Overview
- The Stormers named nine Springboks to start against La Rochelle in Gqeberha, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf and Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf.
- Damian Willemse is unavailable with a hamstring niggle and Dan du Plessis is out for six to eight weeks with an MCL injury, so Jonathan Roche starts at inside centre.
- The Sharks bring back several Springboks to face Saracens under interim coach JP Pietersen, as André Esterhuizen prepares for his 100th cap for the franchise.
- The Bulls travel to Northampton with nine Springboks but have lost wing Cheswill Jooste to a shoulder injury, registering Sergeal Petersen as his replacement; kick-off is Sunday at 17:15 SA time.
- The Cheetahs suffered a triple setback with captain Victor Sekekete (fractured cheekbone), Jaco van der Walt and Zander du Plessis (hamstrings) sent home, while Saturday’s SA kick-offs are Stormers–La Rochelle at 15:00 and Sharks–Saracens at 17:15.