Bulls, Stormers To Face Strong Sides In The Champions Cup Knockouts
After four rounds of exhilarating pool stage action, the Investec Champions Cup knockout line-up has been confirmed.
The remaining 16 teams will battle it out for a coveted place at the final in Bilbao, Spain, on 23 May.
Defending European Champions Union Bordeaux Bègles secured top seeding thanks to a perfect 20-point pool stage and will welcome Leicester Tigers in the Round of 16.
On the South African front, the DHL Stormers did not earn a top seed but qualified for the playoffs as the No. 3 team in Pool 3.
They won’t have it easy, however, as they have been drawn against three-time Champions, RC Toulon, who will host the Cape Town club at Stade Mayol in April.
The Bulls’ Pool 4 finish included a surprise, as well as their only win in France that knocked the No. 2 team in the Top 14, Pau, into the Challenge Cup.
After losing to Bristol Bears in Pretoria, there was little hope for the Bulls going into their game against Pau. Instead, the South Africa club edged Pau 26-24 in a tense Champions Cup encounter.
The Bulls will face the tough task of travelling to Scotland to play Glasgow Warriors, who were unbeaten in pool one with 20 points from their four games, including a historic 21-point comeback victory against favourites Toulouse.
The Sharks crushed a hapless Clermont side 50-12 in their final game in Durban. Although they did not qualify for the Champions Cup knockout round, they did clinch their second Challenge Cup berth – European rugby’s second-tier continental competition.
The Sharks now have the opportunity to win their second Challenge Cup title in three years, come April – following their victory over Gloucester in the final in 2024.
In the other fixtures, Stade Toulousain are preparing to welcome Bristol Bears for a mouth-watering encounter.
Bath Rugby have sent a strong statement of intent so far in the competition, and Saracens will be the next side to test themselves at The Rec.
Edinburgh Rugby face the challenge of travelling to four-time champions Leinster Rugby, while Castres Olympique cross the Channel to take on Northampton Saints.
Sale Sharks’ trip to Harlequins completes a compelling Round of 16 line-up.
Investec Champions Cup Round Of 16 Fixtures:
Union Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers
Glasgow Warriors vs Vodacom Bulls
RC Toulon vs DHL Stormers
Stade Toulousain vs Bristol Bears
Bath Rugby vs Saracens
Leinster Rugby vs Edinburgh Rugby
Northampton Saints vs Castres Olympique
Harlequins vs Sale Sharks
Quarter-finals – 10/11/12 April
QF 1: Winner R16 1 v Winner R16 8
QF 2: Winner R16 2 v Winner R16 7
QF 3: Winner R16 3 v Winner R16 6
QF 4: Winner R16 4 v Winner R16 5
NB : The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage
Semi-finals – 1/2/3 May
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3
NB The matches will be played in Europe, and where relevant, the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage
