South Africa’s two unbeaten United Rugby Championship sides, the Lions and Sharks, face demanding away derbies against the Bulls and Stormers respectively in Round 3 on 10 October.
The Lions travel to Pretoria while the Sharks head to Cape Town, with both sides’ early-season records under pressure in games involving four South African franchises.
10 October
– Bulls v Lions – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 13:30
– Stormers v Sharks – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, 16:00
The fixture details are correct according to the URC website.
The Bulls will be looking to respond after a narrow 26-22 defeat by Munster on 3 October. The Pretoria side struggled to make a sustained impact and were punished for a number of errors, although their defence kept them in the contest.
Munster fly-half Charlie O’Shea was decisive, scoring two tries and converting three times. Despite the Bulls’ difficulties, they lost by only four points.
The Lions arrive in Pretoria after beating Ospreys 35-19. The result was more comfortable on paper than the performance suggested, with the Johannesburg side trailing 12-10 at half-time before a strong second-half response secured victory at Ellis Park.
Captain and number eight Francke Horn was the Lions’ leading performer, while winger Kelly Mpeku scored twice.
According to SuperSport, the Bulls are set to welcome back several important players for the Juksei Derby. Gerhard Steenekamp, Cameron Hanekom, Canan Moodie and Handre Pollard are all expected to be available.
The Lions, by contrast, have developed a settled core that has not been significantly disrupted by Springboks call-ups. A physical, closely contested match is expected, with the Bulls needing to address their defensive weaknesses quickly.
The Stormers also suffered defeat in Round 2, losing 17-13 to Edinburgh in Scotland. It was a low-key match, with the only points of the opening half coming from a James Grayson penalty.
The Stormers’ lineout was a particular concern as they repeatedly failed to secure possession. Hacjivah Dayimani’s late try appeared to have settled the contest, but Edinburgh debutant Rory McHaffie crossed the line to claim the decisive score.
In Durban, the Sharks had to work hard to overcome defending champions Leinster. Their scrum provided the home side with their clearest advantage during a bruising encounter.
Eben Etzebeth made the key break and passed to Andre Esterhuizen, who restored the Sharks’ lead. Edwill van der Merwe then intercepted to complete a difficult 26-20 bonus-point victory.
The Sharks are expecting another major physical test, according to IOL, particularly for their powerful scrum. The Stormers will also know their lineout must improve, with that set piece likely to come under sustained pressure in the coastal derby.
SuperSport also reported concerns from Sharks scrum coach Philip Lemmer about the Stormers’ strong maul.
