The Stormers are still leading the South African charge in the United Rugby Championship, but must shift their focus to European rugby this weekend alongside the Bulls and Sharks.
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The push for a spot in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Top 8 is starting to feel real, and for South Africa’s franchises, the pressure is building at a critical time of the season.
All four local sides are still in the hunt to make the playoffs in what could be a first-ever four-team knockout berth for SA rugby in the tournament.
On the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, Leighton Koopman, Mike Greenaway, and John Goliath unpacked a big weekend of action — and the tricky situation facing the Stormers, Bulls, and Sharks as they try to balance URC ambitions with European knockout rugby.
Meanwhile, the Lions are cruising on their way to a potential quarter-final at Ellis Park, with some big games left in April and May.
For the other three SA franchises, a simple yet uncomfortable question arises: do you rotate your squad for the EPCR competitions or go all out? Resting players could help in the URC, but it might cost valuable momentum ahead of the return.
On the other hand, going full strength in the Champions and Challenge Cups could leave teams stretched when it matters most in the URC. It’s a balancing act with no clear right answer.
There was also plenty to chat about player movements. Springbok Eben Etzebeth’s return for the Sharks couldn’t come at a better time, bringing leadership and physicality when it’s needed most. Meanwhile, rumours around Bok lock Salmaan Moerat heading to France next season are doing the rounds, adding a bit of off-field intrigue.
One of the brighter talking points was Northampton Saints’ JJ van der Mescht, who continues to grow in stature and is pressing hard for a Springboks call-up this year. He is already in the plans of the world champions.
The conversation wrapped up with a look at how Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is managing his coaching squad with the acquisition of another Northern Hemisphere coach ahead of the 2026 season. Poaching Joe Lewis could be another masterstroke by the out-of-the-box thinking Erasmus ahead of facing England, Scotland and Wales in the Nations Championship.