The Champions Cup is set to take centre stage from this afternoon, with South Africa’s three franchises in the elite tournament facing contrasting challenges in the opening round.
The Bulls host Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld, while the Stormers welcome Bristol Bears to Cape Town. The Lions, meanwhile, face a difficult assignment against La Rochelle in France as they continue to deal with the tragic death of teammate Hyron Andrews.
We look at five players who could make a major impact for their teams as the competition gets under way.
Luan Giliomee (Bulls, fullback)
The Champions Cup offers the exciting 20-year-old an excellent opportunity to make his mark at Loftus Versfeld after transferring from the Sharks. The fullback could provide an attacking spark with his counter-attacking ability and willingness to exploit space with ball in hand.
Playing behind an experienced Bulls backline, Giliomee will be eager to show that he can thrive at the highest level of European club rugby. If the Pretoria side establishes forward dominance and provides him with quality attacking possession, the youngster could become a dangerous attacking threat.
Cheswill Jooste (Bulls, winger)
Few players can change a contest as quickly as a winger with the pace to punish defensive mistakes, and Jooste will hope to provide that threat against Stade Français. The Bulls youngster should have plenty of opportunities to stretch the defence, exploit space out wide and finish the chances created by his teammates.
With the Loftus side possessing attacking quality across the backline, Jooste could benefit from opportunities to run at defenders in one-on-one situations or provide support for Giliomee. A strong performance will go a long way towards showing that he belongs in the first team regularly.
Vernon Matongo (Stormers, prop)
While the spotlight often falls on the backs, Matongo will play an important role in the Stormers’ set-piece battle with Bristol. The young loosehead prop will be expected to contribute to the physical contest up front, where scrum dominance and forward momentum could prove decisive.
The Cape side have traditionally relied on their pack to lay the platform for their attacking game and, after loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu’s display against the Sharks last weekend, Matongo will have some big boots to fill. If the forwards deliver, the Stormers’ dangerous backs could have the attacking platform they need to shine.
Siba Mahase (Lions, flanker)
The Lions face an emotionally challenging assignment against La Rochelle in France following the tragic death of teammate Hyron Andrews on Friday ahead of the clash. Mahase could play an important role in helping the Johannesburg side compete against formidable opposition in the two-time champions.
His work at the breakdown, defensive intensity and ability to contribute around the field will be crucial in disrupting La Rochelle’s rhythm and stopping their big ball carriers. The French side’s physical approach will test the Lions, placing considerable responsibility on their loose forwards as they look to honour the memory of Andrews.
Kelly Mpeku (Lions, winger)
Mpeku could give the Lions a valuable attacking outlet as they take on La Rochelle under difficult circumstances. The winger will need to make the most of any opportunities that come his way while remaining disciplined against a French side capable of attacking from anywhere and applying relentless pressure through their kicking game.
The Lions will be looking to balance defensive resilience with attacking ambition, and Mpeku’s ability to exploit space could prove important. If the visitors can move the ball quickly and create opportunities out wide, the winger will have a chance to test the defence and provide a spark in attack when his team needs it most.