Welcome to your Nova Sports Minute!

The United Rugby Championship continues this weekend, and things are about to get serious for our South African sides. After a perfect opening round that saw all four teams claim victories, the real test begins now.

The Sharks, Bulls, and Stormers face European heavyweights Leinster, Munster, and Edinburgh respectively – and let’s be honest, conditions in the northern hemisphere are going to make life uncomfortable. The Bulls have responded by making wholesale changes to their backline, desperately searching for the keys to unlock Munster’s famously stubborn defence at Thomond Park.

Switching codes – the Springbok women face Spain on Sunday for the second match without Swys de Bruin at the helm. In the first against the Black Ferns the Springbok women struggled to say the least. Noted attack guru Melusi Mthetwa has been drafted in to smooth the transition, and all eyes will be on how the side adapts.

And in Formula One, there’s Middle East drama off the track. The Bahrain Grand Prix has been relocated to Malaysia due to ongoing conflict in the region. Esteban Ocon has confirmed he’s leaving Haas, whilst Fernando Alonso is staying loyal to Aston Martin.