PICK OF THE SPORT: South Africa’s top teams are in a fight for URC playoff spots, every win now could be the difference between glory and heartbreak, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
With just two rounds left in the United Rugby Championship, the pressure is peaking, and the South African sides are right in the thick of it. The Bulls, sitting third, host Cardiff on Saturday and know a win is vital to stay in the hunt for a home quarter-final. With Glasgow and Leinster just ahead, every point now counts.
The Sharks are peaking at the right time. After winning their last two games, they’re back in the top four and host the Ospreys in Durban on Friday. A third straight victory could solidify their playoff spot and put pressure on the teams above them heading into the final weekend.
The Stormers face the Dragons at home and need maximum points to stay in the mix. They’re sixth on the table but have the Scarlets and Benetton breathing down their necks. One slip-up, and they could find themselves outside the top eight.
The Lions, currently 13th, are out of the playoff race but still have a chance to finish strong. They host the Scarlets on Sunday and could play spoilers to the Welsh side’s top-eight ambitions.
URC South African Fixtures:
Friday, 10 May
Sharks vs Ospreys, 19:00
Saturday, 11 May
Bulls vs Cardiff Rugby, 16:00
Stormers vs Dragons, 18:15
Sunday, 12 May
Lions vs Scarlets, 15:00
All the action live on DStv channel 211.
➜ Over in Durban, it’s the biggest domestic showdown of the season. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates go head-to-head in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
For Chiefs, it’s a last chance to bring home silverware and put a positive spin on an otherwise disappointing campaign. For Pirates, it’s about making a statement. With a strong league finish and a place in the CAF Champions League, a cup win would crown a brilliant season.
Nedbank Cup Final:
Saturday, 11 May
Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates, 15:30
The game will be live on DStv channel 202.
➜ In the Premier League, Liverpool have already sealed the title, and the bottom three, Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, have officially been relegated. But the race for Champions League places is going down to the wire.
Arsenal, Man City, Newcastle and Chelsea are locked in a four-way fight for the final top-four slots. Arsenal’s trip to Anfield is massive, while Newcastle’s clash with Chelsea could be a straight shootout for third. Man City will fancy their chances against already-relegated Southampton, but there’s no room for error.
Premier League Key Fixtures:
Saturday, 11 May
Southampton vs Man City, 16:00
Fulham vs Everton, 16:00
Wolves vs Brighton, 16:00
Ipswich Town vs Brentford, 16:00
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa, 18:30
Sunday, 12 May
Newcastle vs Chelsea, 13:00
Man United vs West Ham, 15:15
Nottingham Forest vs Leicester City, 15:15
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, 15:15
Liverpool vs Arsenal, 17:30
All the games live on DStv channel 203.
Pictured above: Blue Bulls.
Image source: @BlueBullsRugby
