Production: Minenhle Thusi

It’s crunch time for South Africa’s European raiders as the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup kick off this weekend.

The Bulls host Stade Français in Pretoria on Saturday, riding high after that brutal 57-15 demolition of the Lions. They hammered the French outfit 48-7 last season and will be gunning for a repeat performance.

The Stormers welcome Bristol Bears to Cape Town brimming with confidence after dismantling the Sharks 39-22. Bristol are smarting from a 30-7 hiding by Saracens, so expect fireworks in the Cape.

The Lions face a baptism of fire in their Champions Cup debut, travelling to face former champions La Rochelle, who are flying with four wins from six and fortress-like at home.

Over in the Challenge Cup, the Sharks head to Lyon desperate to erase memories of last weekend’s Stormers mauling, whilst the Cheetahs face an unbeaten at home Bayonne on Sunday in their toughest assignment of the season.

Internationally, the Wallabies welcome the All Blacks to Sydney for the second Bledisloe Test, and Aussie coach Les Kiss is rolling the dice on youth. Despite a 12-game losing streak and last week’s 50-19 Eden Park annihilation, Kiss has bypassed veterans Beale, O’Connor and Foley, handing rookie flyhalf Declan Meredith the keys and backing uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips off the bench. Bold? Absolutely. Reckless? We’ll find out Saturday.

And in cricket, the Proteas and Baggy Greens renew hostilities in Gqeberha on Sunday for the second Test after Australia’s crushing 214-run victory claimed a 1-0 series lead. South Africa need answers, and they need them fast.