Bulls, Sharks, and Lions Progress to Challenge Cup Playoffs
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21Jan, 2025
South African rugby fans had reason to celebrate this weekend as the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Emirates Lions secured spots in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 following the conclusion of the pool stages in the European competitions.
The Emirates Lions delivered an outstanding performance at Emirates Airline Park, thrashing the Dragons 60-10. The Lions’ nine-try rout not only cemented their place in the playoffs but showcased their dominance in front of their home crowd. Francke Horn scored a brace, while Ruan Venter also added two tries in a powerful team display.
Meanwhile, the Vodacom Bulls, who had suffered elimination from the Investec Champions Cup the previous weekend, bounced back emphatically with a 48-7 demolition of Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld. Scoring seven tries, the Bulls produced their best performance of the season, with a penalty try and standout efforts from Devon Williams, Embrose Papier, and Elrigh Louw propelling them to the playoffs.
For the Hollywoodbets Sharks, the road was more challenging. Despite suffering a heavy 66-12 loss to Bordeaux-Begles in France, the Durban-based side managed to secure a playoff spot in the Challenge Cup. Damian Penaud’s six tries for Bordeaux highlighted the Sharks’ defensive struggles, but they will now shift focus to the knockout stage.
Heartbreak for Stormers and Cheetahs
It was a disappointing weekend for the DHL Stormers and Toyota Cheetahs, whose campaigns came to an end. The Stormers fought valiantly against Racing 92 in Paris but fell short in a thrilling 31-22 encounter, despite late tries by Herschel Jantjies and Marcel Theunissen.
The Toyota Cheetahs also bowed out after a 68-21 defeat to Lyon in France. Although the Free Staters showed glimpses of promise with tries from Daniel Maartens, Prince Nkabinde, and Neels Volschenk, Lyon’s relentless attack proved too much.
Round of 16 Matchups
The South African franchises now face challenging assignments in the knockout stage:
Hollywoodbets Sharks will travel to face Lyon.
Vodacom Bulls will take on Aviron Bayonnais.
Emirates Lions will battle Edinburgh.
All three matches are scheduled for the first weekend of April, promising intense action as these teams aim to keep South Africa’s hopes alive in European rugby.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
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