The Jukskei derby is always one of the most eagerly anticipated games on the rugby calendar, and there there will be plenty of excitement about this upcoming battle between the Bulls and Lions, with very little to choose between the two teams ahead of kick off on Saturday.
On the URC standings, only four points separate the seventh-placed Lions (24 points) and ninth-placed Bulls (20 points), and both will be viewing this as a must-win match.
The Lions will be determined to break their frustrating cycle in which they registered back-to-back draws in the EPCR Challenge Cup and URC competitions, while the Bulls come off two morale-boosting away victories over Section Paloise (Champions Cup) and Edinburgh (URC), at Ellis Park.
Spicing up the clash even more, both teams have registered four victories in their nine URC matches to date, although the Lions’ draw last week and extra bonus points have seen them top the Pretoria side on the table.
Kick off between the Bulls and Lions is at 14:30
Match Information:
Date: Saturday, 31 January
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
SA Time: 14:30
Referee: Morne Ferreira
TV: SuperSport
Another big derby on the cards
Meanwhile, there will also be a big focus on the coastal clash between the Sharks and Stormers this weekend. Kick off is at 14:30 in Durban.
As things stand, the Stormers (36 points) are second on the table, trailing log-leaders the Glasgow Warriors by three points, with Leinster, Cardiff, and the fifth-placed Munster hot on their heels.
The Sharks are in 11th place on 19 log points, and a second successive win over the Stormers could really reignite their playoff hopes.
Sharks v Stormers
Date: Saturday, 31 January
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
SA Time: 17h00
Referee: Christopher Allison
TV: SuperSport
