The Champions Cup will kick off this weekend and there will be plenty of sides looking to make a good start.
The competition boasts a number of quality players and all matches should be tightly contested in the first round.
There are three South African teams participating in the continental showpiece, the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers.
CHAMPIONS CUP RETURN FOR DUPONT
Among the French contingent of teams is Antoine Dupont’s side Toulouse. The French talisman made his return to the field in a bench cameo in the Top 14 this past weekend in a 48-24 victory over Racing 92.
He returned to the field of play after a nine-month injury layoff and the two-time Champions Cup Player of the Year (2021 and 2024) came through unscathed.
He could start against what could be a Springbok-laden Sharks team, but even off the bench, his return to the competition will excite rugby spectators.
SOUTH AFRICA VS FRANCE CHAMPIONS CUP CLASHES
It is not just the Sharks who will face French opposition in round one, as the Stormers and Bulls will go up against the best of the Top 14 teams as well.
First up, the Stormers will look to maintain their impressive start to the season against Bayonne on Friday and there could be a familiar face in the French side with Herschel Jantjies now plying his trade in France.
The Bulls will face reigning champions Bordeaux Begles at Loftus Versfeld in the only home fixture for the South African sides.
RIEKO IOANE POTENTIAL DEBUT
There is a potential debut in line for another New Zealand midfielder for Leinster in Rieko Ioane.
Jordie Barrett had a similar six-month spell which culminated in him winning the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship title.
Ioane also he has the pedigree and experience to make a success of his stay at Leinster.
MATCH INFORMATION
Aviron Bayonnais v Stormers
Date: Friday, 5 December
Venue: Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne
SA time: 22:00
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GEO)
Bulls v Union Bordeaux Bègles
Date: Saturday, 6 December
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
SA time: 17:15
Referee: Karl Dickson (ENG)
Stade Toulousain vs Sharks
Date: Sunday, 7 December
Venue: Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse
SA time: 17:15
Referee: Christophe Ridley (ENG)
HOW DO YOU THINK THE SOUTH AFRICAN TEAMS WILL DO THIS WEEKEND?
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