URC returns with high-stakes Jukskei Derby and South African showdowns

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) resumes this weekend, South African fans are gearing up for a series of high-stakes clashes, with the Jukskei Derby at Loftus standing out as the headline fixture.

The Bulls are hoping to bounce back from their away defeat against the Glasgow Warriors before the international break, while neighbours the Lions will be buoyed after two successive wins erased memories of a nightmare European tour.

The Bulls, last year’s beaten finalists, started the season brightly with two home wins, but endured a mixed tour, with a narrow win against Connacht sandwiched between losses to Ulster and the Warriors.

They have often struggled to balance new coach Johan Ackerman’s expansive approach with the physical dominance and forward power game that served them so well in the past, but will hope that a return to their Loftus fortress this weekend will help reassert their dominance and restore confidence. They are currently sixth in the table, two places above their neighbours.

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen will be out to spoil the homecoming party, aiming for a first home URC defeat of their rivals since March 2023 with a statement victory that could mark a turning point in their season.

The Stormers, undefeated and flying high at the top of the URC log table, have looked every bit the team to beat, winning all five of their opening matches. Their clinical approach, shrewd game management, and lethal attacking backline have made them formidable in both set-piece and open play.

Flyhalf Jurie Matthee led the Stormers to a comeback victory over Benetton in Treviso to end their URC tour unbeaten ahead of the November international break.

Their dominance has set a benchmark for other South African sides, but they face a tough top-of-the-table clash against Munster in Ireland on Saturday, where both teams’ unbeaten records are under threat.

The Irish giants could be boosted by the return of their international stars, who will have a point to prove after Saturday’s heavy defeat against the Springboks, while John Dobson’s side could be missing key Bok stars with the world champions facing Wales on the same day.

The struggling Sharks will also be sweating on the availability of their Springbok players, but coach John Plumtree is hoping those not involved in Saturday’s Test will be released for the tough fixture against Connacht in Ireland.

The Durban side have struggled to find their rhythm, winning only one match so far this season and leaving them labouring in 13th place, even after the return of a host of Springboks just before the latest international window. Their campaign has been marred by defensive lapses, handling errors, and an inability to close out tight games.

With or without most of their Boks, the Sharks will need to dig deep, refocus, and rediscover the intensity required to compete with Europe’s elite if they are to salvage a season that has fallen well below expectations.

While Connacht are only two places above them in the table and have also won only one match, many of those games have been tight, suggesting the Sharks face another torrid afternoon at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway.