South Africa’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams have one final opportunity to make a statement before the competition pauses for the Nations Championship, with three sides playing at home and the other aiming to finish its overseas tour on a high.

The 10bet Lions get the weekend under way against Glasgow Warriors in Scotland on Friday, before the DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks take the field on Saturday.

Ivan van Rooyen’s team has lost its last two matches across the Investec Champions Cup and URC, but can draw confidence from its opening-round victory over Leinster and subsequent win against the Ospreys.

Glasgow have been difficult to beat, although their victories over Munster and Benetton were both decided by four points. The hosts have also conceded at least 20 points in each of their last four URC matches, offering the Lions an opportunity if they can make their chances count.

John Dobson’s side sits fourth, well ahead of the visitors in 13th, but Ulster have shown plenty of attacking threat, scoring at least 26 points in each of their matches this season.

The Stormers needed two late tries to beat the Scarlets last week, while the Bulls also had to work hard to overcome Ulster earlier in the campaign. The Cape side will therefore need to maintain its attacking momentum while avoiding another nervy finish.

Johan Ackermann’s third-placed team will start with confidence against a Welsh side sitting 14th after winning just once in its opening four matches.

However, the Scarlets gave the Stormers a serious examination last week, using strong carries, line breaks and effective support play to keep the contest alive.

Their defensive record has been less convincing, though, and the Bulls will look to exploit that weakness as they chase another home victory.

JP Pietersen’s side is fifth after three URC victories and heads to Ireland following an encouraging away win over LOU Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Munster, ninth on the log with one win, one draw and two defeats, have had an inconsistent start. However, they have proved difficult to beat heavily, with their biggest URC defeat this season coming by just six points.

The Sharks will need to bring their physical approach and attacking threat to Limerick if they are to add another valuable result on the road.

With the international break approaching, all four South African sides will be eager to finish this block of fixtures on a positive note before the URC resumes in December.

Matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.