If the pool stage were a reality show this is the finale where the bonus point is the awkward plot twist and every team swears they just need to be themselves. Spoiler is you still need a scrum that behaves and a defence that does not ghost you.
South Africas subplot is spicy. The Bulls take their redemption tour to Pau with crisis chatter in their carry on. The Stormers swap London blues for a Cape Town roar. The Sharks eye a Kings Park reset against a Clermont side that may travel light. Meanwhile the Lions have packed points and confidence for their Challenge Cup away night.
Up top Leinster and Bordeaux are polishing perfect pool vibes but seeds can still swing on one kick one card one maul that refuses to sit down. Charge the remote hide the snacks from the kids and brace for jeopardy everywhere.
SA permutations
- Bulls (Pool 4, 2 pts): Must beat Pau; BP helps. Loss = 6th/out.
- Sharks (Pool 1, 5 pts): Beat Clermont to crack top four; BP for seeding (watch Toulouse vs Sale).
- Stormers (Pool 3, 9 pts): Beat Leicester to lock top four; BP pressures Harlequins for seeding.
- Lions (Challenge Cup): Away result at USAP should seal knockouts; BP adds insurance.
📺 Fixtures (SA time)
Fri, 16 Jan — Champions Cup
- Section Paloise vs Vodacom Bulls — 21:55
📺 SuperSport Rugby (channel 211) — LIVE - Bath Rugby vs Edinburgh Rugby — 21:55
📺 SuperSport Variety 1 (channel 206) — LIVE
Sat, 17 Jan
- Hollywoodbets Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne — 14:55
📺 SuperSport Rugby (channel 211) — LIVE - Aviron Bayonnais vs Leinster Rugby — 17:10
📺 SuperSport Variety 1 (channel 206) — LIVE - DHL Stormers vs Leicester Tigers — 17:10
📺 SuperSport Rugby (channel 211) — LIVE - Stade Toulousain vs Sale Sharks — 19:25
📺 SuperSport Variety 1 (channel 206) — LIVE - Munster Rugby vs Castres Olympique — 19:25
📺 SuperSport Variety 2 (channel 207) — LIVE - USAP vs Lions (Challenge Cup) — 19:25
📺 SuperSport Rugby (channel 211) — LIVE - Gloucester Rugby vs RC Toulon — 21:55
📺 SuperSport Rugby (channel 211) — LIVE
Pools after Round 3
- Pool 1: Glasgow 15 | Sale 11 | Saracens 10 | Toulouse 7 | Sharks 5 | Clermont 0
- Pool 2: Bath 11 | Edinburgh 10 | Toulon 9 | Munster 6 | Gloucester 6 | Castres 5
- Pool 3: Leinster 14 | Harlequins 11 | Stormers 9 | La Rochelle 6 | Leicester 5 | Bayonne 0
- Pool 4: Bordeaux 15 | Bristol 14 | Northampton 11 | Pau 5 | Scarlets 2 | Bulls 2