Lions v Bulls Match Preview

Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls, 12.45pm, Saturday

“This is personal!”

That’s the message ahead of the Jukskei derby in Johannesburg.

As Lions scrum-half Morne van den Berg explains, it’s always a special occasion when the two Highveld rivals lock horns.

“It’s massive for us as players,” he said.

“It’s fellow South Africans, it’s guys that you know very well and play against a lot and it is personal.

“It’s a game you want to play in. It’s very exciting to play a local derby and it’s exciting for the public as well.”

The Lions will have added motivation having lost 25-10 at home to the Bulls last season.

“It’s been a while since we can correct that performance at Ellis Park and how we played that day,” said Van den Berg.

“So the boys are definitely up. We have taken good learning and know what to expect. We have planned very well. There is nothing that needs to be said.

“It’s special to be a part of this game and it’s a game we want to win.”

Giving the view from the Vodacom Bulls camp, seasoned winger Sergeal Petersen said: 

"It's going to be a tough one.

"The Jukskei derby will always be a dogfight.

"We expect a lot of running rugby from the Lions and a tough encounter. We will play towards our strengths and hopefully we will get a few (attacking) opportunities.

"Ellis Park is one of my favourite stadiums, so I'm looking forward to it. We are going there to do a job and when we are on the field it is strictly business. It is up to us to rock up and give our best performance.”