It has been a rather underwhelming start to the Champions Cup for the SA teams, but it is still early days in the competition after just two rounds of action played so far.

After a much-needed break at the start of the new year, the Stormers are the first SA team to return to action on Saturday, 11 January, with kick off at 15:00 (SA time).

This game will be followed straight away by the Sharks hosting Toulouse (17:15 kick off SA time), while the Bulls are the final South African side in action on Saturday when they play away to Castres (22:00 kick off SA time).

So where do the SA teams stand in the Champions Cup currently?

LATEST LOGS

World Rugby Global Law Trials for Rounds 3 and 4

Interestingly, EPCR competitions will feature four law amendments to “promote speed, space, and contest to enhance fan and player experiences”.

Following World Rugby’s implementation of the Global Law Trials to all competitions commencing 1 January 2025, EPCR has confirmed these Law Trials will be adopted from Round 3 of the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

The following four World Rugby Global Law Trials will be implemented for Rounds 3 and 4:

  1. 60-second conversion limit to align with penalties and improve game pace, which will be managed by a shot clock (where possible).
  2. 30-second setup for lineouts will match time for scrums, reducing downtime – which will be managed on-field by the match officials.
  3. Play-on rule in uncontested lineouts when the throw is not straight.
  4. Scrum-half protection during scrums, rucks and mauls.

The full text of the law trials is available HERE.

Click HERE for the match official appointments for Round 3 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

Click HERE for the full list of Investec Champions Cup fixtures.

Click HERE for the full list of EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures.

Click HERE for full details of Where to Watch every match live.

What do you think of these changes?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/sharks/updated-champions-cup-logs-as-sa-teams-return-to-action/