Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls: Preview

The first of two South African derbies this weekend.

It’s an immediate rematch with the two sides having met in Pretoria at the end of last month, when the Bulls secured a narrow 30-28 victory.

Now it’s the Lions who have home advantage in Johannesburg, with in-form fly-half Sanele Nohamba and centre Marius Louw set to be key men for them.

The Bulls welcome back Springbok wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie, with coach Jake White expecting another tough challenge.

“We are going to have to play well, almost our best rugby like it’s Test rugby,” said the former Springboks boss. 

“The Lions have played well and been together for a prolonged period. They have continuity and cohesion. They have managed to keep their squad together and the longer you keep a group together, the better they play.”

This is going to be a battle and a half. Come prepared.🦁

🆚 Vodacom Bulls
🏆: Vodacom United Rugby Championship
🗓: Sat, 17 Feb
⏰: 15:00
🚗📍: https://t.co/n3FomFT8RB
🎟️: https://t.co/dyyqIto7es
🏟 : Emirates Airline Park#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/rqJ39HMArb

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 16, 2024

🚨 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

YOUR Vodacom Bulls team to take on the Emirates Lions at the Park in round 2 of the Jukskei Derby 🏆#BackTheBulls@vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/VcOTUxrdH7

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 16, 2024