South African rugby s preparation series got underway on Friday night at Ellis Park with the
Lions beating the Pumas
32-28 in Johannesburg.
In what was originally dubbed as being a Franchise Cup , in the absence of any other recognised tournament banner, eight South African sides will do battle over the next four weeks, playing four matches each.
These matches are effectively an opportunity for the Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls to build some momentum before the start of the Rainbow Cup in April.
That competition will see South Africa s four premier franchises join the existing European sides playing in the PRO14, and it will be the main event of the 2021 domestic calendar.
Blue Bulls back at Loftus for pre-season preparation series
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French club beats WP in race to sign former All Blacks flyhalf
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French club beats WP in race to sign former All Blacks flyhalf
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