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.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

That's why today’s clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld (2pm kickoff) 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.