Vodacom United Rugby Championship

With big crowds enjoying the South African summer weather at the two local Vodacom United Rugby Championship derbies in Cape Town and Durban, the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks were too good for their Gauteng visitors on Saturday.

Investec Champions Cup & EPCR Challenge Cup

The DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks kept the South African flag flying in the second round of the Investec Champions Cup this past weekend, as they registered vital victories against Stade Rochelais and Saracens, while the Vodacom Bulls succumbed to a heavy defeat against the Northampton Saints in a respectable weekend for South Africa’s teams.

Investec Champions Cup & EPCR Challenge Cup

While the DHL Stormers will have their sights set on continuing their formidable form this season when they line up against Stade Rochelais in round two of the Investec Champions Cup this weekend, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, Toyota Cheetahs, and Lions will be desperate to bounce back from disappointing defeats in their opening Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup matches to stay in the race for the playoffs.

Investec Champions Cup & EPCR Challenge Cup

The DHL Stormers provided the only ray of light in a bleak opening weekend of European rugby for the five South African teams, as they toppled Aviron Bayonnais in France, while the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Lions, and Toyota Cheetahs all faltered in their Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup matches.

Investec Champions Cup & EPCR Challenge Cup

Reigning champions Union Bordeaux Bègles will kick off the defence of their Investec Champions Cup crown against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria, while the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks both face tough away fixtures in France as the European showpiece gets underway this weekend.