URC preview: Lions and Sharks return home as Bulls fight for form and Stormers chase perfection

The South African sides in the United Rugby Championship head into a defining weekend. Two teams return to home soil hoping to reset, one seeks a crucial away result to stop a slide, and the unbeaten leaders aim to keep momentum on tour.

Lions – snap the streak at Ellis Park

The Lions host Scarlets at Ellis Park on Saturday, desperate to end a three-match losing run after recent errors cost them against Benetton. The mood in the camp is focused on fixing those mistakes, particularly up front.

“It is good to be back at home after three weeks away,” Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye said. He conceded both teams face pressure this weekend and stressed the tight five must improve. “As the tight five, we pride ourselves on stopping and gaining momentum. That was not always the case last week. As the tight five, we have to look at each other. For us as a group in general, we have to step up”.

Injury issues have forced reinforcements: Eddie Davids, Leon Lyons, Janco Uys and Dylan de Leeuw arrive on loan from the Suzuki Griquas and the Bulls.

Sharks – return to Durban with Springbok firepower

After a bruising, winless tour – a loss to Glasgow Warriors, a draw with Dragons and a heavy defeat by Leinster – the Sharks are home to face Ulster at Kings Park on Saturday. The club expects several Springboks to be included, notably Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Grant Williams.

Young wing Ethan Hooker framed the match as vital: “Our first home game is a big one. We don’t really want to lose home games. We want to come firing out of the blocks and hopefully it lasts for 80 minutes”.

Hooker, back after his maiden trip with the Springboks, added: “I just want to get back and perform. Just running out onto Kings Park again – I miss that feeling and the home crowd. I’m really keen to get back into that”.

Bulls – must-win in Galway

The Bulls travel to Galway to face Connacht in a match described as critical after their 28-7 loss to Ulster. Captain Reinhardt Ludwig returns from a long layoff for a herniated disc and will lead the side. With Handré Pollard unavailable, Keagan Johannes takes over at fly-half, partnered by Paul de Wet.

“We are hurting after the loss last week,” Ludwig said. “But we know where we went wrong, and I’m sure we will bounce back with some great character”.

Stormers – keep the unbeaten run rolling

The unbeaten Stormers, leading the log, continue their tour against Zebre Parma on Saturday. They arrive off a 34-0 victory over the Scarlets and have made four changes.

Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant returns, adding attacking spark and another kicking option. Gelant’s inclusion pushes Damian Willemse to inside centre alongside captain Ruhan Nel. Tighthead Zachary Porthen earns his first start for the Cape side, tasked with anchoring the scrum.

The Stormers have leaned on set-pieces and their maul this season; they will likely continue with the forward-focused blueprint that has produced early returns.

Different tests, same stakes

This weekend lays bare how varied the URC challenge is for South Africa’s quartet. The Lions and Sharks need the lift that home fixtures can provide; the Bulls must steady a tour that has faltered; and the Stormers must guard form and focus while unbeaten. 

Each team faces a clear and unique test – some to regain confidence, others to sustain it – and the outcomes will shape the South African narrative in the competition for weeks to come.