SA teams poised for a defining Investec Champions Cup campaign: Round one preview
The 2024/25 Investec Champions Cup kicks off this weekend with high expectations for the three South African teams—DHL Stormers, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Vodacom Bulls. Entering their third season in the competition, they aim to not only maintain their dominant home record but also prove they can excel deep into the knockout stages, even on foreign soil.
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South Africa's home fortress
South African teams have been formidable at home in their brief Champions Cup history. Across two seasons, they have won 13 of 14 home matches, including flawless group-stage performances. The Bulls have particularly excelled at Loftus Versfeld, notching victories over heavyweights like Lyon, Exeter Chiefs, and Saracens. Similarly, the Sharks have defended Kings Park with aplomb, delivering commanding wins, including a 50-35 demolition of Munster in the 2022/23 round of 16.
The Stormers, too, have made Cape Town Stadium a fortress. Notable scalps include La Rochelle and Sale Sharks last season. However, the Stormers' agonizing one-point loss to La Rochelle in the 2022/23 round of 16 remains a reminder of how small margins can define Champions Cup campaigns.
Breaking the quarterfinal ceiling
While South African teams have excelled at home, they are yet to break into the semifinals. A major factor is the absence of home-field advantage in the knockout stages due to the country's partial shareholder status in the competition. This will change in 2025/26, but for now, the road to European glory requires conquering foreign venues.
The Bulls' impressive away performances in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this season, including victories against Benetton, Ospreys, and Connacht, suggest they are better equipped for the challenge. The Sharks, bolstered by their Springbok-laden squad, and the Stormers, buoyed by their away wins over Stade Français and Connacht last season, also have reasons to feel confident heading into this campaign.
Bulls vs. Saracens: A chance to set the tone
The Vodacom Bulls' opening match against Saracens on Saturday night is among the most anticipated fixtures of the round. Last season, the Bulls triumphed 42-36 over Saracens at Loftus Versfeld, exploiting the high-altitude advantage. This time, the venue shifts to London, where Saracens will aim to exact revenge.
Jake White is expected to deploy his strongest lineup, and a victory here would be a significant statement of intent for the Bulls, demonstrating their ability to win against top-tier European opposition on the road.
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Sharks and Stormers look to capitalize at home
The Sharks open their campaign against an Exeter Chiefs side languishing at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership table. The Durban side will be firm favorites to secure maximum points at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. Their formidable Springbok contingent, including players like Siya Kolisi and Lukhanyo Am, should provide the firepower needed to start the season with a bang.
Meanwhile, the Stormers face a stern test against Toulon in Gqeberha. The French giants, renowned for their physicality and pace, pose a formidable challenge. Toulon's pedigree as former European champions and their recent EPCR Challenge Cup triumph make them one of the toughest opponents the Stormers could have drawn. However, with home support and the Stormers' disciplined defensive systems, the match could tilt in favor of the Cape side.
Key matches beyond the South African contingent
Elsewhere, the weekend offers a host of tantalizing fixtures. Bath host La Rochelle in the curtain-raiser on Friday night. With Johan van Graan at the helm, Bath will aim to build on their domestic form, while Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle seek to reclaim European supremacy after falling short last season.
The reigning URC champions, Glasgow Warriors, will look to rediscover their form against Sale Sharks after a narrow victory over Scarlets in domestic play. Racing 92 and Harlequins lock horns in Paris, promising a high-octane encounter between two attacking powerhouses.
Fixtures and times
Friday, December 6
- Bath v La Rochelle (22:00)
Saturday, December 7
- Hollywoodbets Sharks v Exeter Chiefs (15:00)
- Clermont-Auvergne v Benetton (15:00)
- DHL Stormers v Toulon (17:15)
- Northampton Saints v Castres Olympique (17:15)
- Munster v Stade Français (19:30)
- Saracens v Vodacom Bulls (19:30)
- Glasgow Warriors v Sale Sharks (22:00)
- Racing 92 v Harlequins (22:00)
Sunday, December 8
- Bordeaux Begles v Leicester Tigers (15:00)
- Toulouse v Ulster (17:15)
- Bristol Bears v Leinster (19:30)
As the Champions Cup unfolds, South African teams will aim to extend their dominance at home while proving they can make a lasting impact on European soil. The first round promises drama, excitement, and a glimpse of what could be a groundbreaking season for southern hemisphere rugby in Europe.
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