South African rugby teams gear up for European clashes in Champions and Challenge Cups

South Africa’s franchises will shift their focus to the European club rugby competitions this coming weekend as the EPCR Champions Cup and Challenge Cups kick off.

The Stormers, Bulls and Sharks will have the tough task of fronting up in the Champions Cup against the elite clubs of Europe, while the Lions and Cheetahs will fly the flag in the Challenge Cup.

Following losses in their latest United Rugby Championship (URC) matches, the challenge won’t get any easier for the Bulls and the Sharks, who both have to contend with French Top 14 sides on Saturday, while the travelling Cape side will also faces Bayonne on Friday evening.

Loftus Versfeld will welcome Bordeaux-Bègles on Saturday in what should be a top clash between the two teams.

The Bulls are still hurting after a home URC defeat against the Lions, and they could be vulnerable. However, Loftus remains their fortress, and they will be desperate to build some winning momentum ahead of a crucial December schedule.

The tougher start is arguably for the Sharks.

They must face former champions Toulouse away from home on Sunday, and given their poor start to the season — and another defeat on the road this past weekend in Ireland — it is difficult to see them pulling off an upset against one of the French giants.

Both South African sides will be in desperation mode as they look to assert themselves in Europe.

Over in the Challenge Cup, the Lions are riding a strong run of form, and as they welcome Italian side Benetton to Ellis Park for their opening match of the campaign, they will be eager to maintain that momentum.

This could be the perfect chance for revenge after their heavy URC loss to the Italians. Whether Benetton will send their strongest squad to South Africa remains to be seen, but the Lions will not be overly concerned. They will back themselves to roar at home and start their tournament with intent.

The Cheetahs, meanwhile, begin their Challenge Cup journey in England on Sunday against the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park. With the fixture marking their return to European competition, the Bloemfontein side will be eager to make a statement on foreign soil.

Exeter’s physical style and home advantage will pose a stern test, but the Cheetahs’ blend of experience and attacking flair could trouble the Premiership outfit if they settle early.

It’s a tough assignment to start with, but one that offers a valuable opportunity to lay down a marker for the rest of their campaign.