You may need an advanced logistics degree to understand the new Super Rugby format, but the southern hemisphere competition is still sure to generate some interest when the 2016 version kicks off on Friday (26 February).
You may need an advanced logistics degree to understand the new Super Rugby format, but the southern hemisphere competition is still sure to generate some interest when the 2016 version kicks off on Friday (26 February).
As has been suggested, Super Rugby consists of a whole bunch of matches and then at the end, somebody, often the Crusaders, wins. But you can't get there if you don't win, so that will be a priority when the first of 135 matches kicks off with the Blues against the Highlanders on Friday (SS1, 8am).
From a South African point of view, the Cheetahs will be first out of the blocks and face an interesting challenge in Bloemfontein on Friday against Argentine side Jaguares (SS1, 6.30pm). From all accounts the South American side is the Argentina national team in disguise so the men from Bloem are sure to have their hands full in this opener.
The other new boys on the block kick-start Saturday's proceedings when the Sunwolves host the Lions (SS1, 5.45am). The Japanese side's preparations have been anything but smooth and the Johannesburg franchise will want to lay down an early marker against the rookies.
The Southern Kings make their return to the competition after playing in the 2013 tournament with a home game in Port Elizabeth against the Sharks (SS1, 2.55pm), and the SA connection ends with a spicy derby in Cape Town when the Stormers host the Bulls (SS1, 5.05pm).
Up north, the Six Nations continues the rugby feast with two key fixtures on the agenda – Wales face France on Friday (SS1, 9.50pm) and England meet Ireland on Saturday (SS1, 6.35pm).
Champions Ireland have made a bit of a hash of their title defence with a draw and a loss so far, making victory at Twickenham a priority for them. England and France, with two wins each, are setting the pace so this weekend should provide a good indication of who will be the main title contenders.
Mamelodi Sundowns' interest in continental competition will have them fully focused for their return leg against Bulawayo side Chicken Inn in the African Champions League on Saturday (SS9, 8pm). Downs slid to a 1-0 defeat in the away leg and need to use homeground advantage to its fullest in the second leg.
Generally the only fans interested in England's League Cup, now called the Capital One Cup, are those whose teams are in contention. Nonetheless, it is a chance to grab some silverware and two classy sides, Liverpool and Manchester City, should provide a cracker in Sunday's final (SS3, 6pm).
The demise of the Champions League means there is no longer a lucrative incentive for SA cricket's domestic one-day champions, but there will still be plenty of motivation to succeed in Cape Town on Sunday (SS2, 9.45am). The Cape Cobras led the way in the league phase and now put that form on the line against the Lions, who comfortably handled the Warriors' challenge in Wednesday's playoff.
