Paris (AFP)

Never two without three: after New Zealand and Australia, South Africa is also launching its "confined" version of Super Rugby, with an opening game Friday in Durban behind closed doors between the Sharks and the Lions .

In March, the coronavirus pandemic brought a halt to world sport which had not escaped Super Rugby, a southern hemisphere championship bringing together franchises from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Japan.

To limit the risks of the spread of Covid-19, the New Zealand and Australian federations organized a 100% domestic version of this competition during the summer.

South Africa is therefore preparing to host its first competition in seven months on its soil.

It will run until November 21 and will have seven franchises with, in addition to the Sharks and Lions, Griquas, Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas, Stormers and Bulls, the only South African team to have won traditional Super Rugby ( 3 times).

Rugby in the land of the Springboks has just regained a little oxygen with several gala matches organized without an audience, including one last Saturday between two selections made up of world champions and promising young players.

The "Greens" team, led by the captain of the South African selection and world champion Siya Kolisi, won against the "gold" team (25-9).

Now it's time for a competition which should also allow internationals to store playing time for the Rugby Championship (October 31 - December 12).

Due to the health context, the prestigious Southern Hemisphere tournament, which brings together South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, will only take place in Australia.

The Springboks' presence remains to be confirmed, however, as new coach Jacques Nienaber expressed concern about the potentially increased risk of injury to his players due to a preparation that could prove too short.

Program of the 1st day (French hours):

.

Friday

(7:00 p.m.)

In Durban: Sharks - Lions

.

Saturday

(4.30 p.m.)

In Bloemfontein: Cheetahs - Phakisa Pumas

(7:00 p.m.)

In Pretoria: Bulls - Griquas

Exempt: Stormers

© 2020 AFP