Bulls, Lions brace for a Jukskei URC derby with extra bite

The Lions know they’re heading into a tough block of United Rugby Championship and Challenge Cup matches until the end of January, with six of the next 10 games being away from home.

That’s why Saturday’s clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld (2pm kick-off) feels even more important as they try to regain some winning momentum after a month-long break in the URC competition, especially after a massive victory over Ulster.

They’ve selected a fairly settled side for the trip to Pretoria, but with the Bulls welcoming back a few big names — including some Springboks — the Jukskei derby is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

And of course, this isn’t just another meeting between these two. The Bulls–Lions rivalry has a way of bringing out an extra edge, a bit more fire in the tackles, a little more meaning in every scrum and carry. It’s the kind of fixture that players circle on the calendar, and fans feel in their stomachs all week.

With December shaping up to be packed with all-South African derbies in the URC, this showdown effectively sets the tone for what’s coming.

If the Lions can land a blow at Loftus, it could change the whole energy of their tricky run. If the Bulls flex their depth and power at home, it sends a message to everyone else.

According to Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen, they know exactly what the challenge at Loftus looks like.

"Saturday’s result will be huge for us if we want to keep momentum heading into the next few weeks,” Van Rooyen said.

“Their scrum, maul and play at the set-piece is their strength. The difference (between us) in the last year was the set piece; they are in the top two in the competition, probably. You have to stop it, and there are plans around it.

“But we must also front up and be physical and on the day, do what we must. And then, when we have the ball, look at how we can manipulate or exploit (space). To get that, you need to have good set-piece ball and momentum.

“I don’t think it will be only a physical game, but also very tactical.”

While it could be a tight contest between the forwards up front, it’s in the backline where the contest could be won or lost. The Bulls will miss a handful of Springboks, which will even the playing field.

The tactical boot of Lions flyhalf Chris Smith will be invaluable, while the midfield combination between Bronson Mills and outside centre Henco van Wyk must set the tempo on the attack. If they hit their straps, it could open space for fullback Quan Horn and wingers Eduan Keyter and Kelly Mpeku to shine on the attack.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has warned against the Lions’ ability to tear games open, so the visitors can expect in-your-face defence from their hosts.

Despite missing key stars, the return of Bok loose forward Elrigh Louw and having the experience of fullback Willie le Roux, centre Jan Serfontein and scrumhalf Embrose Papier, the Bulls will still be formidable.

Up front, they have hooker Akker van der Merwe, loose forward Jeandré Rudolph, and lock JF van Heerden, who will lead the physical charge on the attack and defence.

“The Lions played well before the break (against Ulster), and they will have the confidence,” Ackermann said ahead of the challenge against the team he previously coached.

Lions XV

15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Eduan Keyter, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.

Replacement: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Sibabalo Qoma, 23 Haashim Pead, 23 Gianni Lombard.

Bulls XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig (captain), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16 Jean Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Cheswill Jooste.