After making a posting after SA Teams won all four Round 1 matches - I warned against being over optimistic in Round 2, I based my opinion on -
- on strength and weaknesses of the opposing teams and what changes could result as a result;
- changes could impact on the teams being selected,
Some members said I should be ashamed of what I wrote,
The Stormers Match
They lost their match based entirely on a line-out fiasco caused at throw-ins. At least 3 such opportunities near the tryline of Edinburgh saved the match for them. The Stormers were playing in Edinburgh and the returning Springboks did not join them.
A Bad result for the team - but we would see real value next week - depending on team selection. They play the Sharks in Cape Town in Round 3 and that is followed by a European Champions Cup the week after that, - also in Cape Town against Bristol.
The Bulls
A pathetic show by the Bulls against a team that lost their Round 1 match by a huge margin. And the Bulls lost because they had no real game plan . The backline did not add value and
There are an upcoming problem match for them against the Lions in Johannesburg, They need an attacking backline and there is no evidence of that not continuing. They will play Stade Francais in Pretoria after that, .
The Sharks
The Sharks were lucky to win - a poor pass was intercepted and a try scored. Other than that try a break earlier in the match resulted in a try as well. On the whole the backline malfunctioned - like it happened in 2024-26
They will Play the Stormers in Cape Town in Round 2 - but will not be playing in the European Champions Cup in 2026-27.
The Lions
A very weak opposition this week and they put in a very good all-round performance, Their next match is against the Sharks in Joburg. The Lions will play Rochelais in France in Round 1 of the Champions Cup after that,
