The United Rugby Championship returns with two mouth-watering South African derbies on Saturday, 10 October, as the Bulls host the Lions in Pretoria before the Stormers welcome the Sharks in Cape Town.
With the Lions and Sharks both arriving on the road with unbeaten records to protect, Round 3 promises plenty of intensity as the four South African franchises go head-to-head.
Bulls vs Lions
The Bulls will be eager to respond after suffering a narrow 26-22 defeat to Munster on 3 October.
Despite showing defensive resilience, the Pretoria side struggled to turn possession into meaningful attacking pressure and were ultimately punished by a Munster team inspired by flyhalf Charlie O’Shea.
The Lions, meanwhile, enter the derby with confidence after beating Ospreys 35-19 at Ellis Park.
Their victory was secured through a strong second-half performance after they went into the break trailing 12-10. Captain and No. 8 Francke Horn delivered an influential display, while winger Kelly Mpeku crossed twice.
The Bulls could receive a significant boost with several Springboks expected to return. Gerhard Steenekamp, Cameron Hanekom, Canan Moodie and Handre Pollard are all expected to be available, potentially adding considerable experience and quality to the home side.
The Lions, however, have developed a settled core and have been less disrupted by international call-ups.
A physical contest is expected at Loftus Versfeld, with the Bulls needing to tighten up defensively if they are to stop the Lions’ momentum.
Bulls vs Lions
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
13:30
Saturday, 10 October
Stormers vs Sharks
The second South African derby sees the Stormers take on the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
The Stormers are also searching for a response after going down 17-13 to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Their second-round performance was frustrating, particularly at lineout time, where they struggled to consistently secure possession. Hacjivah Dayimani’s late try appeared to have rescued the visitors before Edinburgh’s Rory McHaffie scored on debut to settle the contest.
The Sharks, meanwhile, arrive in Cape Town full of confidence after producing an impressive 26-20 victory over defending champions Leinster in Durban.
The Durban side relied heavily on their scrum and physicality before Eben Etzebeth made an important break and created the opportunity for Andre Esterhuizen to restore their lead.
Edwill van der Merwe then intercepted a pass and raced away to secure a bonus-point victory.
The Sharks expect another bruising battle against the Stormers, with the scrum and maul likely to play a major role.
The Stormers will also know that their lineout must improve, particularly against a Sharks pack that is capable of turning set-piece pressure into attacking opportunities.
Stormers vs Sharks
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
16:00
Saturday, 10 October
With both derbies offering plenty of physicality and contrasting strengths, Round 3 could prove significant for the South African teams’ early-season campaigns.
Who are you backing to win the two URC derbies?
