The Springboks are back in club colours this weekend, and the four South African URC teams will reap the reward.
The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, and Lions all welcome returning international stars. Their presence raises expectations for physicality, experience and game-management.
We look at how each side is strengthened by the Bok returns and what they bring to weekend fixtures.
SCARLETS vs STORMERS (Friday, 8:45pm)
The Stormers added two Springboks for their lineup for the away clash with Scarlets. Damian Willemse starts at fullback, bringing experience and counterattack instinct. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu slots into flyhalf, assuring structure and composure and adding an edge of unpredictability. Their inclusion should sharpen the backline and improve decision making options. The Stormers gain proven runners and minds in an important challenge on tour.
Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Ruhan Nel (c), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben‑Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Ali Vermaak. Bench: 16 André‑Hugo Venter, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Deon Fourie, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Jurie Matthee.
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BENETTON vs LIONS (Saturday, 4pm)
The Lions hand Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg the No. 9 jersey. His return brings control and tempo from scrumhalf. His presence gives them a more reliable link between forwards and backs. Asenathi Ntlabakanye reclaims the tighthead jersey, boosting forward the Lions’ forward prowess as they hope to convert close encounters into winning performances now.
Lions – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze. Bench: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Sam Francis, 23 Manuel Rass.
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LEINSTER vs SHARKS (Saturday, 6:30pm)
The Sharks have included four returning Springboks in their match-day squad against Leinster. Makazole Mapimpi and Ethan Hooker start on the wings to add a finishing threat. Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi sit on the bench to shore up forward rotation. These Bok names should lift Sharks’ physicality, breakdown presence and attacking options. Meanwhile, Siya Masuku returns at flyhalf, adding a level of composure and control in that crucial playmaker role.
Sharks – 15 Edwill van der Merwe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Vincent Tshituka (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima. Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.
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ULSTER vs VODACOM BULLS (Saturday, 8:45pm)
The Bulls will most likely welcome back Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard and support from other returning internationals. Pollard brings game management, kicking accuracy and calm control under pressure. New additions Jan Serfontein and Cobus Wiese also bolster depth and experience. The Bulls now carry more international weight, especially in tight moments. Their backline and forwards alike gain confidence from this added Bok presence.
BULLS – TBC
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WHICH SPRINGBOK WILL SHINE BRIGHTEST IN THE URC THIS WEEKEND?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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