The Stormers will look to extend their unbeaten run, while the Bulls aim to bounce back in Galway in round four of the Vodacom URC.
Both the Lions and Sharks are back on home soil desperate to get their seasons firing.
The Stormers remain the only South African side yet to lose this season, sitting top of the log with three wins from three. For the Bulls, Lions and Sharks, this weekend offers a chance to reset after a mixed start to their campaigns.
The Bulls open the weekend’s action under the Friday night lights in Ireland, facing a tricky trip to Galway. Johan Ackermann’s team will be eager to respond after falling short against Ulster last week, but they’ll know Connacht is a tough nut to crack at home.
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The Irish side have lost only once in their last four home URC games, though the Bulls can take heart from their 28-14 victory in Galway last season. Historically, Connacht have battled against South African teams, winning just one of their last seven encounters – against the Sharks last year.
Ackermann’s men will back their power game to deliver a much-needed statement win on tour.
Back at altitude and back in front of their home fans, the Lions are hoping for a change of fortunes after a tough three-match road run.
Ivan van Rooyen’s side have bolstered their depth with short-term reinforcements from the Bulls and Griquas and will fancy their chances against a struggling Scarlets outfit still searching for a first win of the campaign.
The Lions have won four of their last six URC home games, while the Scarlets have managed only two victories in their last nine matches against South African opponents – and just one win in the country since 2018. That came, ironically, against the Lions in May.
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With the head-to-head record locked at two wins apiece, the hosts have a prime chance to edge ahead in the rivalry.
In Durban, the Bok-laden Sharks return home still searching for their first win of the season – and it won’t come easy against unbeaten Ulster.
John Plumtree’s side can draw confidence from their formidable home record, having lost just once in their last 10 URC matches at Kings Park. However, Ulster have been efficient on the road so far this campaign, sitting among the early pace-setters after a perfect start.
The Irish visitors have lost on their last four trips to South Africa, though they’ll remember their 31-24 triumph in Durban last February. The Sharks, meanwhile, will be determined to deliver a performance that reignites their season and their fans.
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The log-leading Stormers wrap up round four in Italy, where they’ll look to maintain their flawless record against Zebre Parma.
John Dobson’s men have notched bonus-point wins in all four previous meetings with the Italians and will be favourites again, despite Zebre’s solid home form. The hosts have won their last two matches in Parma and are targeting three consecutive home victories for the first time since 2018.
The Stormers’ only defeat in their past eight URC outings came in last season’s quarter-final, and they’ll be eager to continue building momentum on tour with another composed performance.
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Round 4 SA fixtures:
Connacht vs Bulls – Friday, 8:45pm
Lions vs Scarlets – Saturday, 1:45pm
Sharks vs Ulster – Saturday, 4pm
Zebre Parma vs Stormers – Saturday, 8:45pm
Photo: Gareth Everett/Gallo Images
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