Overview
- The Bulls name a Bok-heavy XV to face Bristol at Loftus with Ruan Nortje captaining, Handre Pollard and Embrose Papier paired at halfback, and Canan Moodie ruled out under concussion protocols in a match described as must‑win after six straight losses.
- Damian Willemse will captain the Stormers from inside centre as four players await debuts for the Harlequins trip at Twickenham Stoop.
- The Sharks leave several Springboks at home for the Sale visit, with Vincent Koch reported ready to return from a shoulder injury and Nick Hatton leading a rotated side.
- The Cheetahs restore Jaco van der Walt at flyhalf for Ulster in Amsterdam, with injuries to Victor Sekekete and Pierre Uys prompting further changes.
- UK forecasts warn of sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow from Storm Goretti, creating a conditions test for the Sharks in Manchester and the Stormers in London.