Champions Cup: Saffas to watch
SPOTLIGHT: Whilst no South African team is involved in the Champions Cup quarterfinals, there’s still a strong flavour in terms of player personnel across the respective teams.
Friday, April 10
Bath v Northampton Saints
Props Francois van Wyk and the inform Springbok Thomas du Toit will play an impact role off the bench for Bath and could change the momentum of the game should it be in the balance when they are deployed.
Du Toit, in particular, is in the form of his life and would love to help his team advance to the semifinals.
Also on the Bath bench is former Bulls and Varsity Cup winner with Tuks Bernard van der Linde. His impact when replacing captain Ben Spencer will change the attacking picture of the hosts, as he’s a bit more ‘loose’ yet composed.
In the Saints camp, big JJ van der Mescht is entrusted with the No.5 jersey and has experienced a stellar season thus far, which saw him earn a call-up to the Bok alignment camp.
He’ll want to continue that form and play himself into a green and gold jersey, possibly against club teammates when England visit South Africa on July 4 in the opening clash of the Nations Championship.
Saturday, April 11
Glasgow Warriors v RC Toulon
Glasgow captain Kyle Steyn is currently one of the in-form wingers in world rugby, and if he’s not contained, he will punish the Toulon defence.
Toulon also boasts a South African as their captain in the form of Dave Ribbans, who collected the Player of the Match award in last weekend’s narrow Round of 16 clash against his old team, the Stormers.
With the high age profile and injuries in the lock department for the Springboks, Ribbans could follow in Van der Mescht’s footsteps and expect a call from Rassie Erasmus if he continues his fine form.
Leinster v Sale Sharks
There are no South African players in the Leinster team, but Sale Sharks have no shortage.
One Test Bok Robert du Preez made the No.13 jersey his own for the Manchester-based team in recent seasons after playing most of his career at flyhalf. He’s impressed with his vision and tactical awareness to put his outside backs into space.
Brother Dan du Preez, Jacques Vermeulen and captain Ernst van Rhyn form part of a beefy forward pack.
Du Preez’s ability to carry strongly and win metres is a key element to his game, whilst Vermeulen will be key at the breakdown to prevent Leinster from having quick ruck ball, which they thrive off.
Van Rhyn has shown formidable growth in the second row since making the shift from No.7 and will be keen on impressing Erasmus or even Steve Borthwick in the long run when he becomes eligible for England selection in 2028, with his Sale contract spanning until 2029.
Sunday, April 12
Union Bordeaux Begles v Stade Toulousain
Prop Carlu Sadie’s miracle story from having a broken neck to earning national recognition is nothing short of amazing.
The bulky prop is the cornerstone of a powerful Bordeaux scrum, which allows a clean platform for their devastating backs, such as Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damien Penaud, to thrive off.
Former Junior Bok Tiaan Jacobs features off the bench as a replacement lock and boasts serious size and athleticism to change a match.
Related articles:
Champions Cup, Quarterfinals – Saturday & Sunday’s Teams and Predictions
Challenge Cup quarterfinals – teams and predictions
Bath v Northampton Saints – Teams and Prediction
Ulster v Stade Rochelais – Teams and Prediction
Can South African teams aim high in both the URC and the Champions Cup?
