The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling clash as the Vodacom Bulls take on the Emirates Lions this Saturday, February 22, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kick-off is at 14:00, and fans can expect fireworks as the two teams battle for dominance in the United Rugby Championship.
Coming off contrasting fortunes, the Bulls are looking to bounce back from last week’s shock defeat to the Sharks. Their current standing is precarious yet promising, as they sit third on the log with 35 points, just one point clear of the Sharks and eager to establish some breathing room.
Meanwhile, the Lions come off a morale-boosting victory against the Stormers, which they won 30-23, and will be hoping to build on this momentum. Having endured four straight losses prior to this win, the Lions now find themselves chasing the playoff spots, lying 12th with 23 points, four points behind the eighth-placed Scarlets but with two games in hand.
Ready to field their strongest side for the derby, the Bulls have made several adjustments to their lineup. Key among these changes is the inclusion of Springbok forward Gerhard Steenekamp, who rejoins the front row alongside Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw. Cobus Wiese makes his debut return to the starting XV, playing lock alongside JF van Heerden. This powerful pack aims to dominate the scrum and create opportunities against their rivals.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White is optimistic about his team's chances, noting the psychological edge the Lions will bring to the game. “They lift their game against us,” he said, acknowledging the rivalry and the local ties many Lions players have to the Bulls. With players like Canan Moodie and Stedman Gans, the Bulls hope to turn their forward advantage and scoring opportunities effectively.
For the Lions, head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made one significant change from the previous match, bringing Jarod Cairns back to the back row. The Lions will lean heavily on their big names, including captain Francke Horn and Springbok Ruan Venter, to assert themselves early and to match Bulls physicality.
One of the key matchups to watch will be the scrumming battle between Bulls' Steenekamp and Lions' massive prop, 153kg powerhouse, Askis Ntlabakanye. Ntlabakanye has emerged as one of the most formidable players, capable of blending strength with agility—qualities the Bulls will need to counter fiercely.
With recent form indicating the Bulls’ scoring prowess—36 tries compared to the Lions’ 24—a tactical shift may be necessary for the Lions to keep pace with their rivals. Ntlabakanye understands the challenge: “If you play against the Bulls and as a forward pack you don’t pitch up, it’s going to be hard,” he noted as he anticipates the hostile environment of Loftus.
A little rain is predicted on match day, which could affect conditions and team strategies, particularly the Bulls who may turn to kicking more. Willie le Roux remains at fly-half, and fans will hope he can channel past performances to control the game effectively.
Across the field, Lions’ scrum-half Morné van den Berg faces off against Embrose Papier—a match-up expected to have major repercussions on the pace and flow of the game. Both players are vying for national selection, adding another layer of pressure to their performance.
Both teams have reasons to fight hard, with national selectors watching closely as the Springbok alignment camp approaches. The stakes are high; a notable performance here could shift the selection debates even before the camp begins.
The rivalry between the Bulls and the Lions—often dubbed the ‘Jukskei derby’—is nothing short of iconic. With both teams having scored points against one another recently, the 22-35 outcome last month, where the Bulls emerged victorious, is still fresh, and the Lions are desperate to even the score.
Fans, analysts, and players alike expect this clash to be one for the ages, with bragging rights and league standing on the line. Will the Bulls consolidate their position, or will the Lions storm back with vengeance to claim victory at Loftus Versfeld? Only the game will tell as these two teams go head-to-head once more.