The Junior Springboks will look to light the first fire of their Under-20 Rugby Championship campaign when they face Argentina in Gqeberha on Monday, withflyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed expected to play a central role in shaping South Africa’s attacking edge.
Ahmed, known to many as“The Chef”, has earned a reputation for stirring defences with a blend of vision, timing and composure. The former Wynberg Boys’ High playmaker, now aligned with the Stormers, steps into the No 10 jersey with the responsibility of directing traffic against a Los Pumitas side known for its physical edge and structured set piece.
Kick-off at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is scheduled for 16h10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.
Captain Riley Norton leads a side that combines continuity with emerging talent. Norton, who skippered the Junior Boks to World Championship success in Italy last year, anchors the pack alongside lock partner Heinrich Theron, while the front row of Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk and Danie Kruger is tasked with providing a stable platform.
In the backline, Ahmed will link with scrumhalf Hendré Schoeman in a pairing that balances tempo with control. Out wide, Jack Benade is rewarded for his Varsity Cup form, joining Lindsey Jansen on the wings, while Ethan Adams and Samuel Badenhorst combine in midfield.
At fullback, Alzeadon Felix completes a back three that offers both counter-attacking threat and defensive cover.
Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote expects a demanding contest against Argentina, who have consistently tested South Africa at this level.
“They are known for their physicality and their solid set piece, so we know we will have to steady ourselves for a very tough contest,” said Foote.
“Our recent contests have been very close – they played exceptionally well against us in this tournament last year, and we had to dig very deep to overcome them in the semi-final of the World Championship last year in Italy.”
The breakdown is likely to be a key battleground, with loose forwards Luke Canon, Kebotile Maake and Thomas Beling carrying the responsibility of slowing Argentina’s momentum while securing quality possession.
Foote indicated that the tempo of the match could be high, in line with the approach favoured by southern hemisphere teams.
“Argentina, like the other southern hemisphere sides, prefer a high-tempo game with plenty of ball in play,” he said.
“They are a battle-hardened, tenacious outfit, and we will have to work extremely hard throughout the contest if we want to impose ourselves.
“Our DNA is our physicality, and we are looking forward to playing an exciting brand of rugby.”
South Africa will be without a handful of players due to injury and senior commitments, though the squad retains depth. Vusi Moyo returns from injury and is expected to provide cover at flyhalf from the bench, while Oliver Reid adds experience in the front row.
Earlier on Monday, Australia and New Zealand will open the tournament, which features the leading Under-20 sides from the southern hemisphere.
For the Junior Boks, the focus will be on execution and control. If the forwards establish a foothold, Ahmed’s ability to read space and manage territory could prove decisive in setting the tone for the campaign.
Junior Springboks team vs Argentina U20
Starting XV 15. Alzeadon Felix, 14. Jack Benade, 13. Samuel Badenhorst, 12. Ethan Adams, 11. Lindsey Jansen, 10. Yaqeen Ahmed, 9. Hendré Schoeman, 8. Kebotile Maake, 7. Thomas Beling, 6. Luke Canon, 5. Riley Norton (c), 4. Heinrich Theron, 3. Danie Kruger, 2. Liam van Wyk, 1. Rambo Kubheka
The Fidelity SecureDrive Lionswill look to strengthen their push for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff place when they host Irish side Connacht in their Round 16 clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
With the Race to the Eight entering its decisive phase, every result carries significant weight in the battle for knockout qualification and potential European competition spots. The Johannesburg side return home on the back of encouraging form, having built momentum with an attacking approach that has yielded results in recent weeks.
Connacht, however, arrive with a clear game plan and will be confident of challenging in the Highveld conditions, where accuracy and tempo often prove decisive.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made four changes to his side, including a positional switch that sees Springbok forward Ruan Venter move into the second row. Batho Hlekani comes into the starting line-up at flank as the hosts look to maintain balance between physicality and mobility.
The match will also mark a significant milestone for hooker PJ Botha, who is set to earn his 100th cap for the franchise.
“When I was still at school, I thought it would be nice to maybe play one or two matches for a franchise in an international competition,” Botha said.
“To now reach 100 is incredible. The time has flown. It’s a privilege for me to reach this milestone, and I’m grateful that it will happen in a home match.”
Botha’s role at the set piece is expected to be key as the Lions aim to establish a solid platform against a Connacht side known for their structured play and attacking intent.
Scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys believes the visitors will pose a similar challenge to one the Lions handled effectively in their previous outing.
“We know what they will bring. We know their game model. It’s not easy to defend or attack against it, but if we do what we need to do well, I am sure there will be opportunities,” he said.
The Lions will again rely on their forward pack to provide momentum, while their backline looks to capitalise on scoring chances. Maintaining the intensity shown in their previous performance will be crucial against a Connacht outfit that thrives on quick ball and spatial awareness.
Morne Brandon returns to the matchday squad and is expected to provide impact off the bench, while Siba Qoma offers additional cover in the second row.
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions Match 23
Starting XV
1. SJ Kotze, 2. PJ Botha (100), 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 4. Ruan Venter, 5. Darrien Landsberg, 6. Siba Mahashe, 7. Batho Hlekani, 8. Francke Horn (captain), 9. Morne van den Berg, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Erich Cronje, 12. Richard Kriel, 13. Henco van Wyk, 14. Angelo Davids, 15. Quan Horn
Replacements 16. Morne Brandon, 17. Eddie Davids, 18. Sebastian Lombard, 19. Reinhard Nothnagel, 20. Siba Qoma, 21. JC Pretorius, 22. Nico Steyn, 23. Kelly Mpeku
The Lions registered the biggest upset of the weekend in the fourth-last round of pool matches as they thumped log-leaders the Glasgow Warriors 54-12 in Johannesburg to leap into fourth position on the standings on 48 points to work themselves in contention for a possible home quarter-final, while the Bulls outplayed the Dragons 47-7 in Wales to remain in eighth place (45 points).
The Stormers, meanwhile, had their hopes of reclaiming the top position on the table dashed as they suffered a disappointing 33-24 defeat against Connacht in slippery conditions in Cape Town, but they managed to remain in second place on the standings with 51 points, level with the third-placed Leinster.
The Sharks’ hopes of reaching the playoffs sustained a huge blow as they went down 21-17 against the Opsreys in Wales. This result knocked them one place down the table into 11th place, level on 34 points with the Welsh outfit.
With only three pool rounds remaining, the Stormers remain in a strong position to secure a playoff spot, while the Lions will be in a comfortable position to make the playoffs for the first time if they register one more victory.
The Bulls still have their destiny in their own hands despite ninth-placed Connacht trailing them by only one point, but the Sharks find themselves in a tough spot with only a mathematical chance to force their way into the playoffs, which would require winning all of their remaining matches with bonus points, while other teams will have to stumble along the way.
With only four points separating the fourth to ninth-placed teams, the competition is set to come down to the wire.
Dominant second half steers Bulls to bonus point win against Dragons
A sublime second-half performance saw the Vodacom Bulls build on a narrow 12-7 lead against the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Friday to claim a commanding 47-7 victory, scoring seven tries to only one by the hosts.
The first half was fairly balanced as both teams created opportunities on attack, with Embrose Papier crossing the chalk for the visitors in the 11th minute from a pick-and-go at a scrum, while the Dragons’ only points of the match were scored in the 23rd minute from a stunning pass out wide, which saw them take advantage of a hole in the defence.
They had to work hard for that try, however, as they were shut out three times previously close to the tryline in the opening quarter.
The scramble for dominance continued as the half progressed, but the Vodacom Bulls took the lead shortly before halftime as Johann Grobbelaar scored from a rolling maul, handing them a 12-7 halftime lead.
It was one-way traffic in the second half as the Vodacom Bulls took full control of the match and capitalised on most of their try-scoring chances, which saw Marco van Staden score a brace from strong forward play to add to tries by Marcell Coetzee, Devon Williams, and Sergeal Petersen, while they denied the hosts a single point to bag the vital bonus-point 47-7 victory.
Scorers:
Dragons 7 (7) – Try: Fine Inisi. Conversion: Cai Evans.
Vodacom Bulls 47 (12) – Tries: Embrose Papier, Johann Grobbelaar, Marcell Coetzee, Marco van Staden (2), Devon Williams, Sergeal Petersen. Conversions: Handre Pollard (3), David Kriel (3).
Disappointment in the Cape as Stormers go down to Connacht
The DHL Stormers’ tough week following the loss of their team manager, ‘Chippie’ Solomon, last week, was compounded on Saturday as they suffered a 33-24 defeat against Connacht in wet conditions at the DHL Stadium, which saw them fail to come away with a single point from the encounter.
It was a tight scramble, with the home side taking a 10-7 lead going into halftime, but three late tries by the Irishmen saw them close out the match with a bonus-point victory.
The first half was hard-fought as both teams tried hard to break through the defence, and they each scored only one try in the opening stanza before a penalty goal by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu handed the Capetonians a narrow halftime lead.
The DHL Stormers started the match on the back foot as Deon Fourie received a yellow card for making head contact in a tackle in the fifth minute, and this paved the way for Connacht to score the first try of the match two minutes later. The Cape side hit back shortly after as Evan Roos snatched a fantastic pass to level the scores.
While mistakes at crucial times cost the DHL Stormers from adding to their score, their strong defence held Connacht out from scoring a possible second try, and in the end, the difference between the teams on the scoreboard going into the break was Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s penalty goal.
The teams continued to throw everything at one another in the second half, with Ntuthuko Mchunu and the visitors scoring within eight minutes of one another, both from strong pick-and-goes, and it was again a three-point game with over 20 minutes to play.
The closing stanza was nail-biting as Feinberg-Mngomezulu weaved through the defence for a third try, but this was cancelled out by three tries in a row by Connacht, which secured them their bonus point and sealed a rewarding 33-24 victory to ensure that they remain in the race for a quarterfinal spot.
The Lions delivered a performance worthy of high praise against the Glasgow Warriors, as they thumped the Vodacom URC log-leaders 54-12 in a commanding display at Ellis Park, scoring a whopping eight tries to two by the Scots.
The Johannesburgers made a strong statement from the outset, scoring the first of their four first-half tries in the sixth minute, and they backed this up with a gallant defensive effort to limit Glasgow to only one try for a morale-boosting 26-7 lead at the break.
Henco van Wyk delivered the first salvo in the sixth minute as he crashed through a defender to touch down, and Erich Cronje followed four minutes later from an effective pass out wide for a 12-0 lead.
Van Wyk struck again shortly before the second quarter from a beautiful skip pass, before Glasgow forced their way through for their first try, but this was cancelled out on the stroke of halftime as SJ Kotze crashed over the tryline and extended the hosts’ lead to 26-7 going into the sheds.
The Gautengers continued to shine early in the second half with Ruan Venter darting through to the tryline from a lineout to secure their bonus point try and take a handy 33-7 lead.
This, however, fuelled Glasgow’s determination and they hit back with their second try in the 58th minute to trail 33-12, but this did not stop the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions from fighting, as Van den Berg, Sibabalwe Mahashe, and Quan Horn dashed through to the tryline in the closing 12 minutes to inflate their score to 54-12.
Scorers:
Fidelity Securedrive Lions 54 (26) – Tries: Henco van Wyk (2), Erich Cronje, SJ Kotze, Ruan Venter, Morne van den Berg, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Quan Horn. Conversions: Chris Smith (7).
The Hollywoodbets Sharks were left gutted at the Electric Brewery Field as a string of unforced errors cost them a 21-17 defeat against Ospreys, in a match in which both teams scored three tries apiece, with the difference on the scoreboard being two missed conversions by the Durbanites.
The first half was intense as both teams ran hard at one another on attack and used their tactical kicking game to try to gain ascendancy, and although the Ospreys entered the break 14-12 up after both teams crossed the whitewash twice, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will rue two realistic opportunities that could have given them the upper hand.
The Durbanites threatened to score early on and supported this with a brave defensive effort, but a smart kick and great interplay saw the Ospreys score first in the 11th minute.
Phepsi Buthelezi cancelled this out with the South Africans’ first try in the 19th minute from a driving maul, but the conversion went wayward, leaving them trailing by 7-5.
Both teams crossed the chalk in the second quarter, with Ospreys touching down from a rolling maul, while Ethan Hooker gathered a turnover against the run of play close to the KwaZulu-Natalians tryline to score under the posts on the stroke of halftime, which saw the home side enter the sheds 14-12 ahead. Unfortunately for Hooker, the try marked the end of his contribution to the match as he left the field with a shoulder injury.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ woes continued in the second half as they missed out on three possible chances to score in the third quarter, and then found themselves 21-12 down, as the Welshmen scored from a well-timed intercept in the 54th minute.
The Durbanites finally found their momentum on attack as Buthelezi crossed the tryline for his brace from a rolling maul in the 69thminute, but the conversion attempt went wide once again, leaving them trailing four points with less than 10 minutes to play.
Their hopes of securing a late victory were dashed completely as a costly knock-on saw Ospreys secure a turnover to snatch the 21-17 win.
Scorers:
Ospreys 21 (14) – Tries: Dan Edwards, Jac Morgan, Garyn Phillips. Conversions: Edwards (3).
What was meant to be a day of tribute and celebration at DHL Stadium ended in bitter disappointment for the Stormers, who slumped to a shock 33-24 United Rugby Championship defeat to Connacht on Saturday.
On an emotionally charged afternoon, the home side honoured long-time team managerChristopher “Chippie” Solomons, who died suddenly from a heart attack last week, while veteran hooker Scarra Ntubeni was set for a fitting farewell in his final appearance in blue and white.
Instead, the occasion turned into a nightmare.
With Solomons’ family receiving warm applause from the 13,903-strong crowd on a cold, wet Cape Town afternoon, the mood before kick-off was heavy with emotion. Tears flowed among players as the Stormers prepared for a match coach John Dobson had described as one “for Chippie”.
A moment bigger than the game. Respect, remembrance and rugby. A guard of honour for the DHL Stormers, honouring Chippie ❤️
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) April 18, 2026
By full-time, there was no comfort to be found.
The defeat not only denied the Stormers the chance to climb to the top of the URC table, it also left their play-off ambitions under fresh pressure. Connacht’s first-ever win over the Stormers in Cape Town lifted the Irish side from ninth to sixth, while the hosts remained second.
The Stormers appeared to have done enough when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu crashed over late in the second half to edge them ahead.
But the match swung dramatically moments later.
A costly error from the restart by replacement lock Ruben van Heerden handed Connacht the opening they needed, with scrumhalf Ben Murphy pouncing for a crucial try in the 71st minute to snatch a 26-24 lead and secure the visitors a bonus point.
Forced to chase the game, the Stormers unravelled.
Their expansive approach in slippery conditions proved costly, with loose passing and poor decision-making repeatedly placing them under pressure. That desperation was punished in the 77th minute when Connacht flyhalf Sean Naughton intercepted to race away for the decisive score.
Dobson admitted afterwards that his side had failed to adapt to the conditions.
“You are 100% correct. Yes, it was very frustrating. We shovelled rubbish out there for quite a bit of time. We did … We did,” he said.
The Stormers coach conceded his side should have played a more territorial game.
“We were loose throughout. There were a couple of patches in the first half that we spoke about where we shuffled it around too much.
“I thought we were very loose. We said at halftime, let’s be more direct and limit the passing on attack.
“But we kept shovelling the ball back repeatedly and conceded a penalty for sealing off.”
Dobson felt the Stormers strayed from a winning blueprint that was already working.
“It felt at times we needed to invent to beat them, when in reality the template was there to do it; we saw it with our mauling getting on top.”
He also pointed to key moments that shifted momentum.
“We had their maul on the ropes, and at one instance we had a quick throw in to Warrick Gelant, but then Damian Willemse threw a forward pass, Connacht got the scrum and ended up scoring.”
The emotional week, Dobson said, could not be used as an excuse, though he acknowledged the impact it had.
“We can’t use Chippie’s thing as an excuse, but it was a helluva week.”
Captain Ruhan Nel echoed his coach’s frustration.
“I felt we did more than enough in that game to put ourselves in the correct positions.
“I felt we defended great at certain times and then there were a lack of concentration due to simple decisions.”
The defeat leaves the Stormers with little room for error heading into a massive clash against the Glasgow Warriors next week, before a demanding two-match tour against Ulster Rugby and Cardiff Rugby.
“Massive… to get nothing out of this game is very disappointing,” Dobson said.
“We now have to win all three to get where we want to be, but that’s much easier said than done.
“We’ve put ourselves in a bit of a position now.”
For the Stormers, a day that began with tribute ended with a bruising reminder that sentiment alone does not win rugby matches.
The Blitzboks head into the Hong Kong Sevenswith renewed energy and a clear mission to deliver a complete performance as the World Championship phase kicks off.
Zain Davids returns to the squad refreshed after missing the Vancouver and New York legs, determined to make an impact at a tournament where South Africa are still chasing their first title.
“We are starting this Championship at the same venue and with no log points,” Davids said. “What happened in the past counts for nothing, but what happens this weekend will.
“We have never won here, fair enough, but that is not consuming us. What we want is to be on the same page, execute our game plan as one, and take it one game at a time. For now, that is Uruguay, and from there on in, we’ll take each challenge as it comes.”
Davids said the squad rotation plan has left him physically primed.
“You always want to play in every tournament, but coach Philip laid out his plans… so we all knew that we could be rested along the way,” he said.
“I use the word rested in italics, as our strength and conditioning coach, Ghafoer Luckan, keeps a very sharp eye on our prescribed fitness programme.
“So, I am fit and ready for this one. I’m feeling refreshed and keen to get another trophy win.”
He added that strong South African support in Hong Kong adds extra motivation.
“In a way, if we go all out and finish on top, it will be as much for them as for us.”
Captain Impi Visser believes the series winners must raise their attacking standards despite claiming four titles this season.
All the captains at the Hong Kong Sevens Photo Credit: SA Rugby
“Yes, we are not quite there yet, especially on attack, where we can be much better than what we were in our last tournament in New York,” said Visser.
“There our defence was outstanding, our attack not so much.”
The Blitzboks face Uruguay, Spain and Argentina in Pool A, with Visser stressing the need for focus from the opening match.
“We believe we are the best team on the circuit and as such, we want to prove that by winning this weekend,” he said.
“Being the top ranked team will put a target on our backs, but that is fine. We want to be challenged, but mostly by ourselves.
“Our focus is on what we want to achieve, starting with the match against Uruguay.”
Visser warned against complacency in a tournament where all teams start level.
“We all start at zero, so you underestimate any other team at your own peril,” he said.
“Twelve teams come into the same tournament hoping to achieve the same goal and that is to win it.”
He also underlined the significance of the Hong Kong stop on the sevens circuit.
“Many great names in the game have played and competed here. Just to be part of this is special, to finally finish victorious will be even more so.”
South Africa’s four franchises turned home ground into a fortress during Round 13 of the United Rugby Championship, delivering a clean sweep of bonus-point victories that sent a surge of momentum through the playoff race.
The Vodacom Bulls, Fidelity SecureDrive Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers all triumphed in front of their home supporters, creating a weekend that echoed with the rhythm of attacking rugby and relentless forward play.
With five pool matches remaining, the Stormers climbed to second on the standings with 46 points behind the Glasgow Warriors on 50. The Lions occupy seventh place with 38 points, the Bulls hold eighth on 35, and the Sharks remain in the hunt in 11th with 29.
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 22, 2026
Bulls power past Cardiff
The Bulls ignited the weekend with a commanding 40-7 victory over Cardiff Rugby in Pretoria.
Cardiff opened the scoring in the third minute when Harri Millard crossed for a try converted by Callum Sheedy. That early breakthrough stirred the Bulls pack into action. Marcell Coetzee crashed over from a driving maul before Johann Grobbelaar followed through the same channel minutes later.
The backline soon joined the charge as Kurt-Lee Arendse released David Kriel for the third try. Embrose Papier added another after sharp interplay, and Elrigh Louw gathered a perfectly weighted cross kick from Nizaam Carr shortly before halftime to give the Bulls a 33-7 lead.
Ruan Vermaak scored the only try of the second half as the Pretoria side secured a six-try bonus-point victory.
Scorers
Vodacom Bulls 40 (33) Tries: Marcell Coetzee, Johann Grobbelaar, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Vermaak Conversions: Handre Pollard (4), David Kriel
Cardiff 7 (7) Try: Harri Millard Conversion: Callum Sheedy
Lions roar at Ellis Park
The Lions followed with a spectacular 54-17 triumph over Edinburgh Rugby at Ellis Park.
The Johannesburg side stormed to a four-try bonus point within the opening 26 minutes through Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who celebrated his 100th appearance with a try. Bronson Mills added another before halftime as the Lions surged to a 35-0 lead.
Edinburgh responded with three second-half tries, though the Lions maintained their attacking rhythm. Angelo Davids crossed twice with blistering pace and Haashim Pead sealed the eight-try performance shortly before the final whistle.
Scorers
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions 54 (35) Tries: Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg, Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills, Angelo Davids (2), Haashim Pead Conversions: Chris Smith (7)
Edinburgh 17 (0) Tries: Ewan Ashman, Freddy Douglas, Matt Currie Conversion: Cammy Scott
Sharks and Stormers complete the sweep
In Durban, the Sharks produced one of their most complete displays of the season, shutting out Munster Rugby 45-0 at Kings Park. The Durban side combined powerful defence with swift attacking strikes to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Stormers closed the weekend in Cape Town with a 29-21 victory over Dragons RFC. The Cape side blended forward power with attacking flair to claim another five-point haul and cement their place near the top of the table.
Across four cities and four matches, South Africa’s franchises marched in unison. Each victory carried the same message across the competition. The playoff race has entered its decisive stretch, and the local teams are charging forward with growing confidence.
The race to the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC)is gathering pace, and South Africa’s four franchises step onto the field this weekend knowing every tackle, turnover and try could shape their playoff destiny.
Round 13 promises a festival of rugby on home soil as the Vodacom Bulls, Fidelity Securedrive Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers host European opposition in matches that could shift the balance of the standings.
With six pool rounds remaining, the margin between first and ninth place is razor thin. Only 15 points separate log leaders the Glasgow Warriors and ninth-placed Connacht Rugby, leaving fourteen teams still chasing the coveted top-eight positions.
That compressed log has turned the URC table into a battlefield where every point is fought for like a loose ball in a ruck.
The DHL Stormers sit second and continue to lead the South African charge. The Vodacom Bulls and Fidelity Securedrive Lions remain firmly in the playoff conversation, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks know the road ahead demands near perfection if they want to muscle their way into the knockout rounds.
Bulls Seek Loftus Redemption
The Vodacom Bulls return to their Pretoria fortress at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night with a clear objective after last weekend’s bruising defeat to the DHL Stormers.
Standing in their path are Cardiff Rugby, a side that has tasted defeat only four times this season and arrives with confidence after a victory over Leinster Rugby.
The Bulls remain formidable on their home turf. Only two visiting sides have escaped Loftus with victories this season, and the altitude has long served as a silent teammate for the men in blue.
Statistically the Bulls carry the sharper attacking blade, having scored 83 more points than Cardiff so far. Cardiff’s defensive line has proven more resilient, which means the hosts must convert pressure into points when opportunities appear.
Missed chances proved costly last weekend. A more clinical performance could turn Loftus into the launching pad for another climb up the standings.
Lions Look to Roar Again at Ellis Park
Momentum has been building in Johannesburg where the Fidelity Securedrive Lions have rediscovered their bite.
Victories against the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers have injected fresh confidence into the Pride ahead of their clash with Edinburgh Rugby at Ellis Park Stadium.
The Lions have lost only once at home in the competition and their attacking rhythm has been electric, with nearly 90 more points scored than the Scottish side.
Edinburgh, however, travel with a reputation for resilience. Only one of their away defeats has been by more than eight points, a statistic that suggests the contest could unfold like a tactical arm-wrestle before the tempo lifts.
If the Lions’ attacking spark catches fire again, Ellis Park could witness another high-tempo performance from a side that thrives on broken play and open grass.
Sharks Face Must-Win Battle Against Munster
The stakes could hardly be higher for the Hollywoodbets Sharks when they face Munster Rugby in Durban.
Two successive defeats have slowed the Sharks’ momentum and left them outside the playoff zone. The Durban side trails Munster by five places on the table and holds half as many victories after twelve rounds.
That scenario leaves little room for error.
The Sharks’ attack has produced slightly more points than Munster this season, though their defensive structure has leaked too many opportunities. Tightening that system will be critical if they hope to control the contest at Kings Park Stadium.
Munster’s reputation for physical forward play and tactical discipline means the Sharks will need to strike early and maintain intensity across the full eighty minutes.
Their recent back-to-back victories against the Stormers earlier in the season showed what the Durban outfit can achieve when rhythm and belief align.
Stormers Eye Top Spot Opportunity
Sunday afternoon in Cape Town could provide the DHL Stormers with an opportunity to climb to the summit of the URC table.
The defending champions host Dragons RFC at DHL Stadium with the knowledge that a bonus-point victory could propel them into first place should the Glasgow Warriors stumble against Leinster Rugby.
The Stormers rediscovered their rhythm last weekend after ending a three-match losing run with a powerful display against the Bulls. Their record of nine victories compared to the Dragons’ two places them firmly among the favourites.
Cape Town’s coastal venue has often felt like a tidal surge for visiting teams. When the Stormers’ attacking waves gather momentum, they can crash through defensive lines with relentless force.
A strong finish to the remaining six matches could secure a valuable home playoff fixture, a prize that would place the Stormers in a powerful position as the tournament approaches its knockout phase.
Veteran Springbok loose forwardDeon Fourie is poised for a welcome return for the Stormersafter a gruelling two-year battle with injuries, with the Cape side hoping his presence can spark a response against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.
The 39-year-old has endured a frustrating stretch on the sidelines after a sequence of injuries that kept him out for most of the past two seasons.
Speaking to journalists at theStormersHigh Performance Centre in Bellville on Wednesday after a training session in searing heat, Fourie said he was grateful to be back in contention.
“Yeah, feeling fresh,” Fourie said. “I think next month, almost exactly two years ago, I started the injury route. I’m back now and I’m very, very grateful to be back. I worked hard and credit to the physios and management that got me lucky.”
His recovery journey included an ACL injury followed by further setbacks.
“After my ACL I did four games and then my ankle, then one game and then my biceps,” he explained.
Fourie’s comeback could hardly come in a bigger fixture, with the Stormers travelling to Pretoria for one of South African rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
“It’s always special,” he said. “Playing against the Bulls, all the history involved in that and all the times I’ve played against them. It’s a great game to come back to. It gets the best out of everyone.”
Match fitness remains an unknown after such a lengthy absence, though Fourie believes the team’s demanding preparation will help.
“Game fitness and running fitness aren’t the same,” he said. “But after this week in 40 degrees for two days I think I’ll be fine. We’ll see. It’s up at Loftus with a bit of altitude as well, but luckily we’ve got a great player in Paul de Villiers on the bench who can step in.”
The veteran admitted the latest injury tested him mentally, even raising thoughts about retirement.
“Especially the last injury it was quite tough,” Fourie said. “There were a lot of emotions and a lot of questions running through my mind. But that was always my motto. I like to prove people wrong.”
For now, the focus is on simply getting through his return match.
“My first objective is to get through the first game injury free and do it well. Then we’ll see how the body is,” he said. “In two years I’ve only played about five games so maybe my age turned back two years. I’m only 38 now,” he quipped.
The Stormers head to Pretoria seeking to halt a three-match losing run, a stretch that has frustrated the squad.
“It’s important for morale and confidence,” Fourie said. “You need that W again. The frustrating thing the last three weeks was the quality of how we played. We’ll try to rectify that this weekend.”
Despite the pressure, Fourie expects the squad to embrace the occasion at Loftus, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere.
“That’s why you want to go play there,” he said. “The atmosphere builds you, motivates you. That’s why we play rugby, to enjoy it as well and to win there.”
The Stormers will hope their returning veteran can bring the type of grit and breakdown steel that has defined his long career as they attempt to wrestle momentum back in the United Rugby Championship.
The squad departs on Sunday, 15 February, and returns on 28 February.
Foote’s selection blends continuity with fresh talent. Four members of last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship-winning side return: loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, and lock Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to the title in Italy.
The touring group was finalised after a three-week training camp in Stellenbosch, which included high-tempo matches against FNB Varsity Cup sides Maties and UCT.
“We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” said Foote.
The tour also forms part of South Africa’s build-up to defending their world crown in June and July, also in Georgia.
“Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” Foote said.
“We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.
“They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”
Foote added that the broader vision includes building depth for future campaigns.
“We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby. This tour is a vital step in that regard.”
Several players eligible for the 2027 cycle have been included, among them Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya and Luan Giliomee, who recently represented the Blitzboks and helped the Springbok Sevens win the HSBC SVNS Perth title.
Injury concerns ruled out Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre) and Alzeadon Felix (fullback), while flyhalf Vusi Moyo continues his rehabilitation. All are targeting a return for the U20 Rugby Championship in April and May.
Speedy wing Cheswill Jooste is currently on Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty with the Bulls and is expected to link up with the squad later in the season.
Foote admitted that narrowing down the group was not easy.
“The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party. Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship,” he said.
With Norton providing leadership up front and Ahmed poised to guide proceedings at flyhalf, the Junior Boks will look to use the Georgian tour as a critical stepping stone towards another shot at global success.
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).
Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).
Fixtures (Tbilisi): 18 February – SA U20 vs Lelo Saracens 22 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20 27 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20
The Springbok Women’s Sevens claimed the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai on Sunday after an unbeaten tournament highlighted by strong defence, effective attack and disciplined teamwork, according to head coach Cecil Afrika.
South Africa topped their pool on Saturday before defeating Poland in the semi-finals and coming from behind to beat Argentina 12-5 in the final.
The victory marked Afrika’s second consecutive tournament title since taking over as coach in October, following the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup triumph in Nairobi in November.
“It was a great win and the players deserve all the credit – we really defended well, but our attack also proved very effective,” said Afrika.
He said the team struck the right balance between defence and attack throughout the tournament.
“Overall, I think we got the balance right at this tournament. When we needed to, we defended our line very well and when the opportunity came, we could switch to attack and scored some really nice tries.”
Afrika emphasised collective effort as key to the team’s defensive success.
“One of the keys to a successful defensive effort is for players to work hard for each other, getting back in line, getting back off the floor to get in position and to trust the system and not try things on your own.”
The Dubai title secures qualification for the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with three tournaments to follow, starting in Nairobi on 14–15 February.
Afrika also acknowledged squad members who did not travel to Dubai.
“We must also acknowledge those players who did not travel this time but are part of the squad,” he said. “They helped us with our preparation and I am happy to say we got our tactics and game analisys right also.”
The team will depart Dubai later on Sunday and arrive in Cape Town at 11:00 on Monday.
Selected stats: Most points – Nadine Roos (54: four tries, 17 conversions) Most tries – Maria Tshiremba (7)
