For the Lions, it’s all about forgetting that 42-0 loss in the URC as they take on Edinburgh in the first Round of 16 match on Friday evening (9pm start). Yes, it’s another Scottish club that will have passionate fans supporting them, but if the Johannesburg side can play like they can, they can keep their near-perfect win record intact over their hosts.
On Saturday in Bayonne (1.30pm start), it will be a tricky challenge for the Bulls, but as South Africa’s form side, all eyes will be on them to keep the flag flying high. Their opponents are currently fourth in the French Top14, so they are not playing a so-called weaker team. After wins over Leinster and Zebre in the URC, they will be primed for this tough task.
On Sunday evening (6.30pm kick-off), the Durbanites will rock up to the Matmut Stadium knowing that it could be the end of the road for their title defence if they can’t string together an 80-minute performance.
They’ve had two below-average performances in the URC and need a resounding display to turn the tide. But if they can’t beat Lyon, more questions will be asked about the team and if they are playing to their potential.
At least one of the franchises must make it through to the quarters to keep the question ‘Do SA teams belong in the tournament’ at bay. They are already not competing in the top-tier Champions Cup knockouts, so South Africa can ill-afford not to have a team in the Challenge Cup playoffs after winning the tournament last season.