The table is set for an exciting return Jukskei derby between a hurting Bulls and a resurgent Lions this weekend in Pretoria (2pm kick-off).
After being rocked by a depleted Sharks, the hosts will look to make Loftus Versfeld a fortress again, but that is easier said than done against a Lions side full of running.
Running rugby by the Emirates Lions 🤩🏉
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 15, 2025
Henco van Wyk increases the home sides' lead with a brilliant finish 👇
📺 Stream #VURC on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/kh8fxcKbn3
They were rampant in their victory over the Stormers and will want to carry that attacking momentum forward. The Lions will also look to make amends for the loss in the first Gauteng derby earlier this year.
The Bulls on the other hand only have a day or two to find answers for their attacking woes and how they allowed the Durbanites to run them off their feet.
If they can’t fix those errors, especially on defence, the visitors will look to exploit it just as they did with the Capetonians.
The Lions, with fullback Quan Horn and outside centre Henco van Wyk at the helm of the attack, penetrated with Stormers' defence with ease. Alongside scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, they’ll certainly be a handful to a Bulls backline who couldn’t get going against the Sharks.
Johan Grobbelaar breaches the Hollywoodbets Sharks' defence 💣💣
The Vodacom Bulls will always push to the final whistle at Loftus 💪💪#SSRugby | #VURC pic.twitter.com/EAWQDxOlaI
In contrast, the Jake White-coached team obliterated their opponents with their forwards and they will look to that weapon again. While the Lions stood firm against the scrums and rolling mauls of the Stormers, on Saturday a different kettle of fish awaits.
Should they handle the might of the Loftus forwards, the battle could be half-won. But then again, if the Johannesburg outfit only played for 50 minutes like the last time the two sides met and not the full 80, they could come up short again.
It will be up to Lions captain Francke Horn to lead his side, like he did on Saturday, as they battle for that consistency when playing against South African sides.
In the Bulls camp, White has some difficult decisions to make. Does he keep veteran Willie le Roux at flyhalf or move him back to fullback? Do they fight fire with fire and take the Lions on in a running game? Or keep playing a Bulls forwards game with little reliance on the backline?
There is of course the extra incentive for the players from both sides to put in another good performance ahead of the Springboks’ first alignment camp next month in Cape Town.