PICK OF THE SPORT: South African teams have a tough weekend ahead, but there is no longer time for excuses, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
➤ There simply is no more wiggle room. The South African teams in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship must do more than just put up a good show. They must win.
The Sharks are one of four local teams that have only won three matches this season. They are probably the most cash-flush franchise in South Africa, but sadly that huge pot of gold has produced very little more than players with hunched shoulders and sour faces. Their match against the Scarlets is pretty much for the wooden spoon, but maybe they have some pride left after all. Kick off is set for 8.30pm on Friday.
The Bulls have lost flyhalf Johann Goosen to suspension just when they need him most. Chris Smith always plays his heart out but is not a playmaker. But the Bulls will have to win and win big for the sake of the competition. Even though they have lost their last two matches badly and the Ospreys have beaten both the Stormers and the Lions, the Bulls should still give the Loftus crowd something to cheer about. The clash begins at 3pm on Saturday.
Let’s face it, Munster is on a roll. But how the Emirates Lions beat the mighty Leinster last week must surely give the supporters some hope. It’s a must-win for the men from Johannesburg when they take to the field at 5pm on Saturday.
If the Stormers want to retain the loyalty of their fans – and maintain their position on the log – they will have to play out of their socks and beat log leaders Leinster. Do it for your fans, Stormers! The match will kick off at 7pm on Saturday.
All matches will be live on DStv channel 201.
➤ With less than a month to go before the end of the Premier League season, every game is a final for those gunning for the title.
Liverpool’s Merseyside derby earlier in the week may have ruled themselves out of the title race, but they’re still only three points off the top of the table.
The Reds kick the weekend off with a trip to London where they will take on West Ham United at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp and his side will know nothing less than a win is needed to be in with a glimmer of a chance of winning the trophy.
Arsenal, the team at the top of the table, faces a tough test in a North London derby against their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs would love nothing more than to spoil the Gunners’ chances of winning the league for the first time in 20 years.
Arsenal could extend their lead to four points with a win on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 3pm.
To end the weekend, the team in the best position, Manchester City, face Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola’s side are one point behind Arsenal but have a game in hand, meaning they could be two points clear if results go their way.
City also have the luxury of knowing their rivals’ results before taking to the pitch on Sunday at 5.30pm.
All the Premier League action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ In local football action, Kaizer Chiefs will be looking for redemption as they face SuperSport United on Saturday at 5.30pm. They hope to not fall below 10th in the table after the weekend.
Stellenbosh will hope to maintain their good run of form when they host Polokwane City on Saturday at 8pm.
A win would extend their gap in second to six points.
Orlando Pirates could then reduce that lead back to three points with a win over Royal AM on Sunday at 3pm.
All the PSL action will be live on DStv channel 202.
Pictured above: The Sharks.
Image source: Sharks/X
