State of the European cups: SA teams quick off the mark
The Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Cheetahs kicked off their respective Champions and Challenge Cup campaigns on a winning note as five South African teams made their competition debuts.
The Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Cheetahs kicked off their respective Champions and Challenge Cup campaigns on a winning note as five South African teams made their competition debuts.
The Emirates Lions shared the spoils with the Dragons after an entertaining draw at Ellis Park on Saturday, while the Toyota Cheetahs made a winning return to international competition in southern France.
Springbok scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar kicked 11 points as the Cheetahs announced their European debut with a comeback victory against Top 14 outfit Section Paloise on Saturday.
Jordan Hendrikse was unable to slot an overtime, 56-metre penalty as the Lions had to settle for a draw on Challenge Cup debut against a spirited Dragons outfit in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
Uncharted territory awaits the South African sides in the Champions Cup, but are you geared for the new challenge? Take this quiz to find out!
Springbok veteran Frans Steyn will start at fullback when the Toyota Cheetahs make their long-awaited return to top-class rugby against Section Paloise on Saturday in Pau.
Follow the live action as the Toyota Cheetahs face Section Paloise in a #ChallengeCupRugby clash in Pau. #PAUvCHE
Follow the live action as the Emirates Lions host the Dragons in a #ChallengeCupRugby clash at Ellis Park. #LIOvDRA
The Vodacom Bulls and Sharks will charge to victory on Champions Cup debut at home, according to the SARugbymag team.
Springbok star Handre Pollard believes the South African teams will take the Heineken Champions Cup to “a completely different level”, just as they have done with the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.