The Vodacom Bulls delivered a dominant first half performance against the Phakisa Pumas at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to finish their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on a winning note with a 21-5 victory and the honour of being crowned the champions.

The win was their fourth in a row in the competition and their fifth victory in six matches since Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked kicked off in October, not long after the interrupted season was restarted.
With the clash between the trailing DHL Stormers and Cell C Sharks cancelled, the Vodacom Bulls entered their final match of the competition at the top of the standings with the title essentially sealed, but they continued to make their presence felt for yet another victory.
The Toyota Cheetahs also ensured that they finished their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on a high note as they overcame a strong challenge by Tafel Lager Griquas in Bloemfontein for a 28-9 win – although the match was tighter than the scoresheet reflected.

Dominant Vodacom Bulls clinch Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked title
The Vodacom Bulls overpowered the Phakisa Pumas on a sopping wet Loftus Versfeld turf on Saturday afternoon to claim a 21-5 victory and clinch the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked title.
The hosts were in control from the first half, dominating possession and territory, and they backed this up with good finishing to score three tries to none for an encouraging 21-0 halftime lead.
The Phakisa Pumas finally made their way onto the score sheet six minutes into the second half and they continued to threaten on attack as the half progressed, but a combination of the Vodacom Bulls’ effective defence and errors denied the Lowvelders from converting it into points.
The Vodacom Bulls, in turn, were unable to add to their score, but their impressive first-half performance was enough to secure the 21-5 victory.
Scorers:
Vodacom Bulls 21 (21) – Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Chris Smith, Ivan van Zyl. Conversions: Chris Smith (3).

Phakisa Pumas 5 (0) – Try: HP van Schoor.
Toyota Cheetahs claim Central Derby honours
The Toyota Cheetahs scored three tries from clever kicks to finish their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on a winning note with a 28-9 victory over Tafel Lager Griquas in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.
Two late tries gave the Free Staters’ score a bit of a boost though as the match was much tighter than the final score reflected as they had to claw their way back from a one-point deficit at the break to score 20 unanswered second half points.

The wet conditions made handling difficult and put extra emphasis on tactical awareness, while it also laid a platform for the forwards to get stuck in.
The Toyota Cheetahs’ discipline let them down at crucial times, which allowed Tinus de Beer (flyhalf) to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Tafel Lager Griquas.
Scorers:
Toyota Cheetahs 28 (8) – Tries: Andisa Ntsila, Howard Mnisi, Ruben de Haas, Jeandré Rudolph. Conversion: Reinhardt Fortuin. Penalty goals: Tian Schoeman (2).
Tafel Lager Griquas 9 (9) – Penalty goals: Tinus de Beer (3).

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The DHL Stormers and the Cell C Sharks closed the gap on log leaders Vodacom Bulls to just two points with only one round remaining following their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked wins over the  Toyota Cheetahs and Tafel Lager Griquas respectively.
 
The Cape side, with flyhalf Damian Willemse in commanding form, moved to second spot on the log with 17 points from five games as a result of their 30-13 home victory over the Toyota Cheetahs on Saturday evening.
 
Cell C Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch was again the hero for his team when the kicked the winning penalty at the end of their exciting clash with the Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley to hand the Durban outfit a dramatic 34-33 win on Friday night.
 
The Durbanites also have 17 log points, but the men from the Cape have a better points difference. The Vodacom Bulls lead the standings on 19 points.
 
The game between the Emirates Lions and Phakisa Pumas scheduled for Emirates Airline Park on Saturday afternoon was postponed in line with COVID-19 protocols.
 
In next weekend’s final round of fixtures the Vodacom Bulls host the Phakisa Pumas on Friday in Pretoria (19h00), the Toyota Cheetahs have a home match against the Tafel Lager Griquas in Bloemfontein (16h30) while the Cell C Sharks face the DHL Stormers in Durban (19h00).
 
Click on the headline-link for the full match report.
 
DHL Stormers stay in the hunt with home win
 
The DHL Stormers made sure they stay in the hunt for top honours of the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked when they outplayed the Toyota Cheetahs 30-13 at DHL Newlands in Cape Town.
 
The win saw DHL Stormers move up to second place on the league table with 17 points from their five games, still two points behind leaders the Vodacom Blue Bulls who had a bye this weekend.
 
The first half saw a tight arm wrestle between the two sides, with the home side eventually edging ahead to lead by 13-3 at the halftime break.
 
However, some enterprising play by Springboks Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse - combined with some powerful scrumming in the second half - secured a convincing and vital win for the home team and a second loss in a row for the team from Bloemfontein.
 
Scorers:
 
DHL Stormers 30 (13) – Tries: Herschel Jantjies, Juarno Augustus, Warrick Gelant. Conversions: Damian Willemse (3). Penalty goals: Willemse (2). Drop goal: Willemse.
 
Toyota Cheetahs 13 (3) – Try: Rosko Specman, Conversion: Tian Schoeman. Penalty goals: Schoeman (2).
 
Bosch sparkles in the Diamond City
 
Flyhalf Curwin Bosch kicked an 81st minute penalty goal to guide the Cell C Sharks to a dramatic 34-33 win over Tafel Lager Griquas in their match in Kimberley on Friday evening, where the lead changed no less than eight times.
 
Just one minute earlier, Tafel Lager Griquas flyhalf Tinus de Beer had kicked a clutch penalty goal to put the home side 33-31 ahead at Tafel Lager Park just as his side looked they were on their way to clinching their first win of the competition.
 
However, unfortunately for the North Cape side, the script was not yet done.
 
The Durbanites won back the last restart and attacked from way out and when referee Griffin Colby penalised the home side for a ruck infringement, Bosch stepped up to kick the winning points.
 
The previous 78 minutes had delivered a real feast of rugby, with the home side first enjoying a 9-7 lead at the break and then a 13-point lead with 15 minutes to play. If the Cell C Sharks deserved this victory, it would be their refusal to stop chasing the win, and that proved vital in the end.
 
Scorers:
 
Tafel Lager Griquas 33 (9) - Tries: Ederies Arendse, Eduan Keyter, Gideon van der Merwe. Conversions: Tinus de Beer (3). Penalty goals: De Beer (4).
 
Cell C Sharks 34 (7) - Tries: Sanele Nohamba, Manie Libbok, Jeremy Ward, Dylan Richardson. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (4). Penalty goals: Bosch (2).
 
 
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The Emirates Lions play their first Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked home match on Friday evening when they face the Tafel Lager Griquas in a testing encounter in Johannesburg.
 
Kick-off at Emirates Airline Park is at 19h00.
 
Last weekend the Phakisa Pumas came very close to an upset against the DHL Stormers in Nelspruit, and on Saturday Jimmy Stonehouse and his team are involved in another big home fixture when they face the visiting Cell C Sharks. Kick-off in the Mbombela Stadium is at 16h30.
 
The final fixture of the weekend is a traditional North/South battle between the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers. The two big rivals face each other on Saturday evening in Pretoria, where the starting time is 19h00.
 
The Toyota Cheetahs have a bye this weekend. All the matches are live on the SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.
 
Full team announcements available at the links below.
 
Jantjies resumes captaincy for Emirates Lions’ first home clash
 
Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has recovered from the calf injury he picked up during a training session last week and will captain the Emirates Lions in their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash with Tafel Lager Griquas in Johannesburg on Friday evening.
 
The Emirates Airline Park fixture starts at 19h00 and is the Emirates Lions first home match of the new campaign, 258 days since their previous match on home turf before the season was suspended due to COVID-19.
 
Jantjies was not considered for his side’s encounter last weekend against the Toyota Cheetahs because of the leg injury, but the match was eventually called off in line with COVID-19 protocols. It was confirmed that Friday evening's clash would go ahead following consultation between SA Rugby and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID).
 
Other changes to the Emirates Lions side include the selection of a brand new back trio of Gianni Lombard, Stean Pienaar and Courtnall Skosan. Lombard comes into the side in place of EW Viljoen at fullback, while speedsters Pienaar is preferred over Jamba Ulengo, and Skosan starts instead of Rabz Maxwane.
 
Tafel Lager Griquas coach Scott Mathie has named a much-changed team for their Friday evening encounter.
Only six players from their last match – a home defeat to the Phakisa Pumas almost a fortnight ago – have retained their positions in the starting line-up, while there are two positional changes.
 
The six players who will start in the same positions as two weekends ago, are the midfield pairing of Harlon Klaasen and Andre Swartz, the halfbacks George Whitehead and Zak Burger, Stefan Willemse (flank) and HJ Luus (hooker).
 
The teams:
 
Emirates Lions: 15 Gianni Lombard; 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Courtnall Skosan; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morné van den Berg; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 MJ Pelser, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Ross Cronjé, 22 Burger Odendaal, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.
 
Tafel Lager Griquas: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Ederies Arendse, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 André Swarts, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Zak Burger, 8 Carl Els, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Adré Smith, 4 Mzwanele Zito, 3 Ewald van der Westhuizen, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Andrew Beerwinkel. Replacements: 16 Monde Hadebe, 17 Mox Mxoli, 18 John-Roy Jenkinson, 19 Johan Momsen, 20 Ewan Coetzee, 21 Theo Maree, 22 Tinus de Beer, 23 Masixole Banda, 24 Bandisa Ndlovu, 25 CJ Velleman, 26 Johnathan Francke.
 
Match information – Emirates Lions v Tafel Lager Griquas
Date: Friday, 30 October 2020
Time: 19:00
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg                                        
Referee : Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Stuart Berry
Television Match Official: Jaco Peyper
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Phakisa Pumas tweak starting side for Cell C Sharks encounter
 
Phakisa Pumas head coach Jimmy Stonehouse made just two changes to his starting 15 for their round four home clash against the Cell C Sharks in Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.
 
Stonehouse kept his side that tested the DHL Stormers to the limit last week at the Mbombela Stadium largely intact, making only one change in the front row and another at flyhalf.
 
Front ranker Liam Hendricks comes into the side as a rotational switch with Morgan Naude, while Fiela Boshoff earned the nod at flyhalf in place of Eddie Fouche.
 
Meanwhile, Cell C Sharks head coach, Sean Everitt, has had to make a few changes due to injury, while also using rotation to keep the squad both fresh but also battle-hardened.
 
Springbok prop Thomas du Toit is out because of injury and he’s replaced by John-Hubert Meyer.
 
The loose-forward trio has been rejigged; with James Venter having injured his ankle against the Vodacom Bulls, he is replaced by Dylan Richardson while Sikhumbuzo Notshe is out with a hamstring strain although it is hoped he will be available next week.
 
Madosh Tambwe (wing) will also get his first run in the competition in place of Werner Kok.
 
“We weren’t happy with our set-piece, but fortunately it is something we can fix and we’ve worked hard to rectify that. We’re looking forward to redeeming ourselves this weekend,” Everitt explained.”
 
The teams:
 
Phakisa Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Neil Maritz, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Wayne van der Bank, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Fiela Boshoff, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsburg, 3 Ruan Kramer, 2 AJ le Roux, 1 Liam Hendricks. Replacements (from): Marko Janse van Rensburg, Stepan de Jager, Brendon Valentyn, Phumzile Maqondwana, Chriswill Willemse, Neil Marais, 22 Ali Mgijima, Dewald Maritz, Daniel Maartens, HP van Schoor, Kwanda Dimaza.
 
Cell C Sharks: 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Yaw Penxe.
 
Match information – Phakisa Pumas v Cell C Sharks
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2020
Time: 16h30
Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Egon Seconds
Television Match Official: Marius Jonker
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Nyakane to anchor Vodacom Bulls’ scrum against DHL Stormers
 
Springbok Rugby World Cup winning prop Trevor Nyakane will anchor the scrum in the only change to the Vodacom Bulls starting team for their outing against the DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.
 
The starting team will no doubt lean toward the abrasive yet dynamic style of play that former Junior Springbok lock forward Ruan Nortje brings to the table. The talented youngster has made 20 carries and 21 tackles thus far and is one of only two players to do so after three rounds of action.
 
The only change amongst the replacements sees Springbok loose forward Nizaam Carr replacing fellow Springbok Arno Botha.
 
“The Stormers tend to be our measuring stick and beating them is non-negotiable amongst the players,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.
 
Springbok loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff will captain the DHL Stormers for their visit to the capital.
 
Kitshoff takes over the captaincy from Siya Kolisi, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
 
Jaco Coetzee, meanwhile, replaces Kolisi on the side of the scrum, while JD Schickerling will start at lock in the only other change to the forward pack.
 
DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that his side is looking forward to testing themselves in what should be another North-South classic.
 
“This match is one of the highlights on the South African rugby calendar, so we are looking forward to taking on that challenge this weekend,” said Dobson.
 
The teams:
 
Vodacom Bulls team: 15 David Kriel, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren.
 
DHL Stormers team: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Jaco Coetzee, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain). Replacements (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 David Meihuizen, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Ben-Jason Dixon, 23 Godlen Masimla, 24 Tim Swiel, 25 Angelo Davids, 26 Tristan Leyds.
 
Match information – Vodacom Bulls v DHL Stormers
Date: Saturday 31 October
Kick-off: 19:00
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria                                                         
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Stuart Berry
Television Match Official: Jaco Peyper
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
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​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The DHL Stormers were victorious in their first Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked outing when they defeated the Emirates Lions 23-17 at DHL Newlands on Saturday evening. The Cape side had a bye in the first round.
 
In the earlier match on Saturday afternoon played in Kimberley, the visiting Phakisa Pumas fought their way to a deserved 27-21 win over the Tafel Lager Griquas.
 
The Toyota Cheetahs managed to hold on for a tight 19-17 in over the Vodacom Bulls on Friday evening in Bloemfontein, while the Cell C Sharks had a rest weekend.
 
As a result of their second successive win the Free Staters are sitting on top of the log with nine points from two wins, followed by the Vodacom Bulls (five points), the DHL Stormers, Cell C Sharks and Phakisa Pumas, all on four points each.
 
Click on the headline-link to download the full match report.
 
DHL Stormers grab comeback win over Emirates Lions
 
The DHL Stormers delivered an improved second half performance to grab a 23-17 comeback win over the Emirates Lions at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
 
The visitors from Johannesburg made the better start and led 10-6 at halftime, but the home side managed to turn things around in the second half for a deserved but close fought win.
 
However, Siya Kolisi’s team delivered a much more composed effort in the second half, cutting down on their error rate, which resulted in two tries.
 
The Capetonians, with no less than seven Springboks in their starting team, gradually gained the ascendency and took their scoring opportunities while keeping the visitors in check with some solid defence.
 
Toyota Cheetahs hold on for tight win over Vodacom Bulls
 
The Toyota Cheetahs battled their way to a close-fought 19-17 win over the Vodacom Bulls in their clash in Bloemfontein on Friday evening. The home side led 13-3 at halftime and managed to hang on for their second successive win of the competition.
 
The Vodacom Bulls had a chance to level matters right at the end when Joe van Zyl (replacement hooker) crashed over for their only try from a lineout maul. However, Chris Smith (replacement flyhalf) missed the conversion attempt to allow the Free Staters to grab the winning points for a second week in a row.
 
The men from Pretoria had a first half to forget with too many errors, while the home team also made life difficult for their visitors with some bone crunching defensive hits.
 
The visitors finished strongly but the home side managed to hang on for a tight win stay on top the log standings after two rounds.
 
Fouche steers Phakisa Pumas to victory in Kimberley
 
Phakisa Pumas flyhalf Eddie Fouche delivered a superb individual performance to steer his team to a 27-21 victory over Tafel Lager Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Mpumalanga side led 17-11 at halftime and faced a strong second-half challenge by the hosts, but a converted try with 10 minutes left to play set them up for the six-point victory and their first win of the new campaign.
 
Fouche deservedly earned the man of the match award for his influential performance, which included kicking all three conversions and two penalty goals for personal tally of 12 points.
 
The flyhalf remained composed as he orchestrated several attacking spells for his side throughout the match, while his clever play and timely offload deep in the second half led to the visitors’ crucial third try scored by fullback Devon Williams, which allowed them to finally race clear of the determined home side.
 
With time running out, captain George Whitehead (flyhalf) slotted over a penalty goal in the dying minutes to earn the Kimberley outfit a bonus point for going down by less than 7 points.
 
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The DHL Stormers, who had a bye in the first round, kick off their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign on Saturday evening when they host the Emirates Lions from 19h00 in Cape Town.
 
The Cape Town clash is one of two Saturday matches, with Tafel Lager Griquas hosting the Phakisa Pumas in Kimberley in the earlier kick off (16h30).
 
Friday evening sees the exciting Toyota Cheetahs outfit up against the powerful Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein, where the action starts 19h00.
 
Due to COVID-19 regulations, no fans will be allowed inside the stadiums.  However, rugby fans will be able to watch all the exciting action live on SuperSport.
 
Unchanged Toyota Cheetahs ready for physical Vodacom Bulls challenge
 
The same 15 players that did the damage for the Toyota Cheetahs last weekend will run out again on Friday when the Free Staters host the Vodacom Bulls in Bloemfontein, in what will be the 100th time Clayton Blommetjies runs out in the famous white jersey.
 
The only change Hawies Fourie (head coach) made to his team was on the bench, where Jacques du Toit came in for Louis van der Westhuizen as the new replacement hooker.
 
“The Bulls will bring different challenges (to the Pumas) and we’re expecting a very physical match,” said Toyota Cheetahs assistant coach Corniel van Zyl.
 
Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has made five changes to his starting team for their visit to Bloemfontein, with Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen back to lead the men in blue.
 
White also decided to hand the exciting and hard-hitting inside centre Clinton Swart his Vodacom Bulls debut against the Free Staters, whom he represented a few seasons ago.
 
“We struggled to get going against the Griquas and we cannot afford the same against a strong Cheetahs team,” said White.
 
The teams:
 
Toyota Cheetahs: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 Walt Steenkamp, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais. Replacements: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Erich de Jager, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Chris Massyn, 22 Tian Meyer, 23 William Small-Smith.
 
Vodacom Bulls: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Clinton Swart, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Stedman Gans.
 
Match information – Toyota Cheetahs v Vodacom Bulls
Date: Friday, 16 October 2020
Time: 19h00
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Ben Crouse
Television Match Official: AJ Jacobs
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Tafel Lager Griquas unchanged for Phakisa Pumas visit
 
Tafel Lager Griquas will field an unchanged starting fifteen for their home match against the Phakisa Pumas on Saturday. Kick-off in Kimberley is at 16h30.
 
There are however two changes on the bench for the Peacock Blues’ first home fixture of the new local competition, both of them amongst the forwards with the inclusion of Andrew Beerwinkel, a former Vodacom Bulls, Phakisa Pumas and Junior Springbok prop, and utility forward Ewan Coetzee.
 
Meanwhile, Phakisa Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has made a bunch of changes to his side, as they will have to make do without two key players who are injured, Ryan Nell and Le Roux Roets.
 
The only players who will start again this week are Devon Williams (fullback), Wayne van der Bank (centre), Neil Maritz (left wing), Eddie Fouche (flyhalf), Ginter Smuts (scrumhalf), Willie Engelbrecht (flank), Ruan Kramer and Morgan Naude (both props).
 
The teams:
 
Tafel Lager Griquas: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 André Swarts, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 George Whitehead (captain), 9 Zak Burger, 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Carl Els, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Ian Groenewald, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 HJ Luus, 1 Mox Mxoli. Replacements (from): Alandre van Rooyen, Andrew Beerwinkel, Madot Mabokela, Adre Smith, Zandre Jordaan, Gideon van der Merwe, Ashon Davids, Berton Klaasen, Mzwanele Zito, Ewan Coetzee, Bjorn Basson.
 
Phakisa Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Etienne Taljaard, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Wayne van der Bank, 11 Neil Maritz, 10 Eddie Fouche, 9 Ginter Smuts, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Francois Kleinhans, 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren (captain), 4 Darrien Landsburg, 3 Ruan Kramer, 2 Simon Westraadt, 1 Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Liam Hendricks, 18 Heath Backhouse, 19 Phumzile Maqondwana, 20 Dian Badenhorst, 21 Neil Marais, 22 Ali Mgijima, 23 Dewald Maritz.
 
Match information – Tafel Lager Griquas v Phakisa Pumas
Date: Saturday 17 October
Time: 16h30
Venue: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Ben Crouse
Television Match Official: Cwengile Jadezweni
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
Seven Springboks to start for DHL Stormers against Emirates Lions
 
John Dobson (head coach) has included seven Springboks in the DHL Stormers starting line-up for their encounter with the Emirates Lions at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.
 
There are just two changes to the starting line-up that did duty in the 34-21 victory against the Emirates Lions on Vodacom Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld at the start of the month, with fit-again wing Sergeal Petersen replacing the injured Seabelo Senatla, while Bongi Mbonambi starts at hooker with Scarra Ntubeni among the replacements.
 
“This is our first competitive match since March, so to say that we are looking forward to it would be an understatement,” said Dobson.
 
Morne van den Berg has been named to replace the injured Dillon Smit at scrumhalf in the only change to the Emirates Lions starting line-up.
 
Van den Berg gets a deserved start following his solid performance last week as first-half replacement for Smit, who dislocated his shoulder and will most likely miss the remainder of the local season as a result of injury rehabilitation.
 
The teams:
 
DHL Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Michal Haznar, 23 Tim Swiel.
 
Emirates Lions: 15 EW Viljoen; 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Burger Odendaal, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Rabz Maxwane; 10 Elton Jantjies (captain), 9 Morné van den Berg; 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements (from): Jan-Henning Campher, Dylan Smith, Wiehahn Herbst, Wilhelm van der Sluys, MJ Pelser, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ross Cronjé, Gianni Lombard, Wandisile Simelane, Ruan Dreyer.
 
Match information – DHL Stormers v Emirates Lions
Date: Saturday 17 October
Time: 19h00
Venue: DHL Newlands, Cape Town
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Referees: Egon Seconds, Aimee Barrett-Theron
Television Match Official: Joey Klaaste-Salmans
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked media resources: Latest News | Match Centre | Standings | Statistics

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked launched over the weekend with wins for all three host teams, the Vodacom Bulls, the Cell C Sharks and the Toyota Cheetahs in the first local competition since rugby was halted in mid-March because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The DL Stormers had a bye this weekend.
 
The Vodacom Bulls, playing with a raft of new signings and a new head coach in former Springbok mentor Jake White, had to fight real hard for their 30-23 win over a very gritty Tafel Lager Griquas Saturday evening in Pretoria.
 
The men from Kimberley led for more 60 minutes before the home side finally kicked into gear to secure the win, thanks mainly to the accurate kicking boot of experienced former Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn after both sides had scored three tries.
 
In the earlier match on Saturday in Bloemfontein, the Toyota Cheetahs raced into a 41-3 halftime lead before easing to a 53-31 bonus-point triumph over the Phakisa Pumas.
 
The Cell C Sharks kicked off the weekend’s action on Friday night in Durban where they held on for a nail-biting 19-16 win over the Emirates Lions.
 
Click on the headline-link to download the full match report.
 
Vodacom Bulls made to work hard against gritty Tafel Lager Griquas
 
The Vodacom Bulls got their Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked campaign off to a winning start but they had to work very hard for their 30-23 win over the Tafel Lager Griquas on Saturday evening at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. The sides were level (10-10) at the break in a match played in good highveld conditions.
 
It was the team from Kimberley who enjoyed early dominance - in fact - they had their noses in front for 62 minutes of the match before the home team could start to assert themselves mainly through a strong show from their forwards. The plucky visitors conceded too many penalties as a result of that pressure, which unfortunately led to their downfall.
 
The Vodacom Bulls came out in an alternative jersey for the second half after a clash of colours in the opening stanza. Jake White’s men asserted themselves better in the second period mainly because of their forwards.
 
Ruan Nortje and Arno Botha were the try scorers for the Vodacom Bulls, who were also awarded a penalty try. Morne Steyn kicked two penalty goals and one conversion. James Verity-Amm (2) and Anthony Volmink scored for the visitors, while George Whitehead added a penalty goal and two conversions.
 
Free-scoring Toyota Cheetahs off to impressive start in Bloemfontein
 
The Toyota Cheetahs scored an impressive 53-31 win over the Phakisa Pumas in Bloemfontein on Saturday, scoring eight tries in a dominant display over their Mpumalanga rivals in their opening match of the post-Coronavirus competition.
 
The home side scored five of those in a dazzling display of backline play in the first half at the Toyota Stadium to lead 41-3 and had the win sealed at the halfway stage of the encounter already. Credit to the visitors however, who managed four tries of their own in a much improved second-half display.
 
Frans Steyn, a double Rugby World Cup winning Springbok, made his debut for the Free Staters and the big man was a menace in midfield. Outside backs Malcolm Jaer (3) and Rosko Specman (2) scored five of their eight tries. Junior Pokomela, Ruan Pienaar, William Small-Smith were the other try scorers and Pienaar also kicked six conversions plus a penalty goal.
 
Cell C Sharks clinch nail-biting win over Emirates Lions in Durban
 
Springbok Curwin Bosch kicked four successful penalty goals to steer the Cell C Sharks to a close-fought 19-16 win over the Emirates Lions in their first-round Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked clash on Friday evening in Durban.
 
The Durbanites held a 13-3 lead at the break and had to show strong defence in the second stanza to keep the determined visitors at bay at Jonsson Kings Park. Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies hit the upright with a penalty attempt in the closing stages of the game as the home team just managed to hang on for a win.
 
Former Blitzboks star Werner Kok dotted down for Lukhanyo Am’s team while Curwin Bosch add four penalties to the conversion. Jamba Ulengo grabbed a try for the Joburg outfit, which Jantjies converted together with his three penalty goals.
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Round 1 results:
 
Friday, 9 October
Cell C Sharks 19, Emirates Lions 16
 
Saturday, 10 October
Toyota Cheetahs 53, Phakisa Pumas 31
Vodacom Bulls 30, Tafel Lager Griquas 23
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked media resources: Latest News | Match Centre | Standings | Statistics

​Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The domestic rugby season will burst back into life with seven weeks of high-calibre local rugby as Vodacom Super Rugby returns – Unlocked!
 
The competition went into lockdown with the rest of South Africa at the end of March but returns with three added teams and a chase to a unique finale in November.
 
The four, existing Vodacom Super Rugby teams – Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers – have been joined by the Toyota Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas and Tafel Lager Griquas, with all 21 matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
 
The season will resume at 19h00 on Friday, 9 October when the Cell C Sharks take on the Emirates Lions in Durban while the following day the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls will host the Phakisa Pumas (at 16h30), and Tafel Lager Griquas (19h00) respectively.
 
The DHL Stormers have a bye in the opening round, but they will host the Emirates Lions the following week, when the men from Johannesburg will face the Capetonians at DHL Newlands on Saturday 17 October at 19h00.
 
“We’d like to thank all our stakeholders in getting to this point,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.
 
“It has been an extremely trying time but thanks to Vodacom, SuperSport and the seven teams involved we are able to resume rugby with a really exciting series of matches featuring the best players in the country.
 
“We have had to make some major format changes and look at creative ways to look after everyone’s needs but we think between now and the end of the season – which will only be in January next year – we will provide rugby and entertainment to excite the fans once more.”
 
Michelle van Eyden, Vodacom’s Executive Head of Sponsorships, said: “The success of Vodacom Super Fan Saturday and the energy and passion of the players and fans was a fantastic way to celebrate the restart of rugby, and to get South Africans connected again around their shared passion for the game.
 
“There is now a palpable excitement brimming over about the coming season of Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked.
 
“The players are itching to go. The fans are ready to get behind their teams. Vodacom is grateful to join all of our rugby partners in what is going to be an unlocking of the real heart and spirit of South African rugby on our fields. This is going to be a true festival and showcase of South African rugby’s current and future stars,” she added.
 
Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked concludes on the weekend of 20/21 November, with matches in Pretoria (Vodacom Bulls v Phakisa Pumas – Friday 20 November at 19h00), Bloemfontein (Toyota Cheetahs v Tafel Lager Griquas – Saturday 21 November at 16h30) and Durban (Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers – Saturday 21 November at 19h00).
 
The team at the top of the standings at this stage of the season, will be crowned Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked champions, after which all log points will be transferred to the Currie Cup (fixtures to be announced in due course).
 
For all the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures, click here.
 
Issued by SA Rugby Communication

The Cell C Sharks defeated the DHL Stormers 24-14 on Saturday in Durban to consolidate top spot in the South African Conference of the Vodacom Super Rugby competition.

The Vodacom Bulls were stunned by a great Reds comeback in Brisbane, where the Queenslanders managed to wipe out a 17-0 deficit for a comprehensive 41-17 victory, while the Emirates Lions lost 43-10 to the Blues in Auckland.

Following the decision by SANZAAR to suspend the competition in response to the Corona virus, the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls will now return to South Africa from New Zealand and Australia respectively.

The Jaguares’ home game against the Highlanders scheduled for late Saturday evening was called off to allow the Kiwi-side to return to New Zealand, while the Brumbies downed the Waratahs 47-14 in the last fixture played on Sunday. The tournament will now be put on hold for an indefinite period.
 
Cell C Sharks too good for DHL Stormers

The Cell C Sharks continued with their good form in Durban where they outplayed the DHL Stormers 24-14 in their round seven match on Saturday.

Lukhanyo Am's side led 10-7 at halftime thanks to a drop goal by Curwin Bosch after Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks fullback) and Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers scrumhalf) scored a try apiece.

The second half produced all the ingredients of a full-blooded South African derby, however, with the newly assembled home pack standing their ground superbly against the visitors’ much praised forward combination.

With their forward holding their own, the Cell C Sharks’ potent backline became more of a threat as the game progressed.

Less than an hour before kick-off, Sanzaar confirmed the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament will be suspended at the conclusion of the round due to rising concerns around the coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to read the full match report.

Reds comeback fell Vodacom Bulls in Brisbane

The Reds produced a stirring comeback to wipe out an early 17-point deficit on their way to a comprehensive 41-17 victory of the Vodacom Bulls in their match in Brisbane on Saturday.

The men from Pretoria were on top of proceedings during the opening 20 minutes and managed to score three tries during that period of their seventh-round match.

However, the Reds hit back with two converted tries to reduce the halftime deficit to just 17-14. They also managed to make a crucial, try-saving tackle on in-form Vodacom Bulls wing Rosko Specman, who was prevented him from crossing the try line for a second try.

The rampant Reds scored six tries through Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hoopert. Bryce Hegarty kicked four conversions and a penalty goal.

The victory saw the Reds collect a full-house of five points for their win but they remain third on the Australian Conference log while the Pretoria outfit stay fourth in the South African Conference.

Click here to read the full match report.

Emirates Lions suffer more pain on the road

The Blues inflicted a third straight tour loss on the Emirates Lions when they defeated the team from Jozi 43-10 in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday morning.

The Blues led by 22-10 at half-time and they kept the visitors scoreless in the second stanza.

The Aucklanders scored six tries through Rieko Ioane (2), Stephen Perofeta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Hoskins Sotutu and a penalty try. Blues flyhalf Otere Black slotted three conversions and a penalty goal, while replacement back Harry Plummer added a conversion.

The Emirates Lions could only reply with a solitary try through Dan Kriel while Elton Jantjies added the rest of the points via a conversion and a penalty goal.

The bonus-point victory moved the Blues to the top of the New Zealand Conference table as they continue their impressive start to the season. However, the Emirates Lions will be desperate for improvement as they remain bottom of the South African Conference.

Click here for the full match report.

The weekend’s other Round 7 results are:
 
Sunday 15 March
Brumbies 47, Waratahs 14
Jaguares vs Highlanders postponed

Saturday, 14 March
Sunwolves 14, Crusaders 49

Friday, 13 March
Chiefs 24, Hurricanes 27
 
Bye: Rebels

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The impressive Cell C Sharks climbed to the top of the South African Conference standing following their 33-19 triumph over the Jaguares in Durban on Saturday after leading 22-12 at the break.

It was their fifth victory in six games and the win improved their points tally to 20, three more than the DHL Stormers who had a bye this weekend.

Meanwhile in Pretoria, the Vodacom Bulls finally registered their first success after four false starts when they comprehensively beat the Highlanders 38-13 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

After two matches on the road, the Emirates Lions are still winless on their Australasian tour following their 37-17 loss to the Rebels in Melbourne – the first success for the Rebels in this fixture.

After six rounds, the Durban side lead the standings on 20 points, the DHL Stormers have 17, the Jaguares 15 and they are followed by the Vodacom Bulls (six points) and the Emirates Lions on five points.
 
Cell C Sharks take SA Conference lead with win over Jaguares
#SHAvJAG

The Cell C Sharks continued with their good Vodacom Super Rugby form when they outplayed the Jaguares 33-19 to climb to the top of the South African Conference standings in Durban on Saturday.

The Durbanites, who returned to South Africa earlier this week with three wins from four overseas games, led 22-12 at the break. They now have 20 points from six matches, three more than the DHL Stormers (17 from five games), who had a bye this weekend.

Lukhanyo Am’s team started the match on a positive note and kept the formidable Jaguares on the back foot with some controlled forward forays, which they combined with clever box kicks chased down by their dangerous outside backs.

In the end it was a very good performance by the Cell C Sharks against a Jaguares side that have won three of their last four outings in South Africa.

Click here to read the full match report.

Vodacom Bulls thump Highlanders for first win of season
#BULvHIG

Blitzbok speedster Rosco Speckman scored a hat-trick of tries as the Vodacom Bulls thumped the Highlanders 38-13 to register their first win of the campaign at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.

The men from Pretoria overturned a halftime deficit of 5-7 to score no less than five tries in a dominant and entertaining second half. 

Speckman helped himself to a second-half hat-trick of tries as the home pack laid on a feast of good supply for their backs. Springboks Warrick Gelant and Cornal Hendriks also crossed the try line in the second spell.

Both teams wore almost identical blue shirts in the first half and it was a welcome relief when the home side came out dressed in a light-coloured jersey for the start of the second half.

The timely victory was the Vodacom Bulls’ first success of the season and came as a great relief for the Pretoria faithful who had to witness four false starts from their team. They also moved above the Emirates Lions on the SA Conference log.

Furthermore, the win also comes at just the right time, as the Vodacom Bulls next embark on a four-game tour of Australasia, where they will face the Reds, Waratahs, Hurricanes and Chiefs on consecutive weekends.

Click here to read the full match report.
 
Rebels break duck over Emirates Lions in Melbourne
#REBvLIO

The Rebels proved too strong for the Emirates Lions and registered their first win over the Highveld side as they comfortably won their sixth-round fixture 37-17 in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Melbourne outfit have lost the previous five games between the two sides, but on this occasion they converted a 15-10 halfway lead into a 20-point triumph.

The result leaves the Joburg side winless from their first two matches of their four-game Australasian tour following their defeat last week to the Waratahs in Sydney. The home side outscored the South African visitors by five tries to two, while Emirates Lions struggled somewhat in the lineouts and conceded too many penalties and turnovers.

Elton Jantjies and his team mates now travel to New Zealand for their next match against the Blues in Auckland.

Click here to read the full match report.

The other Round 6 fixtures are (SA times):
 
Friday, 28 February
Sunwolves 14, Brumbies 47
Crusaders 24, Reds 20
Waratahs 14, Chiefs 51
 
Saturday, 29 February
Hurricanes 15, Blues 24
 
Byes: DHL Stormers

Issued by SA Rugby Communications