Overview
- The Sharks recall the Hendrikse brothers alongside Ox Nché, Bongi Mbonambi and Aphelele Fassi for Clermont, targeting maximum points while acknowledging they still need other results to progress.
- Clermont are expected to field a weakened squad in Durban after falling out of playoff contention, but the Sharks insist they are treating the fixture like a playoff and focusing on points difference.
- The Bulls make 11 changes for Pau with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheswill Jooste back on the wings, a 6–2 bench featuring Marco van Staden as hooker cover, and a stated need to win before awaiting Scarlets’ result.
- The Stormers frame Leicester’s visit as a playoff at a sold-out Cape Town, with Ruhan Nel’s return boosting selection options as a win secures the round of 16 and a bonus-point haul could improve seeding.
- Coaches stress mindset shifts and selection clarity, with JP Pietersen credited by Ox Nché for sharpening the Sharks’ mental edge and Johan Ackermann urging the Bulls to focus on performance rather than permutations.