With valuable log points on offer, the Bulls and Stormers will be determined to make their final home appearances before the break count, while the Lions and Sharks will be looking to finish their overseas campaigns on a winning note.

The action gets underway on Friday when the Lions travel to Scotland to face Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium at 21:45. Saturday's programme features the Stormers against Ulster in Cape Town at 14:45, the Bulls hosting the Scarlets in Pretoria at 17:00, and the Sharks taking on Munster in Limerick at 19:30.

The Lions face arguably the toughest assignment of the weekend against a Glasgow outfit sitting second on the standings. The Scots remain unbeaten after winning three of their four matches, while the Johannesburg-based side have struggled on tour, losing their last two outings in the Champions Cup and URC, while also having to deal with the tragic death of Hyron Andrews.

However, Ivan van Rooyen's men have already shown they can punch above their weight. Their opening-round victory over Leinster, followed by a convincing win against the Ospreys, proved they have the firepower to trouble the competition's leading teams.

Glasgow have been impressive, but narrow victories over Munster and Benetton suggest they can be pushed. The Lions will need to bring their physicality and attacking ambition if they are to spring another surprise.

In Cape Town, the fourth-placed Stormers will be eager to extend their winning run against Ulster. John Dobson's side have recovered well with back-to-back victories, but they cannot afford to underestimate an opponent currently sitting 13th.

Ulster have shown considerable attacking promise, scoring at least 26 points in each of their matches. The Stormers will also remember their recent battle against the Scarlets, when two late tries were needed to secure victory.

The visitors will arrive encouraged by their performance against the Bulls last week, but the Capetonians will back themselves to use their home advantage and greater attacking efficiency to maintain their momentum.

The third-placed Bulls will also be favourites when they welcome the Scarlets to Pretoria. However, Johan Ackermann's team will know that the Welsh outfit are capable of causing problems, having pushed the Stormers all the way last weekend.

Despite winning only once in their opening four matches, the Scarlets have displayed dangerous attacking qualities, particularly through their direct running and support play.

The Bulls have enjoyed an excellent home record and possess the forward power to dominate proceedings. Their challenge will be to maintain defensive discipline and prevent the visitors from finding space out wide.

Meanwhile, the Sharks face a stern challenge against Munster at Thomond Park.

JP Pietersen's fifth-placed side have won three of their four URC matches and will travel to Ireland with confidence after beating Lyon away in the Challenge Cup.

Munster have endured a less convincing start, recording one victory, one draw and two defeats. However, their home record and defensive resilience make them a dangerous opponent.

The Sharks have impressed with their attacking flair, pace and willingness to move the ball. If they can combine that ambition with accuracy and physical intensity, they could secure another important away result.

With the international break looming, all four South African sides will be desperate to collect valuable points and head into the pause with momentum on their side.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport