As the Vodacom URC saunters into its third round this weekend, the stakes are higher with the return of some major international heavyweights. We're talking first season appearances from a mix of British and Irish Lions and Springboks—so expect fireworks, folks!
Leading the charge for the Stormers, who are yet to taste defeat this season, are Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse. Fresh from helping South Africa keep a tight grip on the Rugby Championship, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the record-breaking points scorer against Argentina, takes the reins at No. 10. Meanwhile, the ever-adaptable Willemse will command the field from fullback in their Friday skirmish at Scarlets.
"Gaza, Sacha genuinely keen to play"
Not to be outdone, the Scarlets are bolstering their lineup with hooker Marnus van der Merwe, who recently shone in South Africa's trouncing of New Zealand. Meanwhile, after a weather hiccup last week, Scotland's Darcy Graham is set to bring his A-game to Munster's backyard at Thomond Park, with Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman joining him in the fray for Edinburgh.
On the Munster front, they're shaking things up with 10 fresh faces following their triumph over Cardiff. Among them is URC Playmaker Tom Farrell, ready to dazzle from the center.
Leinster, licking their wounds after two initial losses, are deploying heavy artillery for their Saturday clash against the Sharks. The lineup is a who’s who of Lions—Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, James Lowe, Jamie Osborne, and Josh van der Flier, who will also captain the side.
The Sharks respond in kind, welcoming back Ethan Hooker and Bongi Mbonambi, hot on the heels of their contributions to the win over Argentina. Makazole Mapimpi and Vincent Koch also rejoin the fray, ensuring the Sharks are no easy prey.
"Hooker to go Frans Steyn route"
The Vodacom Bulls, currently leading the pack, aren't pulling any punches either. They parade eight Springboks against Ulster, including a much-anticipated comeback by Handré Pollard and notable appearances by Canan Moodie, Wilco Louw, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Finally, the Ospreys, hosting the unbeaten Zebre at Brewery Field—a historical venue from the inaugural Celtic League match—will see Wales captain Dewi Lake leading the charge. It’s a nostalgic nod to the URC’s 25th season, reminding us just how far this competition has come.
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As the Vodacom URC saunters into its third round this weekend, the stakes are higher with the return of some major international heavyweights. We're talking first season appearances from a mix of British and Irish Lions and Springboks—so expect fireworks, folks!
Leading the charge for the Stormers, who are yet to taste defeat this season, are Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse. Fresh from helping South Africa keep a tight grip on the Rugby Championship, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the record-breaking points scorer against Argentina, takes the reins at No. 10. Meanwhile, the ever-adaptable Willemse will command the field from fullback in their Friday skirmish at Scarlets.
"Gaza, Sacha genuinely keen to play"
Not to be outdone, the Scarlets are bolstering their lineup with hooker Marnus van der Merwe, who recently shone in South Africa's trouncing of New Zealand. Meanwhile, after a weather hiccup last week, Scotland's Darcy Graham is set to bring his A-game to Munster's backyard at Thomond Park, with Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman joining him in the fray for Edinburgh.
On the Munster front, they're shaking things up with 10 fresh faces following their triumph over Cardiff. Among them is URC Playmaker Tom Farrell, ready to dazzle from the center.
Leinster, licking their wounds after two initial losses, are deploying heavy artillery for their Saturday clash against the Sharks. The lineup is a who’s who of Lions—Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, James Lowe, Jamie Osborne, and Josh van der Flier, who will also captain the side.
The Sharks respond in kind, welcoming back Ethan Hooker and Bongi Mbonambi, hot on the heels of their contributions to the win over Argentina. Makazole Mapimpi and Vincent Koch also rejoin the fray, ensuring the Sharks are no easy prey.
"Hooker to go Frans Steyn route"
The Vodacom Bulls, currently leading the pack, aren't pulling any punches either. They parade eight Springboks against Ulster, including a much-anticipated comeback by Handré Pollard and notable appearances by Canan Moodie, Wilco Louw, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Finally, the Ospreys, hosting the unbeaten Zebre at Brewery Field—a historical venue from the inaugural Celtic League match—will see Wales captain Dewi Lake leading the charge. It’s a nostalgic nod to the URC’s 25th season, reminding us just how far this competition has come.
Teams: Stormers, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Munster, Leinster, Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, Ulster, Ospreys, Zebre