This Saturday marks the final round of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) pool stages, promising a thrilling climax with South African teams in the thick of the action.

The stakes are high as the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers, and Emirates Lions all vie for the best possible log positions to secure quarter-final berths and potentially claim the coveted SA Shield.

The DHL Stormers, currently in fifth, host the ninth-placed Emirates Lions in a Cape Town derby. The Stormers’ playoff spot is secured, but a win will boost their momentum, while a loss could see them drop in the rankings. The Lions, tied for eighth on points, desperately need a victory with a bonus point to sneak into the top eight.

While the Stormers boast a superior attack, the Lions have a stronger defense. Both teams will be fiercely competitive, with the Stormers aiming to avoid a repeat of their sole home defeat this season against Ospreys.

The Sharks, fresh off their historic EPCR Challenge Cup victory, host the Vodacom Bulls in Durban. Despite the Bulls’ dominant record with 12 wins, the Sharks shouldn’t be underestimated. They’ll be looking to end the season on a high note by causing an upset.

Statistically, the Bulls hold the edge offensively, but defensively, the gap is narrow. This could be a close encounter.

The quarter-finals’ matchups and venues will be confirmed after Saturday’s matches, with one game on Friday, 7 June, and three on Saturday, 8 June.

Catch all the excitement live:

• DHL Stormers vs Emirates Lions – Saturday, 13:45, DHL Stadium, Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
• Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Vodacom Bulls – Saturday, 16:10, Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, (Referee: Morne Ferreira)