Pretoria Capitals Anrich Nortje and Jimmy Neesham ran through the Joburg Super Kings, whilst Phil Salt retained his brilliant form with the bat, to exact revenge in the Highveld derby on Wednesday evening at Centurion.
The Capitals lost a nail-biter to the Super Kings the previous night at the Wanderers, but were able to bounce back just 24 hours later on their home ground.
Nortje, who is arguably the fastest bowler in the world at the moment, ramped up the speed gun to collect 3/12, while Neesham finished with 3/7 to rout the Super Kings for 122 in just 15.4 overs.
It was an almighty collapse by the Super Kings, who lost their last eight wickets for just 69 runs.The Super Kings innings had a nightmarish start to their innings when Eathan Bosch had Reeza Hendricks caught behind first ball, but captain Faf du Plessis and Leus de Plooy attempted to rebuild the innings with a 53-run partnership for the second wicket.
But once Du Plooy, who was Player of the Match at the Wanderers, departed for 14, it left Du Plessis (51 off 22 balls) to play a lone hand.
The Super Kings had no answer to the pace of Nortje, the swing of Neesham, and the spin of Adil Rashid (2/25).
The Super Kings required early wickets if they were to defend their below-par target, but it never materialised when English opening pair Phil Salt and Will Jacks (34 off 16 balls) roared out the starting blocks with a 46-run first wicket partnership in just 3.4 overs.
The visitors’ hopes were raised when Theunis de Bruyn was brilliantly run out on the same total by Alzarri Joseph without scoring.
There were further hiccups when Rilee Rossouw (11) and Shane Dadswell (18) fell cheaply, but the victory was never in danger with Salt powering the Capitals to the top of the log with an undefeated 52 off just 30 balls.
Just over 8000 people attended on a beautiful Highveld evening.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is a six-team franchise T20 League operating under the auspices of Cricket South Africa. Cricket South Africa is the governing body of all cricket in South Africa.
Pic: SA20
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Packed with a rich history, the Wanderers Stadium was built in 1956 and with a 28 000-seating capacity, it’s no wonder it was named the stadium of choice for the upcoming Betway SA20 semi-finals and final of the 2023 inaugural competition.
The explosive new T20 cricket league will first feature at Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday, 17 January when home team Joburg Super Kings face derby rivals Pretoria Capitals.
In line with the campaign vision of becoming the country’s number one sporting and entertainment brand and the best league in the world outside of India, Wanderers Stadium, in partnership with the Betway SA20 is going above and beyond the cricketing call of duty. From in-stadium activations, to DJ Chrizz Beatz, classic kids’ entertainment, top notch hospitality, innovative innings break activations, give-aways and so much more, there’s reason to see why this league is appealing to all from far and wide to attend and enjoy.
Ticket sales thus far have been extremely positive, says Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright.
“Our fans have responded incredibly well to our calls for support not only of home team Joburg Super Kings, but of the Betway SA20 league and the honour of Wanderers Stadium hosting five league games, the semi-finals and final.
“Our match day activations have been spread out, offering something for everyone – whether it’s stilt walkers, jugglers, a Virtual Reality booth, artists Costa Titch and Timo ODV amongst many other thrilling off the pitch activities. Then there’s the razmataz of the pyrotechnics that’ll light up the Joburg skyline for 4s, 6s and wickets galore – it really will be the very best we have to offer, every ball and just in case that’s not enough, there’s the Betway Catch a Million opportunity, where anyone’s life can change with a one-handed clean catch off a six that’s hit into the crowd.”
Grab your tickets now and come enjoy sporttainment at its absolute best. The competition runs from 10 January – 11 February 2023. For fixture and ticketing information please visit: https://www.sa20.co.za/fixtures/ and www.ticketpros.co.za.
Wanderers Stadium: Betway SA20 Fixtures
17 January: 17h30 JSK vs Pretoria Capitals
24 January: 17h30 JSK vs Durban Super Giants
3 February: 13h30 JSK vs Paarl Royals
5 February: 13h30 JSK vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape
6 February: 17h30 JSK vs MI Cape Town
8 February: 17h30 Semi Final
11 February: 16h30 Final
Summary of match day information: 17 January 2023, 17h30 – Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals:
Venue: Wanderers Stadium
Gates open: 15h30
Pre-match entertainment from 16h00
Summary of additional matches:
• Matches on 17, 24 January and 6 February – Gates open 15h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Matches on 3 and 5 February – Gates open 11h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Semi-final on 8 February - Gates open 15h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
• Final on 11 February - Gates open 14h30 (2 hours prior to start of match)
Parking for all matches
Wanderers Top Rugby Field; Wanderers Golf Course; Wanderers Club; Fairways Primary School at R100 per vehicle subject to availability.
Road Closure
14h30 – 22h00 on Corlett Drive
Prohibited Items
• Firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons
• Fireworks, explosives, flammable items
• Mace / gas containers
• Glass bottles or containers
• Hard cooler boxes
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs or narcotics
• Cans (soft drinks and alcohol)
• Braai equipment
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Air horns / blow horns / vuvuzelas
• Tripods for cameras
• Video cameras or camcorders
• The Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person carrying or wearing any other items or substances that may be deemed to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous, or likely to infringe any party's rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above
People with disabilities
Wheelchair access gate 1
No cash and only card acceptance
Please note the Wanderers is a cashless stadium
For more information on the Betway SA20: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za. Please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Will Jacks struck a brilliant 92 to help the Pretoria Capitals do the double over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Centurion on Saturday.
After a failure in the previous game, the England international showed his class with a blistering innings off just 46 balls that saw the Capitals cruise home by 37 runs.
The Capitals didn't waste any time on their home turf despite losing their Player of the Match from the previous game Phil Salt early for one to Sisanda Magala.
Rilee Rossouw looked ominous with 15-ball 20, but he was caught behind just when he looked well set.
This brought Jacks and Theunis de Bruyn together at the crease for the Capitals and they proceeded to transform the game with a match-winning partnership of 111 off just 54 balls.
De Bruyn struck 42 off just 23 balls while Shane Dadswell (20 not out) and Migael Pretorius (11 not out) provided late momentum to lift them to a massive 216/6.
Sunrisers' bowling pair Sisanda Magala (2/28) and Ottniel Baartman (2/42) gained the most success for the visitors.
The Eastern Cape side struggled in their run chase as they lost the two early wickets of Sarel Erwee (8) and Jordan Cox (0) in the opening five overs.
Aiden Markram (46 off 29) and JJ Smuts (28 off 25) attempted to rebuild the innings, but were dismissed by Eathan Bosch and James Neesham respectively, which added to the Sunrisers' struggle.
Marco Jansen (36 not out) and Brydon Carse (26 not out) added some respectability to the Sunrisers' eventual total of 179/7, but they were never really in the hunt.
Upcoming Fixtures
15 January
Durban’s Super Giants vs Paarl Royals
Kingsmead
13h30
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Wednesday, 11 January: Dewald Brevis stole the show as MI Cape Town comfortably eased past Paarl Royals by eight wickets in the Betway SA20 opener at a sold out Newlands on Tuesday night.
The Newlands crowd were in high spirits before the toss after being entertained by a spectacular show from Sho Madjozi and Master KG.
The entertainment continued once the game started as the home side drew first blood when MI Cape Town’s Jofra Archer dismissed Wihan Lubbe with the help of a brilliant diving catch from George Linde.
The Boland side settled down after the initial setback through English duo Jos Buttler and Jason Roy as the pair put on 36 runs for the second wicket before Roy (13) was dismissed by Duan Jansen.
Buttler, though, continued to keep the Royals’ innings ticking over as he produced a sparkling half-century before being dismissed for 51(42), while captain David Miller knocked 42 off 31 balls as the Royals closed on 142/7.
Archer was the standout MI Cape Town bowler with figures of 3/27, while Olly Stone claimed 2/37.
MI Cape Town opening batters Brevis and Ryan Rickelton did not waste time in the run chase as they hit the ground running immediately.
The pair reached the end of the Powerplay in a comfortable position with MI Cape Town moving to 88/0.
However, the Royals managed the breakthrough they were looking for after breaking the 90-run partnership as Rickelton departed for 42 (33 balls).
It was a mere blip for the Royals as Brevis entertained the Newlands faithful with sweet strikes down the ground as he finished unbeaten on 70 off just 41 balls (4x4, 6x5) as MI Cape Town opened their Betway SA20 account in emphatic fashion.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Tuesday, 10 January: Fans have an opportunity to become instant millionaires during the Betway SA20 with the ‘Betway Catch a Million’ competition rolling out at all 33 matches across the country. The stands will be the place to be with spectators above the age of 18 who take a clean one-handed catch off a six walking away with a share of one million rand.
With some of the most explosive batters and strike-rates in T20 cricket coming out to perform in the League, fans can be certain to have many opportunities to take a life-changing catch.
Betway Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles, said:“As part of our title sponsorship we wanted to bring something to the fans in the stadium and are excited to be able to launch the Betway Catch a Million.
"Fan engagement is at the forefront of our business, and we hope to see all spectators get involved in this exciting campaign and win their share of R1 000 000.00. As an incentive to Betway SA account holders, their share of winnings will be doubled into their accounts. We hope all the fans get behind the teams and we are looking forward to the inaugural Betway SA20.”
Newlands’ capacity crowd will be the first in line for a share of the million rand during the opening match between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals on 10 January. Both teams boast some of the biggest hitters in the world including David Miller, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Rassie van der Dussen, raising the stakes for a million rand catch in the opener.
In addition, if the spectator who makes a clean one-handed catch is a Betway client prior to the match, their prize money will be doubled.
The catch must be clean and not have touched anything more than the palm of the spectator (person who catches the ball). This means that the ball cannot come off a hat, umbrella, another hand, shoulder chest, or juggled either between hands or on one hand.
Competition rules and terms & conditions are available on www.betway.co.za/latestpromos and www.sa20.co.za website
Due to responsible betting guidelines, no-one under the age of 18 is eligible to win. T’s and Cs apply.
Betway is licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. No persons under the age of 18 are eligible to win. T’s and Cs apply.
About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Monday, 9 January: Betway SA20 has confirmed exciting additions to its playing format for the inaugural season starting on 10 January. The six teams will play 33 matches in total, including three playoff matches that consist of two semi-finals and the final.
The additions have been included to improve the quality of the product while preserving the sanctity of the game.
In an innovative move to level the playing field, each captain can nominate 13 players to take the field before the toss. After the toss, each captain can select their final starting XI and the remainder of the players will automatically become substitute players.
Teams will be encouraged to put in dominant performances, with the winning team awarded four points and a bonus-point win generating five points. The bonus point will be awarded to a team who achieves a run rate of 1.25 times that of the opposition. In case of a no result, both teams will be awarded two points, while the losing team will not receive any points.
In addition, the following rules have been adjusted:
• The pace of play will be protected without suspensions with captains charged with in-game penalties for slow over-rates through fielding restrictions.
• There has been an amendment to the free-hit rule, a bowled dismissal can’t lead to byes if the ball ricochets off the stumps.
• Positive and attacking fielding will be encouraged. No runs can be taken off an intentional attempt to run out the batter if a direct hit deflects off the stumps.
• There will be two strategic time-outs of 2 minutes 30 seconds in duration in each innings. The time-outs are to allow the teams to re-group tactically.
Six Powerplay overs will be implemented where only two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
In the event of teams finishing on equal points, the right to progress through to the final and those to play in the play-off will be determined as follows:
• the team with the most number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest number of bonus points;
• If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate;
• If still equal, the team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins;
• If still equal, the team with the highest runs to wickets ratio throughout the tournament;
• If still equal, the team with the highest wickets to runs ratio throughout the tournament.
In a match declared as a No Result, run rate is not applicable.
The first semi-final will include the team finishing top of the group stages against the team finishing fourth. The second semi-final will be between the teams finishing second and third respectively. The winners of the two semi-finals will contest the final.
About SA20
SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Right from the first ball bowled at the DP World Wanderers in this One Day Cup competition Lions Cricket has been fan-focused: Giving every single fan a memorable and unmatched experience. True to “The Lions Way” Lions Cricket is set to ensure that the 2022/23 final between the DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill WP is bigger, better and the best yet. We are wetting the Pride’s appetite with the promise of face-painters; jumping castles; DJ Garth and DJ Zinhle; competitions; Morgan Beat Box; the Jozi brass band and so much more.
Putting their money where their mouth is this One Day Cup campaign, the off-field performances were matched in the middle, with table toppers DP World Lions claiming 5 from 5 and securing a home final – all with two round robin matches still in hand.
Having won 6 of their total 7 games, log-leaders Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that his marketing and events team have been working equally as smart, ensuring that the off-pitch experience equates to that of inside the ropes.
“Our DP World Lions team have certainly delivered with bat and ball so now is the time for us to rally our pride members and show the team our appreciation and admiration for the quality performances to date. Our events and marketing team have gone the extra mile in order to ensure that every fan’s experience is an epic one, hosted at the one and only DP World Wanderers Stadium. So, purchase your tickets for the Final, bring family and friends because I assure you we have something for everyone.”
With adults in at R50 and scholars (u18) at R25, there really can only be one place to be, come Final Day on Thursday 29 December.
“We have more food choices, more music, more giveaways, more action. Actually: We have ‘much more’ of everything. Our fans mean the world to us and having made it a home final during the festive season, what a better time to have a great family day out?” smiles Leaf-Wright.
So come join the action by purchasing your tickets via ticketpros.co.za or at the stadium ticket office. South Africa’s most iconic cricket stadium warmly welcomes all from far and wide come 29 December 2022 at 13h00 for the Final matchup between the DP World Lions and Six Gun Grill WP. Come join in for one final time in 2022 – for a carnival of cricket this summer.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Momentum Multiply Titans legend Farhaan Behardien has announced his retirement from cricket after an 18-year long career.
Behardien (39) spent the majority of his career at the Sky Blues winning 16 trophies in his 14 years at SuperSport Park before departing in January 2020.
“Fudgie” as he is known affectionately, played a significant role in the Titans success during the franchise era and was often at the crease to get the team over the lines in key moments.
“I’d like to wish Fudgie well in his retirement, he’s a top human being and a Titan through and through and he always represented the badge in the highest regard.” Titans CEO, Dr Jacques Faul said on Behardien.
It was in 2006 when Berhardien joined the Sky Blues under then coach Richard Pybus. While at the Titans Behardien notched up 6794 first-class runs and was highly destructive in limited overs cricket.
"At the height of our success he made up a part of an explosive middle order which included [Albie] Morkel, [Chris] Morris, [David] Wiese and himself (Begardien) which were our X Factor in white ball cricket over the years." Faul carried on.
Behardien holds the record for the fastest half-century in domestic T20 cricket. He hit an unbeaten 55 off 15 balls (50 from 14 balls) in the 2016/2017 CSA T20 challenge semi-final against the Warriors to secure a home final for the Sky Blues; we went on to win in the final and claim the T20 Challenge trophy that year.
In a statement on his retirement Behardien said, “Thanks specifically to the Titans (skyblues) for taking a punt on a young kid all those years ago & giving me a platform to showcase my skill.”
Behardien was a remarkable finisher in One Day and T20 cricket and more than that became an intimate member of the Sky Blues family who created treasured memories with us.
Fudgie, the game of cricket and the Sky Blues will miss seeing you at the crease and you will leave a legacy to be proud of. Enjoy the next chapter of life.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG: Six Gun Grill Western Province secured the second final spot in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) One Day Cup with a 74-run victory against Gbets Rocks on Friday.
Asked to bat first, Western Province fell into early trouble when they lost both openers, Tony de Zorzi (7) and Jonathan Bird (7) within powerplay. Ferisco Adams (2/18) was the man behind the destruction in a must-win encounter in Paarl.
Mihlali Mpongwana smashed 96 off 110 balls to help Western Province set a decent total against hosts, Gbets Rocks.
Mpongwana came to the crease with the visitors on 44/4 with the loss of Zubayr Hamza (9) and Daniel Smith (7). He shared a 40-run partnership with Edward Moore (33), and 41 runs with George Linde (17).
He then combined for 94 runs with Wayne Parnell (44) to ensure the visitors set a defendable total.
Bamanye Xenxe (3/52) was the pick of Rocks bowlers, dismissing Mpongwana, Parnell and Hamza and Western Province ended their innings on 246/8.
The Rocks were then bundled out in less than 36 overs on with 172 runs.
Opener, Leus du Plooy’s half century got the home team off to a good start but wickets kept falling around him.
His 57 was supported by Clyde Fortuin (31), and a run-a-ball twenty runs from Shaun von Berg.
Linde led the attack to record 3/23, whilst Tshepo Moreki and Kyle Simmonds claimed two wickets each and single scalps Parnell and Beuran Hendricks.
In Durban, Hollywoodbets Dolphins elected to bat first against DP World Lions.
An all-round bowling effort from Wiaan Mulder (3/19) , Sisanda Magala (3/46), Malusi Siboto (2/15) and Bjorn Fortuin (2/26) saw the Dolphins restricted to 170 all out in 47 overs.
Eathan Bosch (48) and Prenelan Subrayen (30) were the notable contributors, supported in double digits by Bryce Parsons (21) and Odirile Modimokoane (20*).
An easy chase for the Lions who comfortable reached the target in 43 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 95* runs from opener, Joshua Richards and Mitchell van Buuren (44).
Jon Jon Smuts (2/36) dismissed van Buuren and Reeza Hendricks (23) whilst Subrayen saw off Dominic Hendricks with just one run and Lions won the match by seven wickets.
Match between ITEC Knights and Momentum Multiply Titans was abandoned without a ball bowled due to inclement weather in Bloemfontein.
Upcoming 1DayCup Fixtures:
Division 2 Final – 28 December 2022
10h00: AET Tuskers vs Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers – AET Oval, Pietermaritzburg
Division 1 Final – 29 December 2022
13h00: DP World Lions vs Six Gun Grill Western Province – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Five South African franchises will enter new rugby territory on Saturday when the take the field in the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup competitions in a watershed moment for SA rugby.
The Emirates Lions will get their first taste of European action against the Dragons in their EPCR Challenge Cup clash at 12h45 on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park, while the Toyota Cheetahs will meet Section Paloise at 15h00 at Stade du Hameau in Pau.
The three other SA franchises will make their Heineken Champions Cup debuts on Saturday with the Cell C Sharks meeting Harlequins at Hollywoodbets Kings Park at 15h00, while the DHL Stormers take on Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin at 17h15, and the Vodacom Bulls lock horns with Lyon at Loftus Versfeld at 19h30.
SA’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams, the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers, Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, will all be determined to build on their form against their northern hemisphere rivals last weekend, as they registered a clean sweep of victories in the Vodacom URC, but this will be a completely new challenge for the teams against fresh opposition.
The Emirates Lions have been in encouraging form this season, winning five of their eight Vodacom URC matches to date, and they are expected to back themselves against Welsh side the Dragons, who despite reaching the EPCR playoffs on three occasions (2007, 2015 and 2016) failed to progress beyond the pool stages last year after suffering defeats in all four of their games.
The Toyota Cheetahs will be looking forward to returning to top class club rugby after last featuring in the Guinness PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.
With French club Section Paloise, also known as Pau, coming off a disappointing 2020/21 season in which they failed to progress beyond the pool stages, they will look to challenge the Free Staters re-introduction into intercontinental rugby, and take advantage of their home conditions and crowd.
The Heineken Champions Cup is also expected to dish up a fair share of excitement as the Cell C Sharks meet English club Harlequins in Durban on Saturday in what is expected to be a thrilling clash.
The KwaZulu-Natalians come off a spirited fight against Ospreys in the Vodacom URC and will look to build on that when they take on the Quins, who come off back-to-back victories in the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup against Gloucester and Bath respectively.
Similarly to the Durbanites, who boast a few Springbok players in their ranks, Harlequins have their fair share of top-class players in England’s Danny Care and Marcus Smith, as well as three Boks in André Esterhuizen, Wilco Louw and Stephan Lewies.
Having played for the Cell C Sharks earlier in their careers, Esterhuizen and Lewies will warn their team-mates of the warm Durban conditions, and given the quality of the two teams on offer, this match could end as a very tight scramble.
The DHL Stormers, who have had a good run in the Vodacom URC so far this season after winning the inaugural tournament, will be up against a strong-willed opponent in Clermont-Auvergne from France, who will want to make an early statement in the competition after finishing in fifth place last season.
Clermont also come off a few disappointing results in the French Top 14, but they managed to turn things around last week against Montpellier, and this will give them the mental boost they need going into this clash.
The Capetonians, however, will enter the match with confidence since they come off a three-match winning streak in the Vodacom URC.
Interestingly, five players in coach John Dobson’s touring squad have Heineken Champions Cup experience in Steven Kitshoff, Brok Harris (both props), Joseph Dweba (hooker), Deon Fourie (utility forward) and Alapati Leiua (centre).
The Vodacom Bulls, meanwhile, will enter their clash against Lyon in strong form on a four-match winning streak and after winning seven of their nine Vodacom URC matches.
With this being a home game and the Pretoria team boasting the bragging rights as the top points scorers in the Vodacom URC up to now, they should take some additional confidence into the clash at Loftus Versfeld.
The Vodacom Bulls will, however, be wary of the fact that Lyon earned their first ever European title last season after beating Toulon 30-12 in the EPCR Challenge Cup final, and they will look to build on that in what will be a new hunting ground for them this weekend.
Heineken Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1):
Cell C Sharks v Harlequins
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
SA Time: 15h00
Referee: Tual Trainini (France)
TV: SuperSport
Clermont Auvergne v DHL Stormers
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand
SA Time: 17h15
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
TV: SuperSport
Vodacom Bulls v Lyon
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
SA Time: 19h30
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
TV: SuperSport
EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures (Round 1):
Emirates Lions v Dragons
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
SA Time: 12h45
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
TV: SuperSport
Section Paloise v Toyota Cheetahs
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Stade du Hameau, Pau
SA Time: 15h00
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TV: SuperSport
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
USPA Gear
