Sharks and Lions face tough away tests in URC chase

The Sharks and Lions face an important examination of their early-season ambitions on Friday, with difficult away fixtures offering a chance to keep pace with South Africa’s leading United Rugby Championship contenders.

Gavin Rich writes for SuperSport that, although all four South African franchises occupy places in the top seven heading into the fourth round, the coming matches could test the depth of that promising start.

The Sharks travel to Cardiff, where the artificial surface at Cardiff Arms Park adds another challenge. The Lions face Edinburgh, who lead the standings going into the round.

Rich argues that home victories alone will not sustain a successful campaign: teams with playoff ambitions also need results on the road.

Both touring sides are seeking to respond to domestic derby defeats. The Bulls beat the Lions in Pretoria, while the Stormers overcame the Sharks in Cape Town.

The Sharks subsequently defeated Lyon in the Challenge Cup, but must now carry that performance into their league campaign.

The Bulls and Stormers, meanwhile, begin successive weekends at home. The Bulls host Ulster before facing Scarlets, with the Stormers meeting the same opponents in reverse order.

Rich identifies those fixtures as an opportunity for the two home sides to consolidate their positions before the November international break.

Elsewhere, Leinster’s meeting with Munster in Dublin provides the round’s major Irish derby.

South African fixtures, all times SA:

• Friday, 23 October, Cardiff v Sharks, 20:45.
• Friday, 23 October, Edinburgh v Lions, 20:45.
• Saturday, 24 October, Bulls v Ulster, 13:45.
• Saturday, 24 October, Stormers v Scarlets, 16:00.