In our new Monday Show, launched this week, rugby insider Rory Steyn shared his thoughts on this week’s kickoff of club rugby’s ‘World Cup’ – the Champion’s Cup now sponsored by Investec, but still known among most fans as the Heineken Cup. South African clubs will participate for the third time – and much is expected after two moderate showings.
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The return of the Sharks to the Investec Champions Cup offers SA rugby fans hope that the third season of their teams’ participation might be the breakthrough year.
For many Springboks, the Champions Cup is the pinnacle of club-level competition, often equated to a “World Cup for clubs.” The Sharks, fresh off their EPCR Challenge Cup triumph – like soccer’s Europa League to its Champions League – begin their campaign on Saturday against Exeter Chiefs in Durban.
Sharks’ Bid for Glory
The Sharks’ EPCR Challenge Cup victory in London in May paved their way to a Champions Cup debut. This season, they’re buoyed by improved form in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC). With stars like Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, and Aphelele Fassi, they are perhaps South Africa’s strongest contenders for European glory.
Etzebeth, instrumental in their Challenge Cup success, emphasised the importance of the Champions Cup, stating, “It’s like a World Cup for club rugby. Hopefully, our fans will feel the excitement.” The Sharks are in a challenging Pool 1, facing heavyweights like six-time and defending champions Toulouse (the most of any club), Northampton, Leicester Tigers, Ulster, and Bordeaux Begles.
Pundits Predict: Sharks 28–20 Exeter Chiefs
Rory Steyn: Sharks comfortably
Bulls’ Redemption Mission
The Vodacom Bulls, who open their campaign against three-time champions Saracens, sit third on the URC log. Despite not having as many seasoned Springboks, they boast a young crop of internationals like Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw, young stars with a big future who are eager to make their mark.
Their pool includes English champions Northampton Saints, who they defeated last season, and Saracens, who will be itching for revenge. The Bulls will look to build on their experience and are keen to rectify their narrow misses from last season.
Pundits Predict: Saracens 25–18 Bulls
Rory Steyn: Could go either way.
Stormers’ Tough Pool Battle
The DHL Stormers, 2022 URC winners, are entering their third Champions Cup campaign. Their Pool 4 draw is no easier, featuring formidable opponents like Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92, Sale Sharks, Toulon, and Harlequins. Last season, they made headlines by defeating reigning champions La Rochelle in the group stage but fell heartbreakingly short in the Round of 16.
With stars like Manie Libbok and Sasha FM leading their charge, the Stormers aim to continue building on their European experience. Their first test comes against Toulon at Cape Town Stadium.
Pundits Predict: Stormers 30–22 Toulon
Rory Steyn: Stormers have their hands full here.
Watch this week’s Monday Sports Show with Rory Steyn below
Other First Round Pundit Predictions
Here’s a look at the other fixtures and score predictions for the opening round:
Bath vs. La Rochelle (Friday, 22:00):
La Rochelle’s recent dominance will likely be too much for Bath to handle.
Prediction: La Rochelle 32–16 Bath
Clermont-Auvergne vs. Benetton (Saturday, 15:00):
Clermont’s depth should see them comfortably past the Italian side.
Prediction: Clermont 27–12 Benetton
Northampton Saints v Castres Olympique Saturday 17:15)
The English champions, at home, should be too strong for the French challengers.
Prediction: Northampton 25–10 Castres
Munster vs. Stade Français (Saturday, 19:30):
A classic clash of styles; Munster’s home advantage may edge it.
Prediction: Munster 21–18 Stade Français
Racing 92 v Harlequins (Saturday, 20:30):
Home advantage and strong recent form should see the French club to a narrow win.
Prediction: Racing 92 27- 22 Harlequins
Glasgow Warriors vs. Sale Sharks (Saturday, 22:00):
Glasgow’s momentum as URC champions might carry them to victory.
Prediction: Glasgow 23–17 Sale
Rory Steyn: Glasgow should win here.
Union Bordeaux-Begles v Leicester Tigers (Sunday 15:00):
Bordeaux has made a very strong start to the French season, but the Tigers have Pollard and coach Cheika.
Prediction: Bordeaux 24-20 Leicester
Stade Toulousain v Ulster (Sunday 15:15):
With Dupont and Ramos in great form, the champions should canter home.
Prediction: Toulouse 35-20 Ulster
Bristol Bears vs. Leinster (Sunday, 19:30):
Leinster’s depth and pedigree make them favourites.
Prediction: Leinster 35–20 Bristol
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