The Vodacom Bulls and Stormers are gearing up for a Herculean task as they aim to secure their spots in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. Facing formidable opponents in hostile territories, both teams are underdogs in their upcoming clashes. The Bulls are set to take on the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, while the Stormers will battle against Toulon in the French Riviera.
History is not on the South African sides' side, with away teams managing only two victories in the last 16 knockout games over the past two seasons, each by the narrowest of margins. Last year, the Stormers were edged out by La Rochelle, and Glasgow Warriors, led by ex-Springbok Franco Smith, are currently a juggernaut, having dominated their pool stage and leading the Vodacom URC.
Glasgow's strength is particularly noteworthy at Scotstoun Stadium, where they have racked up 11 consecutive wins. Yet, their last home defeat was inflicted by none other than the Bulls, giving a glimmer of hope to the Pretoria-based team. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann emphasized focus and preparation:
"We can only control what’s ahead of us – and that is Glasgow. That’s the challenge."
Meanwhile, the Stormers face a paradox in Toulon, a team that despite its current low ranking in the French Top 14, remains a colossal challenge, particularly at their home ground, Stade Mayol. The French side's passion and intensity in play have been noted by former Springbok wing Bryan Habana, who reminisced about his time with Toulon, stressing the unique culture of French rugby.
As the Champions Cup knockout phase looms, the pressure is palpable. No South African team has ever advanced past the quarter-finals, and if either the Bulls or Stormers hope to rewrite that statistic, their journey of defiance begins this weekend.
Investec Champions Cup round of 16 fixtures (SA times):
Friday, 3 April: Northampton Saints vs Castres (9pm)
Saturday, 4 April: Bath vs Saracens (4pm), Toulon vs Stormers (4pm), Glasgow Warriors vs Bulls (6:30pm), Toulouse vs Bristol Bears (6:30pm), Harlequins vs Sale Sharks (9pm)
Sunday, 5 April: Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers (4pm), Leinster vs Edinburgh (6:30pm)
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The Vodacom Bulls and Stormers are gearing up for a Herculean task as they aim to secure their spots in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. Facing formidable opponents in hostile territories, both teams are underdogs in their upcoming clashes. The Bulls are set to take on the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, while the Stormers will battle against Toulon in the French Riviera.
History is not on the South African sides' side, with away teams managing only two victories in the last 16 knockout games over the past two seasons, each by the narrowest of margins. Last year, the Stormers were edged out by La Rochelle, and Glasgow Warriors, led by ex-Springbok Franco Smith, are currently a juggernaut, having dominated their pool stage and leading the Vodacom URC.
Glasgow's strength is particularly noteworthy at Scotstoun Stadium, where they have racked up 11 consecutive wins. Yet, their last home defeat was inflicted by none other than the Bulls, giving a glimmer of hope to the Pretoria-based team. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann emphasized focus and preparation:
"We can only control what’s ahead of us – and that is Glasgow. That’s the challenge."
Meanwhile, the Stormers face a paradox in Toulon, a team that despite its current low ranking in the French Top 14, remains a colossal challenge, particularly at their home ground, Stade Mayol. The French side's passion and intensity in play have been noted by former Springbok wing Bryan Habana, who reminisced about his time with Toulon, stressing the unique culture of French rugby.
As the Champions Cup knockout phase looms, the pressure is palpable. No South African team has ever advanced past the quarter-finals, and if either the Bulls or Stormers hope to rewrite that statistic, their journey of defiance begins this weekend.
Investec Champions Cup round of 16 fixtures (SA times):