The Sharks will be without Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth for the remainder of their URC Top 8 push following a hip injury.
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It’s a huge weekend for the South African United Rugby Championship (URC) sides as they look to take another step closer to the play-offs.
Currently on a two-match winning streak, the Stormers, Lions, Bulls, and Sharks will aim to carry that momentum through, with just four rounds remaining in the regular season.
There’s plenty to unpack ahead of the weekend, and in the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the panel breaks down what needs to happen for the SA sides to make it three weekends of unbeaten rugby in the competition.
The big headline, of course, is Eben Etzebeth being sidelined with a hip injury. It’s a massive blow for the Sharks — he’s not just a physical presence, he’s the guy who sets the tone with his leadership. Without him, there’s a real question over who steps up to fill that gap. Fortunately, they do have a few key players returning for the duel against the Ospreys.
However, Etzebeth’s absence isn’t just a Sharks concern; Springboks fans will be keeping a very close eye on his recovery ahead of a big Test season.
But the show goes on, and the big question remains: can all four SA teams make it three perfect weekends in a row?
The Stormers, back home in Cape Town against Connacht, are playing for more than just points as they honour the late Chippie Solomon. That kind of emotion can really lift a side, and don’t be surprised if it brings out something special at the DHL Stadium. They’ve vowed to make it a classic Stormers match to honour the legacy of their long-term team manager.
The Lions, meanwhile, are simply great to watch right now. They’re playing with confidence, backing their attack, and it’s paying off. Up against the log leaders, the Glasgow Warriors at Ellis Park, it will take a proper team effort — with Chris Smith pulling the strings at flyhalf — to keep that winning run alive and maintain a strong position on the log.
For the Bulls in Newport, facing the struggling Dragons at Rodney Parade is no straightforward task. Despite an off-field player exodus, they’ve built a solid run and need to maintain that URC momentum. Sitting eighth, one slip-up could see them drop out of the play-off spots.
It’s shaping up to be a cracking weekend of rugby. The momentum is there for the local franchises — now it’s about holding onto it as the race for the Top 8 really heats up.