The weekend’s sporting calendar is loaded with action of the highest quality, and South African teams stand ready to make their mark on the opening rounds of the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup whilst the Proteas attempt to strike back against Australia in Gqeberha.
Friday: European rugby kicks off
The weekend’s action begins Friday evening when Gloucester host Bordeaux-Bègles in the European Champions Cup (20:00, SuperSport 211). The French outfit head into the match after four of their players, including France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, were stranded at Bristol Airport due to expired travel documentation—hardly ideal preparation for an opening fixture.
Tennis fans can also indulge in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open and Shanghai Masters, whilst golf followers can track day two of the DP World Tour’s India Championship (08:30, SuperSport 213).
Saturday: SA’s European raiders in action
Saturday is the big day for South African rugby. All five franchises will be in action, with three teams in the Champions Cup and two in the Challenge Cup.
Also read: Bonus point revolution changes everything for SA’s European five
The Bulls host Stade Français in Pretoria (13:30, SuperSport 201) brimming with confidence after demolishing the Lions 57-15 last weekend. The Pretoria outfit annihilated the French side with a comprehensive 48-7 victory last season and will be looking to replicate that form.
The Stormers welcome Bristol Bears to Cape Town (16:10, SuperSport 211) after their impressive 39-22 victory over the Sharks. Bristol arrive with a point to prove, however, after Saracens hammered them 30-7 last weekend.
The Lions’ European Champions Cup debut couldn’t be tougher—they take on former champions La Rochelle in France (18:25, SuperSport 211). The French side have won four of their six Top 14 matches and are nearly unbeatable at home.
In the Challenge Cup, the Sharks—the only South African team to have won the competition—begin their campaign against Lyon in France (13:55, SuperSport 211). They’ll be desperate to erase their disappointing performance against the Stormers.
Bledisloe Cup: Australia backs youth
The Bledisloe Cup’s second Test (06:45, SuperSport 211) promises fireworks after New Zealand demolished Australia 50-19 last weekend. Wallabies coach Les Kiss has made a bold decision by bypassing veterans Kurtley Beale, James O’Connor and Bernard Foley, instead backing young flyhalf Declan Meredith.
The WXV series also offers top-quality women’s rugby with Australia facing Scotland (03:50, SuperSport 217) and New Zealand taking on France (03:55, SuperSport 211).
Football: Premier League blockbusters
The English Premier League offers a series of mouthwatering clashes. Everton host Chelsea (13:20, SuperSport 203), whilst Liverpool travel to Brentford (15:50). The day’s highlight is Newcastle’s clash with Aston Villa (18:20, SuperSport 203).
Manchester City will look to continue their title challenge against Ipswich Town (15:50, SuperSport 206).
Sunday: Cricket takes centre stage
The Proteas begin their attempt to strike back against Australia when the second Test starts in Gqeberha (09:50, SuperSport 212). South Africa will urgently need to make changes after losing the opening Test by a crushing 214 runs, with coach Shukri Conrad already indicating wholesale changes are on the way.
Also read: Stubbs axed for second test in Proteas overhaul
The Cheetahs conclude the South African teams’ European weekend when they face Bayonne in France (13:55, SuperSport 211). The Free State outfit will need a top performance against a Bayonne side that is unbeaten at home.
Tennis finals
The Shanghai Masters (10:30, SuperSport 214) and Wuhan Open (12:30, SuperSport 217) reach their climax with the finals on Sunday. Both tournaments have delivered world-class action throughout the weekend and the finals promise spectacle.
Golf and swimming
Golf fans can follow several tournaments, including the LPGA Tour’s Buick Shanghai, the DP World Tour’s India Championship, and the PGA Champions Tour’s SAS Championship running throughout the weekend.
The World Cup swimming meeting in Astana also offers action through the weekend (SuperSport 210).
More Premier League action
Sunday’s football feast includes Leeds versus Manchester United (14:50, SuperSport 203), Brighton against Crystal Palace (14:55, SuperSport 205), and Nottingham Forest’s clash with Arsenal (17:20, SuperSport 203).
It’s a weekend jam-packed with sport of the highest quality. For South African supporters, the focus is clear: can our European raiders make a statement, and can the Proteas strike back in Gqeberha?
The answers await.
