Siya Kolisi and the Sharks will play Ospreys. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Despite a weekend of mixed results, South African rugby was able to return to its strength after all five of their franchise managed to reach the knockout stages of the European Champions and Challenge Cups.
That trip will begin the weekend of March 31.
All the home teams had to overcome various challenges in the inaugural group stage they entered, notably the inconvenience of hectic travel times due to SA Rugby’s deal with Qatar Airways that dictates layovers in Doha.
It meant the URC sides had to carefully calibrate their resources, with the Bulls even sending a weakened side to Exeter to focus on their URC title challenge.
All’s well That ends well.
The Sharks they were the first team to qualify, having won their first three games before pulling away in a heart-pounding 29-39 loss to Harlequins in London on Saturday.
However, they will have a match against Munster at King’s Parka combination they would definitely like given the familiarity factor.
The Stormers secured his home tiebreaker with an excellent second-half performance in a 30-16 win over Clermont, giving them a meeting with harlequins.
John Dobson’s charges will certainly enjoy the challenge against Andre Esterhuizen and company.
The Bulls will be relying on a Leinster-type miracle in last season’s URC semi-final after their snow surprise against Lyon sentenced them to an exhausting trip to the Stade Toulousainwhere they will have to carry heavy weights toulouse Head on.
The French finished the group stage unbeaten.
Meanwhile, the lions have the satisfaction of Ellis Park hosts its Challenge Cup playoff following their tense 30-25 win over the Dragons.
Interestingly, his opponents are Racing 92that a fortnight ago sensationally sealed a play for Siya Kolisi.
and the brave cheetahswithout homeland, he will travel to France will face Cheslin Kolbe and Toulon after his dramatic victory over Pau.
