Overview
- The Stormers remain unbeaten and top Pool 3, traveling to Harlequins after the English club’s leadership issued a rare joint statement on unacceptable Premiership performances.
- John Dobson backs squad depth for The Stoop, targets points to bolster home‑playoff hopes, and weighs rotation as prop Ali Vermaak awaits scans for a likely long‑term leg injury.
- Johan Ackermann’s Bulls sit fifth in Pool 4 after six straight defeats and will field their strongest lineup against Bristol at Loftus before a trip to Pau.
- The Sharks, coming off an 81st‑minute derby loss under JP Pietersen, are fifth in Pool 1 and face Sale away before hosting Clermont.
- The Lions and Cheetahs occupy the foot of their Challenge Cup pools and need immediate wins, with the Lions hosting Lyon and the Cheetahs meeting Ulster in Amsterdam.