The URC is back this weekend after a month-long break for the November internationals. The Boks will also be in action this weekend as they take on Wales in Cardiff, so the South African teams in URC action will not be at full strength.
South Africa is the only nation still on tour, looking to back up their mighty win over Ireland by taking down a Welsh squad in turmoil.
Here is a look at the Round 6 matches, headlines by the South African derby that sees Lions visit Bulls:
Bulls VS Lions
Saturday, 29 November – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
The only South African derby on the books this week is in Pretoria, where the Bulls host the visiting Lions. It is a massive game for one Bull in particular, with loose forward Elrigh Louw making his long-awaited return from injury.
Lous has been sidelined for 10 months after a knee ligament injury, but he has been deemed fit enough for the bench on Saturday. Louw is one of five Boks in the 23, with hooker Akker can der Merwe and fullback Willie le Roux also on show. There is no place for veteran fly-half Handre Pollard, who has a minor calf issue, or flyer Kurt-Lee Arendse, who is in concussion protocol.
The story of Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann coming back to face his former club makes this Jukskei derby even more interesting than usual. Bulls have beaten both Leinster and Ospreys at home, scoring at will but also giving up 71 points in those two games.
Lions have also been in great form. They started slowly on tour, but have been on home soil. Their 42-31 win over an Ulster side that was unbeaten at the time is one of the best victories in the comp this year.
Even without a host of Boks, Bulls will have too much here. I like them to win in the six-to-10-point range.
Munster VS Stormers
Saturday, 29 November – Thormund Park, Limerick
This is the match of the weekend. Two unbeaten teams on 23 points each clash in Ireland, with the winner making a massive statement in the formative stages of the season.
Stomers have been impressive on the road, blanking Scarlets, beating Zebre 31-13, and then completing their raid of Italy with a 31-16 win over Benetton. Munster have held home court, just. Their three victories on their own patch over Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Connacht have come by a combined six points. It feels like they are ripe for turning over.
Stomers will be missing a host of Boks, but I like them to cover here and perhaps even steal it with a bit of luck going their way.
Connacht VS Sharks
Saturday, 29 November – The Sportsground, Galway
A couple of sides desperately in need of a win meet in Galway. Both have just one win on the season, though Sharks at least won their game last time out as they took down Scarlets 29-19.
The international break was not ideally timed, and the conditions in Galway have never favored Sharks, who are winless there from their three trips. Connacht’s one win this year was at home to Benetton.
I don’t love Sharks here. Too many players are missing and no form at all at this venue means it is hard to back them. Take the hosts to win but Sharks to cover.
