This year, the International Rugby Board has introduced 11 law trials that will be implemented from the start of the 2013 season.
Seven of these have a bearing on play and most of them are designed to make the game faster, with less time wasted, and so improve the overall spectator experience.
Extensive global research involving players, coaches, referees and on-field trials took place before the trials were introduced, according to Andre Watson, GM Referees at SARU.
“An example of this was the extended powers afforded to Television Match Officials (TMOs) during last season’s Absa Currie Cup,” said Watson. “This will be trialled worldwide this season with a view to it becoming Law in 2014,” said Watson.
“Some of the new law variations we will use in South Africa this season, were used by the Springboks during the Castle Outgoing Tour in November 2012.”
New law variations in 2013 in South Africa:
Five seconds at the ruck
When the ball becomes available at a ruck, the referee will call “use it” and the scrumhalf then has five seconds to clear the ball by passing or running it. This will speed up play by not allowing the team in possession to slow it down, and giving the defenders less time to set up their defensive structures and the attackers the opportunity to be more creative.
Three-word scrum call
The four-step engagement call has now been shortened in senior rugby to ‘crouch-touch-set’.
The word ‘set’ is shorter and quicker to say than ‘engage’ and is expected to produce better timing and adherence by the front rows. The removal of the spoken ‘pause’ does not take away the actual pause, as the two front rows are expected to remain stationary and still before engaging on the ‘set’ call. At amateur age-group levels, additional modifications have been introduced to minimise the risk of the ‘hit’ at engagement and collapsed scrums, and improve the safety of the players.
Quick throw-in
The non-offending team may now take a quick throw-in from anywhere between their corner post and where the lineout would take place.
Additional powers for the TMO
The expanded TMO functionality includes identifying foul play, and clear and obvious infringements in the last two phases before a try is scored. All officials (the referee, assistant referees and TMO) are allowed to initiate a referral and make recommendations.
Other modifications include:
• Increasing the squad to 23 players for international matches, with specialist replacements for each of the three front-row positions.
• The reintroduction of a stud on the front of the boot (this was banned in the 1980s).
• Allowing players to wear GPS units on the field.
• Allowing women to play with long tights.
• Stipulating that conversion kicks to be taken within 90 seconds of scoring a try.
• The option of choosing a scrum when the opposition knocks on or throws forward and the ball goes into touch.
• If a team is awarded a penalty or free kick in the lineout, they have the option of taking the lineout again without having to kick for touch.
Interview with Pierre Spies and his 2013 rugby plans
Vodacom Bulls captain Pierre Spies is always up for a challenge, and has set his sights on regaining his Springbok starting place now that he is fit and ready for action again.
There is no doubt that 2012 was not the year that Spies hoped it would be. Thrust with the responsibility of leading the Bulls into battle in the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, he managed to steer them into the playoffs, but few will argue his form suffered as a result.
A few lackluster tests and a broken thumb later, and the rest of the year was spent recovering from an operation, and time to reflect and realise just what he was missing while being injured.
Anyone who knows the bold Bulls No8 will know it’s not the type of thing that he will simply accept.
Now, just weeks ahead of the start of the 2013 season, Spies looks fitter, stronger and more determined than ever.
He will don the leadership mantle again, knowing that this year the Bulls have few excuses left to use. If 2012 was the question-mark over their abilities after losing so many Boks, 2013 will have to be the year where they move forward or stagnate. Where they accept the changes in the game, or where they will continue to slog forward and hope their execution trumps the playing style of their opposition.
“It’s true,” Spies tells supersport.com when faced with this scenario, “Everyone is a year older now and we have a lot more experience. We know each other better and we’re in a good space at the moment as a team.
“Last year was a difficult year for everyone, but we’ve had a good break and have returned more mature. We’re really looking forward to the battles that await us.”
Spies knows his personal form is under scrutiny, and knows he has to up his game if he wants to convince coach Heyneke Meyer he deserves a starting spot with the Boks once again.
“I learnt a lot last year as captain. There is a lot of support in the team to make my job easier and it will be that way this year as well,” Spies adds.
“But competition is always good. My injury came at the right time and it gave me a lot more perspective, as well as a decent rest. It allowed me to recharge, to find a renewed focus and vision for the year ahead.
“It reminded me how much I want to play for the Springboks again. You always have to prove yourself, whether it is to the public, the coach or to yourself. I know I owe myself a good season and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
Spies is excited at some of the talent at the Bulls, especially the likes of Arno Botha, Jan Serfontein and Handre Pollard, all who are expected to fulfill their potential in Pretoria.
“You have to have a good squad in this competition, and we have a lot of depth this year which we will use.”
One thing that Spies smiles about, and is rather coy about, is whether the Bulls will play a different game plan or keep with their current aerial assault.
“I think it will be a new year with new energy,” Spies smiles, “It will be a lot of the same, with a few changes here and there.”
If that isn’t clear enough, then what is?
SuperSport
John Smit to play for Stormers?
Coach Allister Coetzee confirmed at a press conference in Hermanus last week that he was looking for an extra hooker due to the injury that at that time was threatening to put Scarra Ntubeni out for four weeks and threatened to force him to miss the opening game.
Since then, however, his worst fears have been realised, with Ntubeni having to undergo an operation on Tuesday that will keep him out until April.
With Tiaan Liebenberg, the back-up Springbok hooker from last year’s Rugby Championship campaign, still unsure of whether he will be able to start the new season due to the injury that knocked him out of the end-of-year tour and the closing stages of the Currie Cup, that does leave Coetzee in a bit of a hole.
His only completely fit hooker at the moment is Deon Fourie, who led Western Province to Currie Cup silverware last season from a position in the loose-forwards.
Ntubeni’s progress was one of the shining lights of the 2012 domestic campaign, so his loss is a big blow.
“Fortunately Tiaan (Liebenberg) is making good progress and we have been pleased to see him back in training and he was able to help out at the lineouts. It looks like he may be ready for Loftus,” said Coetzee in Hermanus.
However, it looks touch and go, and Coetzee won’t want to risk it. The next player in line, WP under-19 star Freddie Kirsten, is a promising forward, but Coetzee won’t want to throw him in at the deep end in a massive Super Rugby derby before he has even played Currie Cup rugby.
That’s where Smit comes in, with sections of the Cape media speculating on Wednesday that WP’s good relationship with English club Saracens, where Smit is currently backing up former Stormers star Schalk Brits, could bring the 33-year-old into the frame on an early-season loan basis.
Of course, whether Smit would want to play Super Rugby again, particularly for the Stormers, is another story, as he is certainly not a player who needs to experience that competition or prove himself to anyone in South Africa.
RUDE HEALTH
The hooking situation aside, the Stormers look in rude health, though much may depend on how Schalk Burger comes through his first couple of games after sitting out almost the entire 2012 season with a troublesome knee injury that some thought might end his career.
Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi, Rynhardt Elstadt and Andries Bekker all joined Burger and Liebenberg at training in Hermanus, and Duane Vermeulen is of course back in the mix after sitting out the second half of last year’s Super Rugby campaign.
Add to that the Lions players who have moved down, with Elton Jantjies, Jaco Taute, Ruan Botha and Pat Cilliers bolstering the depth, as does Michael Rhodes, and it appears the Stormers have options that last year they didn’t have.
Perhaps the biggest gain of all though is the growth of some of the young players on the WP books in the space of the 12 months that have passed since last year’s training camp in Hermanus.
Back then everyone was talking about young Eben Etzebeth because of his physique, but now the conversation is a different one, with the lock having established himself as one of the best players in his position in world rugby.
It’s a far cry from the last time the Stormers held a media open day at a pre-season camp, when all the talk was about what the Stormers had lost.
Back then it was just two days after the shock resignation of Rassie Erasmus as director of rugby, and on the playing side there had been no substantial gains to offset the loss of stalwart flank Francois Louw and the much spoken of departure of Johann Sadie and JJ Engelbrecht for the Bulls.
Louw would still walk into the Stormers side if he wasn’t enjoying himself so much in England, as he showed during an impressive international season with the Springboks. But Kolisi effectively stepped into the void, and so did Carr before his injury.
While Engelbrecht’s star has soared at the Bulls and the Stormers may well approach him to fill the void that will be left when Bryan Habana leaves, Sadie’s has waned, while other players who have left have also been more than capably replaced, as shown by WP’s triumph of depth in winning both the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup last year.
SuperSport
Must Read: All you need to know about 2013 Rugby Varsity season
Now in its sixth season, the 2013 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International remains the headline act of Varsity Rugby, with the three additional competitions - the Varsity Shield, the Varsity Young Guns and the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships - providing a more than able 'back-up' to the Cup.
FNB UP-Tuks deservedly became the first northern winners in the Varsity Cup last season, but teams like last year's losing finalists, the FNB Maties, will be waiting for the new champions in 2013.
Nollis Marais continues as coach in Pretoria, despite handing over Tuks' Carlton League reins, whilst the Maties - for the first time ever - will start the Varsity Cup without their canny mentor Chean Roux, former Springbok flyhalf Chris Rossouw having taken over in Stellenbosch.
Another former international rugby player, Michael Horak (who won one cap for England in 2002), has joined the fray as the new FNB Shimlas coach; meaning that every team in the history of the Varsity Cup has now had at least one change of coach since 2008.
Ex-Maties boss Roux and former Shimlas coach Jaco Swanepoel had both been part of the Varsity Cup furniture since 2008 but have joined the likes of John Dobson (UCT - now Western Province), Matthew Proudfoot (NWU-Pukke - now Stormers/WP) and Nollis Marais (UP-Tuks and Bulls) in having landed provincial coaching jobs - at senior or youth provincial level. Marais, however, will continue as Tuks' coach during the Varsity Cup - with Bart Schoeman (who will assist Marais during the Varsity Cup) coaching the team during the Carlton League.
Of course, current Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was part of the UP-Tuks coaching staff in 2011 and Meyer's Bok predecessor, Peter de Villiers, has since landed a job as UWC's coaching director in the Varsity Shield.
Speaking at Monday's launch in Kempton Park, which had former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad as the MC and SARU CEO Jurie Roux addressing the audience, Varsity Cup Managing Director Duitser Bosman said: "Without long-serving coaches like Chean and Jaco there is a different feeling in the air this year... a feeling of uncertainty, but all in a good way, of course.
"Losing two experienced coaches like Chean and Jaco would be a blow to anyone, but, at the same time, it gives new coaches an opportunity to make a name for themselves in a tough tournament like the Varsity Cup. Hopefully these new coaches will stay in their jobs for a long period and add value at a higher level in SA Rugby in years to come.
"There is plenty to play for, for everyone, in what is set to be one of the most open Varsity Cup tournaments since the inaugural tournament kicked-off in 2008. It's an exciting phase for us, as organisers, with all the new faces and we look forward to seeing how it plays out in the 2013 season - in the Cup, Shield, Young Guns and Koshuis tournaments."
SARU CEO Jurie Roux, Chairman of the Varsity Cup Board, commented: "The Varsity Cup is a well-organised tournament and such an asset to SA Rugby in giving so many new young talents the opportunity to showcase their abilities. We're all looking forward to another exciting and successful year of Varsity Rugby."
The 2013 Varsity Rugby action will get underway at the end of January with the Varsity Shield tournament kicking-off on January 28.
Defending Varsity Cup champions, FNB UP-Tuks, will get their Varsity Cup title defence off to a tricky start when they travel to Potchefstroom to take on the FNB NWU-Pukke on Monday, February 4 at 7pm.
In a slight change to the schedule this year there will be two finals weeks in the 2013 Varsity Rugby competition. April 1 will see the Varsity Shield and Young Guns Finals take place, followed by two more finals the next week; the Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships Final and the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International Final - both of which will take place on Monday, April 8.
The much talked-about points-scoring system of two points for a penalty and a drop-goal and three points for a conversion, which was first trialled last year, will continue in 2013.
Geen wegkruipplek in 2013 Varsity Rugby seisoen
Die 2013 Varsity Rugby seisoen het Maandag met styl by die Serengeti Gholf en Wildlewe Landgoed buite Kempton Park afgeskop, met die lug reeds swaar van afwagting en onsekerheid oor die seisoen wat wag.
Nà ses seisoene bly die 2013 FNB Varsitybeker, aangebied deur Steinhoff Internasionaal, steeds die hoofslagaar van Varsity Rugby, met drie bykomende kompetisies – die Varsityskild, die Varsity Jong Turke en die Steinhoff Koshuisrugbykampioenskap – wat gereed staan om die rugbyervaring nog meer uniek te maak.
FNB UP-Tuks het verdienstelik die eerste noordelike wenners van die Varsitybeker geword toe hulle in 2012 met die titel kon wegstap, maar spanne soos die FNB Maties sal dit nie maklik maak vir die nuwe kampioene nie.
Maar die Maties sal vir die eerste keer die toernooi sonder Chean Roux as afrigter begin. Die gewese Springbok-losskakel, Chris Rossouw, gaan Roux se stewels probeer volstaan.
Nog ‘n gewese internasionale speler, die voormalige Engelse toetsheelagter, Michael Horak (2002), maak sy afrigtingsdebuut en sal die FNB Shimlas brei. Dit beteken dat al die spanne sedert die ontstaan van die Varsitybeker in 2008 nou minstens een nuwe afrigter gehad het.
Roux en die gewese Shimlas-afrigter, Jaco Swanepoel was sedert 2008 in beheer, maar sluit nou aan by ander afrigters soos John Dobson (UCT, nou DHL Westelike Provinsie), Matthew Proudfoot (NWU-Pukke, nou DHL Stormers) en Nollis Marais (UP-Tuks, nou Vodacom Blou Bulle) wat provinsiale afrigters geword het.
Marais sal steeds die span van UP-Tuks tydens die Varsitybeker afrig, met Bart Schoeman wat daarna weer sal oorneem vir die provinsiale Carltonliga.
Die huidige Springbok-afrigter, Heyneke Meyer, was natuurlik deel van UP-Tuks se afrigtingspan in 2011 en sy Springbok-voorganger, Peter de Villiers, is intussen as direkteur van afrigting by UWK aangestel en sal die span in die Varsityskild brei.
Tydens Maandag se bekendstelling, waar die gewese Springbok-kaptein Bob Skinstad die gasheer was en SARU se uitvoerende hoof, Jurie Roux ‘n toespraak gemaak het, was daar min twyfel by Varsitybeker se hoofbeampte, Duitser Bosman, dat voorspellings vanjaar onvanpas voel.
“Sonder die teenwoordigheid van ervare afrigters soos Chean en Jaco voel dinge beslis vir my anders vanjaar, maar in ‘n goeie, positiewe manier,” het Bosman gesê.
“Om twee sulke ervare afrigters in ‘n kompetisie soos diè te verloor sal deur enige span gevoel word, maar dit gee terselfdertyd aan hul opvolgers ‘n uitstekende geleentheid om hul merk te maak. Hopelik kan die nuwe afrigters lank in hul poste bly en uiteindelik waarde toevoeg tot Suid-Afrikaanse rugby.”
Bosman meen daar was lanklaas soveel moontlike wenners soos in 2013.
“Daar is soveel om voor te speel en met die kompetisie beslis die mees mededingendste sedert die begin daarvan in 2008, kan enige span die titel wen. Dit is ‘n opwindende tyd vir ons as organiseerders en met soveel nuwe gesigte in die onderskeie kompetisies, een waarvoor ons beswaarlik kan wag.”
SARU se bedryfshoof en voorsitter van die Varsitybeker se raad, Jurie Roux, het die kompetisie se bydrae tot die spel geloof.
“Dit is ‘n toernooi wat uitstekend georganiseer word en voeg op soveel terreine waarde toe tot Suid-Afrikaanse rugby, veral omdat dit aan jong en nuwe talent ‘n uitstalvenster bied. Ons sien almal uit na ‘n suksesvolle en opwindende jaar van Varsity Rugby.”
Die 2013 seisoen skop af met die Varsityskild en die eerste wedstryde daar word op 28 Januarie gespeel.
Die verdedigende Varsitybekerkampioene, FNB UP-Tuks, begin op 4 Februarie om hulle titel te verdedig as hulle Potchefstroom toe reis om die NWU-Puk te pak.
Die formaat van die toernooi is effens aangepas en daar sal vanjaar twee naweke van eindstryde wees.
Op 1 April sal die eindstryde van die Varsityskild en die Varsity Jong Turke gespeel word. ‘n Week later, op 8 April, volg die eindstryde van die Steinhoff Koshuisrugbykampioenskap en die FNB Varsitybeker, aangebied deur Steinhoff Internasionaal.
Die veelbesproke punte-aanpassings, wat verlede jaar op proef gestel is, word weer gebruik, met ‘n strafdoel en skepdoel wat twee punte werd is en ‘n doelskop wat drie punte tel.
SARugby
FULL Weekend Rugby Preview: European Cup, Round Four
Undefeated Harlequins and Clermont can book European Cup quarterfinals this weekend with Toulon also close to securing their spot in the last eight.
English champions Harlequins, bidding to make the knock-out stages for just the fifth time, already have 19 points from four Pool Three wins and on Saturday tackle Connacht where just a losing bonus point will be enough to see them through.
But they will also be fired up by the desire to grab a home tie in the quarterfinals ahead of their final pool clash next week, a tricky trip to Biarritz.
In Pool Five, Clermont only need a home win over Exeter to book their place in the last eight for the third time in the last four seasons.
Their double triumph over two-time defending champions Leinster means that the Irish side will probably need try bonus-point victories over the Scarlets and Exeter in their last two games to stay in the race to qualify as one of two best runners-up.
Joe Schmidt's Leinster welcome rock-bottom Scarlets and will be boosted by the return of British and Irish Lions trio Brian O'Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald.
Kearney and Fitzgerald have yet to play in the European Cup this season but both featured for an hour in the 31-16 triumph over Edinburgh in the Celtic League last week while O'Driscoll played the full 80 minutes.
Toulon, the only other undefeated team after four rounds, host Cardiff on Saturday with a five-point lead in Pool Six over Montpellier who go to struggling English side Sale.
But the Top 14 leaders suffered a jolt to their confidence last weekend when they slumped to a 19-15 defeat to Racing Metro.
That loss had Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal fretting over the strength of his squad despite huge investment in a wealth of overseas talent.
"When we are missing one or two important players, we are not the same team," said Boudjellal.
Two-time winners Leicester and four-time champions Toulouse are locked in a battle of European war horses in Pool Two.
Leicester have a one-point advantage over their French rivals, who are bidding to make the knockout stages for the 15th time.
They meet at Leicester's Welford Road in the final round of group games next week.
On Sunday, however, the Tigers go to Swansea to face the Ospreys while Toulouse welcome bottom-club Treviso who have just one point from four games.
In Pool One, Saracens are two points clear of Racing Metro ahead of their match against the French side which is taking place in Nantes.
A win for Saracens would end Racing's hopes of automatic qualification while Munster, the 2006 and 2008 champions, will stay in contention if they beat pointless Edinburgh.
Ulster, the 2012 runners-up, lead Pool Four, are three points ahead of Castres, and meet Glasgow at Ravenhill on Friday.
Ulster suffered their first defeat of the season when Northampton won 10-9 in Belfast before Christmas.
Round Four fixtures and teams:
Friday, January 11
Northampton Saints v Castres Olympique
(Franklin's Gardens - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 James Wilson, 13 George Pisi, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Jamie Elliott, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Phil Dowson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Dylan Hartley (captain), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 GJ Van Velze, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Tom May.
Castres: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Max Evans, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Rémi Lamerat, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Jannie Bornman, 5 Iosefa Tekori, 4 Christophe Samson, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Mathieu Bonello, 1 Yannick Forestier.
Replacements: 16 Brice Mach, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Michaël Coetzee, 19 Matthias Rolland, 20 Paul Bonnefond, 21 Pedrie Wannenburg, 22 Pierre Bernard, 23 Thomas Sanchou.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Paul Haycock (Ireland), Michael Black (Ireland)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (Ireland)
Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
(Ravenhill - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Chris Henry (captain), 6 Robbie Diack, 5 Iain Henderson, 4 Louis Stevenson, 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Calum Black, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Neil McComb, 20 Roger Wilson, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Michael Allen, 23 Chris Cochrane.
Glasgow: 15 Peter Murchie, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Peter Horne, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Robert Harley, 6 James Eddie, 5 Al Kellock (captain), 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Moray Low, 2 Doug Hall, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 tbc, 19 Nick Campbell, 20 Tim Swinson, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Scott Wight, 23 Stuart Hogg.
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Laurent Cardona (France), Stéphane Pomarède (France)
TMO: Hervé Dubes (France)
Sale Sharks v Montpellier
(Salford City Stadium - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Sale Sharks: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Tom Brady, 13 Mark Cueto, 12 Mark Jennings, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Will Cliff, 8 Josh Beaumont, 7 David Seymour, 6 James Doyle, 5 Tom Holmes, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Vadim Cobilas, 2 Marc Jones, 1 Aston Croall.
Replacements: 16 Tom Cruse, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 Tommy Taylor, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Jordan Davies.
Montpellier: 15 Pierre Bérard, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Thomas Combezou, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Yohann Artru, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Benoit Paillaugue, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Aliki Fakate, 4 Mickael Demarco, 3 Maximiliano Bustos, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili.
Replacements: 16 Rassie van Vuuren, 17 Yvan Watremez, 18 Barry Fa'amausili, 19 Rémy Martin, 20 Alexandre Bias, 21 Eric Escande, 22 Paul Bosch, 23 Lucas Amorosino.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Assistant referees: Rhys Thomas (Wales), Wayne Davies (Wales)
Saturday, January 12
Harlequins v Connacht
(Twickenham Stoop - Kick-off: 13.35, 13.35)
Teams:
Harlequins: TBC
Connacht: TBC
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Jean-Luc Rebollal (France), Mourad Zitouni (France)
TMO: John Sheehan (Ireland)
Zebre v Biarritz
(Stadio XXV Aprile - Kick-off: 14.35, 13.35 GMT)
Teams:
Zebre: TBC
Biarritz: TBC
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland), David Keane (Ireland)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (Ireland)
Toulon v Cardiff Blues
(Stade Felix Mayol - Kick-off: 14.35, 13.35 GMT)
Teams:
Toulon: TBC
Cardiff Blues: TBC
Referee: JP Doyle (England)
Assistant referees: Tim Wigglesworth (England), Andrew Pearce (England)
TMO: David Grashoff (England)
Racing Metro v Saracens
(La Beaujoire - Kick-off: 16.40, 15.40)
Teams:
Racing Metro: TBC
Saracens: TBC
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Mark Patton (Ireland), Brian Macneice (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Leinster v Scarlets
(RDS - Kick-off: 18.00, 18.00 GMT)
Teams:
Leinster: TBC
Scarlets: TBC
Referee: Jérôme Garces (France)
Assistant referees: Sébastien Cloute (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Jean-Claude Levrier (France)
Clermont Auvergne v Exeter Chiefs
(Stade Marcel Michelin - Kick-off: 19.00, 18.00 GMT)
Teams:
Clermont Auvergne: TBC
Exeter Chiefs: TBC
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Neil Hennessy (Wales), Jon Mason (Wales)
TMO: Derek Bevan (Wales)
Sunday, January 13
Edinburgh v Munster
(Murrayfield - Kick-off: 12.45, 12.45)
Teams:
Edinburgh: TBC
Munster: TBC
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Cyril Lafon (France), Stéphane Boyer (France)
TMO: Daniel Gillet (France)
Ospreys v Leicester Tigers
(Liberty Stadium - Kick-off: 15.00, 15.00 GMT)
Teams:
Ospreys: TBC
Leicester Tigers: TBC
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Sean Gallagher (Ireland), Kevin Beggs (Ireland)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)
Toulouse v Treviso
(Stade Ernest Wallon - Kick-off: 16.00, 15.00 GMT)
Teams:
Toulouse: TBC
Treviso: TBC
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Greg Garner (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
Rugby 365
English champions Harlequins, bidding to make the knock-out stages for just the fifth time, already have 19 points from four Pool Three wins and on Saturday tackle Connacht where just a losing bonus point will be enough to see them through.
But they will also be fired up by the desire to grab a home tie in the quarterfinals ahead of their final pool clash next week, a tricky trip to Biarritz.
In Pool Five, Clermont only need a home win over Exeter to book their place in the last eight for the third time in the last four seasons.
Their double triumph over two-time defending champions Leinster means that the Irish side will probably need try bonus-point victories over the Scarlets and Exeter in their last two games to stay in the race to qualify as one of two best runners-up.
Joe Schmidt's Leinster welcome rock-bottom Scarlets and will be boosted by the return of British and Irish Lions trio Brian O'Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald.
Kearney and Fitzgerald have yet to play in the European Cup this season but both featured for an hour in the 31-16 triumph over Edinburgh in the Celtic League last week while O'Driscoll played the full 80 minutes.
Toulon, the only other undefeated team after four rounds, host Cardiff on Saturday with a five-point lead in Pool Six over Montpellier who go to struggling English side Sale.
But the Top 14 leaders suffered a jolt to their confidence last weekend when they slumped to a 19-15 defeat to Racing Metro.
That loss had Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal fretting over the strength of his squad despite huge investment in a wealth of overseas talent.
"When we are missing one or two important players, we are not the same team," said Boudjellal.
Two-time winners Leicester and four-time champions Toulouse are locked in a battle of European war horses in Pool Two.
Leicester have a one-point advantage over their French rivals, who are bidding to make the knockout stages for the 15th time.
They meet at Leicester's Welford Road in the final round of group games next week.
On Sunday, however, the Tigers go to Swansea to face the Ospreys while Toulouse welcome bottom-club Treviso who have just one point from four games.
In Pool One, Saracens are two points clear of Racing Metro ahead of their match against the French side which is taking place in Nantes.
A win for Saracens would end Racing's hopes of automatic qualification while Munster, the 2006 and 2008 champions, will stay in contention if they beat pointless Edinburgh.
Ulster, the 2012 runners-up, lead Pool Four, are three points ahead of Castres, and meet Glasgow at Ravenhill on Friday.
Ulster suffered their first defeat of the season when Northampton won 10-9 in Belfast before Christmas.
Round Four fixtures and teams:
Friday, January 11
Northampton Saints v Castres Olympique
(Franklin's Gardens - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 James Wilson, 13 George Pisi, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Jamie Elliott, 10 Stephen Myler, 9 Lee Dickson, 8 Phil Dowson, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Calum Clark, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Samu Manoa, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Dylan Hartley (captain), 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Mike Haywood, 17 Alex Waller, 18 Tom Mercey, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 GJ Van Velze, 21 Martin Roberts, 22 Ryan Lamb, 23 Tom May.
Castres: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Max Evans, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Rémi Lamerat, 11 Marcel Garvey, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Antonie Claassen, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Jannie Bornman, 5 Iosefa Tekori, 4 Christophe Samson, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Mathieu Bonello, 1 Yannick Forestier.
Replacements: 16 Brice Mach, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Michaël Coetzee, 19 Matthias Rolland, 20 Paul Bonnefond, 21 Pedrie Wannenburg, 22 Pierre Bernard, 23 Thomas Sanchou.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Paul Haycock (Ireland), Michael Black (Ireland)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (Ireland)
Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
(Ravenhill - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Chris Henry (captain), 6 Robbie Diack, 5 Iain Henderson, 4 Louis Stevenson, 3 John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Calum Black, 18 Declan Fitzpatrick, 19 Neil McComb, 20 Roger Wilson, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Michael Allen, 23 Chris Cochrane.
Glasgow: 15 Peter Murchie, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Peter Horne, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Robert Harley, 6 James Eddie, 5 Al Kellock (captain), 4 Tom Ryder, 3 Moray Low, 2 Doug Hall, 1 Ryan Grant.
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 tbc, 19 Nick Campbell, 20 Tim Swinson, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Scott Wight, 23 Stuart Hogg.
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Laurent Cardona (France), Stéphane Pomarède (France)
TMO: Hervé Dubes (France)
Sale Sharks v Montpellier
(Salford City Stadium - Kick-off: 20.00, 20.00 GMT)
Teams:
Sale Sharks: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Tom Brady, 13 Mark Cueto, 12 Mark Jennings, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Will Cliff, 8 Josh Beaumont, 7 David Seymour, 6 James Doyle, 5 Tom Holmes, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Vadim Cobilas, 2 Marc Jones, 1 Aston Croall.
Replacements: 16 Tom Cruse, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Tony Buckley, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 Tommy Taylor, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Jordan Davies.
Montpellier: 15 Pierre Bérard, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Thomas Combezou, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Yohann Artru, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Benoit Paillaugue, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Aliki Fakate, 4 Mickael Demarco, 3 Maximiliano Bustos, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili.
Replacements: 16 Rassie van Vuuren, 17 Yvan Watremez, 18 Barry Fa'amausili, 19 Rémy Martin, 20 Alexandre Bias, 21 Eric Escande, 22 Paul Bosch, 23 Lucas Amorosino.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Assistant referees: Rhys Thomas (Wales), Wayne Davies (Wales)
Saturday, January 12
Harlequins v Connacht
(Twickenham Stoop - Kick-off: 13.35, 13.35)
Teams:
Harlequins: TBC
Connacht: TBC
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Jean-Luc Rebollal (France), Mourad Zitouni (France)
TMO: John Sheehan (Ireland)
Zebre v Biarritz
(Stadio XXV Aprile - Kick-off: 14.35, 13.35 GMT)
Teams:
Zebre: TBC
Biarritz: TBC
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland), David Keane (Ireland)
TMO: Dermot Moloney (Ireland)
Toulon v Cardiff Blues
(Stade Felix Mayol - Kick-off: 14.35, 13.35 GMT)
Teams:
Toulon: TBC
Cardiff Blues: TBC
Referee: JP Doyle (England)
Assistant referees: Tim Wigglesworth (England), Andrew Pearce (England)
TMO: David Grashoff (England)
Racing Metro v Saracens
(La Beaujoire - Kick-off: 16.40, 15.40)
Teams:
Racing Metro: TBC
Saracens: TBC
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Mark Patton (Ireland), Brian Macneice (Ireland)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Leinster v Scarlets
(RDS - Kick-off: 18.00, 18.00 GMT)
Teams:
Leinster: TBC
Scarlets: TBC
Referee: Jérôme Garces (France)
Assistant referees: Sébastien Cloute (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
TMO: Jean-Claude Levrier (France)
Clermont Auvergne v Exeter Chiefs
(Stade Marcel Michelin - Kick-off: 19.00, 18.00 GMT)
Teams:
Clermont Auvergne: TBC
Exeter Chiefs: TBC
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Neil Hennessy (Wales), Jon Mason (Wales)
TMO: Derek Bevan (Wales)
Sunday, January 13
Edinburgh v Munster
(Murrayfield - Kick-off: 12.45, 12.45)
Teams:
Edinburgh: TBC
Munster: TBC
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Cyril Lafon (France), Stéphane Boyer (France)
TMO: Daniel Gillet (France)
Ospreys v Leicester Tigers
(Liberty Stadium - Kick-off: 15.00, 15.00 GMT)
Teams:
Ospreys: TBC
Leicester Tigers: TBC
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Sean Gallagher (Ireland), Kevin Beggs (Ireland)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)
Toulouse v Treviso
(Stade Ernest Wallon - Kick-off: 16.00, 15.00 GMT)
Teams:
Toulouse: TBC
Treviso: TBC
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Greg Garner (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
Rugby 365
Coca-Cola opts to cease sponsorship of Ellis Park Stadium
Is die Lions nou in hulle moer, min geld oor? Hier is hul official press release:
The Golden Lions Rugby Union would like to announce that popular beverage company Coca-Cola has chosen not to renew their naming right sponsorship of Ellis Park Stadium.
Coca-Cola, who have been the naming rights sponsor of the stadium since 2008, have chosen to realign their sponsorship portfolio and will focus on youth sports development in the future.
“We deliberated on this issue long and hard as [our sponsorship] has been a mutually beneficial association,” said Craig van Niekerk, Marketing Assets Manager at Coca-Cola South Africa.
“We have however evaluated our portfolio of assets and, for the next few years, our strategy will focus on youth sports development.
“We wish the Golden Lions Rugby Union all the best in their future endeavours.”
The Golden Lions Rugby Union would like to thank Coca-Cola for their sponsorship and support over the last four years and wish them well in their drive to develop sport across the country.
Coca-Cola, who have been the naming rights sponsor of the stadium since 2008, have chosen to realign their sponsorship portfolio and will focus on youth sports development in the future.
“We deliberated on this issue long and hard as [our sponsorship] has been a mutually beneficial association,” said Craig van Niekerk, Marketing Assets Manager at Coca-Cola South Africa.
“We have however evaluated our portfolio of assets and, for the next few years, our strategy will focus on youth sports development.
“We wish the Golden Lions Rugby Union all the best in their future endeavours.”
The Golden Lions Rugby Union would like to thank Coca-Cola for their sponsorship and support over the last four years and wish them well in their drive to develop sport across the country.
Rugby 15
John Mitchell leaves Sale after one month - back in South Africa
Mitchell led Sale to just their second league win of the season against Worcester on Friday, but less than 24 hours later Sale confirmed the Kiwi had left his role to return to South Africa for personal reasons.
The 48-year-old only joined Sale at the end of November, having previously worked for them on a consultancy basis, as the struggling Sharks battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership.
Sale owner Brian Kennedy said in a statement: "John was brought in on a consultancy basis with a view to the possibility of being employed in a longer term position within Sale Sharks.
"He has had to return to South Africa for personal reasons which we respect. We are grateful for his valuable and insightful contributions albeit for a shorter term than envisaged.
"Steve Diamond, Bryan Redpath and Pete Anglesea will continue to coach the side, implementing many of John's ideas, and building on last night's excellent performance."
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