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Lions target playoff boost as Connacht visit Ellis Park

Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Lions target playoff boost as Connacht visit Ellis Park
Adnaan Mohamed

The Fidelity SecureDrive Lions will look to strengthen their push for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff place when they host Irish side Connacht in their Round 16 clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

With the Race to the Eight entering its decisive phase, every result carries significant weight in the battle for knockout qualification and potential European competition spots. The Johannesburg side return home on the back of encouraging form, having built momentum with an attacking approach that has yielded results in recent weeks.

Connacht, however, arrive with a clear game plan and will be confident of challenging in the Highveld conditions, where accuracy and tempo often prove decisive.

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made four changes to his side, including a positional switch that sees Springbok forward Ruan Venter move into the second row. Batho Hlekani comes into the starting line-up at flank as the hosts look to maintain balance between physicality and mobility.

The match will also mark a significant milestone for hooker PJ Botha, who is set to earn his 100th cap for the franchise.

“When I was still at school, I thought it would be nice to maybe play one or two matches for a franchise in an international competition,” Botha said.

“To now reach 100 is incredible. The time has flown. It’s a privilege for me to reach this milestone, and I’m grateful that it will happen in a home match.”

Botha’s role at the set piece is expected to be key as the Lions aim to establish a solid platform against a Connacht side known for their structured play and attacking intent.

Scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys believes the visitors will pose a similar challenge to one the Lions handled effectively in their previous outing.

“We know what they will bring. We know their game model. It’s not easy to defend or attack against it, but if we do what we need to do well, I am sure there will be opportunities,” he said.

The Lions will again rely on their forward pack to provide momentum, while their backline looks to capitalise on scoring chances. Maintaining the intensity shown in their previous performance will be crucial against a Connacht outfit that thrives on quick ball and spatial awareness.

Morne Brandon returns to the matchday squad and is expected to provide impact off the bench, while Siba Qoma offers additional cover in the second row.

Fidelity SecureDrive Lions Match 23

Starting XV

1. SJ Kotze, 2. PJ Botha (100), 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 4. Ruan Venter, 5. Darrien Landsberg, 6. Siba Mahashe, 7. Batho Hlekani, 8. Francke Horn (captain), 9. Morne van den Berg, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Erich Cronje, 12. Richard Kriel, 13. Henco van Wyk, 14. Angelo Davids, 15. Quan Horn

    Replacements
    16. Morne Brandon, 17. Eddie Davids, 18. Sebastian Lombard, 19. Reinhard Nothnagel, 20. Siba Qoma, 21. JC Pretorius, 22. Nico Steyn, 23. Kelly Mpeku

    Kick-off at Ellis Park is scheduled for 16:00.

    SA rugby prospect Pead secures major deal

    Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on SA rugby prospect Pead secures major deal

    Haashim Pead’s career is gathering momentum like a rolling maul surging towards the try line, and his latest move confirms his place among South Africa’s brightest rugby prospects. The 20-year-old scrumhalf has signed with Roc Nation Sports International, aligning himself with a global agency that represents leading Springboks including Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Aphelele Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse.

    For a player shaped in the streets of the Bo-Kaap and polished at Bishops, this moment feels like a clean break from the base of the scrum, quick, decisive and loaded with intent. Pead’s rise over the past two seasons has been as sharp as a well-timed box kick, climbing from promising junior to one of the most talked-about young playmakers in the game.

    His breakout came on the world stage at the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, where he didn’t only steer the Junior Springboks with precision, he rewrote the script for what a scrumhalf can deliver at that level. Named Junior Springbok Player of the Year, Pead shattered records previously held by France star Antoine Dupont, underlining his influence with a blend of tempo, vision and nerve.

    Generational Talent; Haashim Pead

    Those performances opened the door to the senior Springbok environment, where he has already spent time absorbing the rhythm and demands of Test rugby. Back on home soil, he has slotted seamlessly into senior competition, becoming a key figure for the Lions in the United Rugby Championship. His service is crisp, his decision-making measured, and his tactical kicking often lands like a pinpoint cross-field strike.

    Roc Nation Sports International’s Head of Rugby Recruiting in South Africa, Tamsanqa Ncwana, believes Pead’s ceiling is far from reached.

    “Haashim is a generational talent whose work ethic and technical ceiling are truly exceptional,” Ncwana said.

    The move places Pead in a stable that has helped shape some of the most influential figures in South African rugby, a pathway that now stretches invitingly ahead of him. With another Springbok alignment camp already under his belt this year, whispers of a Test debut are growing louder, like a crowd rising in anticipation before a decisive play.

    For Pead, the decision to join Roc Nation was as instinctive as spotting a gap in a fractured defensive line.

    “Joining the Roc Nation Sports International family is an exciting moment for me. Watching the impact they have had on the careers and lives of players I look up to, made this an easy decision,” he said.

    “I’m proud of my roots in the Bo-Kaap, and as I take the next steps in my career, I’m excited to have a world-class team behind me as I look to achieve my goals both on and off the field.”

    Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark highlighted the broader impact Pead could have beyond the pitch.

    “At Roc Nation Sports International, we look for athletes who not only excel on the pitch but also possess the character to inspire the next generation. Haashim’s journey as a professional rugby player is a story that will resonate throughout South Africa and we look forward to supporting him to reach his full potential.”

    As Pead’s career continues to accelerate, this latest signing feels less like a milestone and more like the start of a new attacking phase, one where the pass has been set and the space ahead is waiting to be exploited.

    SA Teams Sweep URC Round 13 | Bulls Lions Sharks Stormers Victorious

    Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on SA Teams Sweep URC Round 13 | Bulls Lions Sharks Stormers Victorious
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    South Africa’s four franchises turned home ground into a fortress during Round 13 of the United Rugby Championship, delivering a clean sweep of bonus-point victories that sent a surge of momentum through the playoff race.

    The Vodacom Bulls, Fidelity SecureDrive Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers all triumphed in front of their home supporters, creating a weekend that echoed with the rhythm of attacking rugby and relentless forward play.

    With five pool matches remaining, the Stormers climbed to second on the standings with 46 points behind the Glasgow Warriors on 50. The Lions occupy seventh place with 38 points, the Bulls hold eighth on 35, and the Sharks remain in the hunt in 11th with 29.

    Bulls power past Cardiff

    The Bulls ignited the weekend with a commanding 40-7 victory over Cardiff Rugby in Pretoria.

    Cardiff opened the scoring in the third minute when Harri Millard crossed for a try converted by Callum Sheedy. That early breakthrough stirred the Bulls pack into action. Marcell Coetzee crashed over from a driving maul before Johann Grobbelaar followed through the same channel minutes later.

    The backline soon joined the charge as Kurt-Lee Arendse released David Kriel for the third try. Embrose Papier added another after sharp interplay, and Elrigh Louw gathered a perfectly weighted cross kick from Nizaam Carr shortly before halftime to give the Bulls a 33-7 lead.

    Ruan Vermaak scored the only try of the second half as the Pretoria side secured a six-try bonus-point victory.

    Scorers

    Vodacom Bulls 40 (33)
    Tries: Marcell Coetzee, Johann Grobbelaar, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Elrigh Louw, Ruan Vermaak
    Conversions: Handre Pollard (4), David Kriel

    Cardiff 7 (7)
    Try: Harri Millard
    Conversion: Callum Sheedy

    Lions roar at Ellis Park

    The Lions followed with a spectacular 54-17 triumph over Edinburgh Rugby at Ellis Park.

    The Johannesburg side stormed to a four-try bonus point within the opening 26 minutes through Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who celebrated his 100th appearance with a try. Bronson Mills added another before halftime as the Lions surged to a 35-0 lead.

    Edinburgh responded with three second-half tries, though the Lions maintained their attacking rhythm. Angelo Davids crossed twice with blistering pace and Haashim Pead sealed the eight-try performance shortly before the final whistle.

    Scorers

    Fidelity SecureDrive Lions 54 (35)
    Tries: Ruan Venter, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg, Morne van den Berg, Bronson Mills, Angelo Davids (2), Haashim Pead
    Conversions: Chris Smith (7)

    Edinburgh 17 (0)
    Tries: Ewan Ashman, Freddy Douglas, Matt Currie
    Conversion: Cammy Scott

    Sharks and Stormers complete the sweep

    In Durban, the Sharks produced one of their most complete displays of the season, shutting out Munster Rugby 45-0 at Kings Park. The Durban side combined powerful defence with swift attacking strikes to keep their playoff hopes alive.

    The Stormers closed the weekend in Cape Town with a 29-21 victory over Dragons RFC. The Cape side blended forward power with attacking flair to claim another five-point haul and cement their place near the top of the table.

    Across four cities and four matches, South Africa’s franchises marched in unison. Each victory carried the same message across the competition. The playoff race has entered its decisive stretch, and the local teams are charging forward with growing confidence.

    SA teams brace for crucial URC weekend as playoff race tightens

    Adnaan MohamedNewsLeave a Comment on SA teams brace for crucial URC weekend as playoff race tightens
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    The race to the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC) is gathering pace, and South Africa’s four franchises step onto the field this weekend knowing every tackle, turnover and try could shape their playoff destiny.

    Round 13 promises a festival of rugby on home soil as the Vodacom Bulls, Fidelity Securedrive Lions, Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers host European opposition in matches that could shift the balance of the standings.

    With six pool rounds remaining, the margin between first and ninth place is razor thin. Only 15 points separate log leaders the Glasgow Warriors and ninth-placed Connacht Rugby, leaving fourteen teams still chasing the coveted top-eight positions.

    That compressed log has turned the URC table into a battlefield where every point is fought for like a loose ball in a ruck.

    The DHL Stormers sit second and continue to lead the South African charge. The Vodacom Bulls and Fidelity Securedrive Lions remain firmly in the playoff conversation, while the Hollywoodbets Sharks know the road ahead demands near perfection if they want to muscle their way into the knockout rounds.

    Bulls Seek Loftus Redemption

    The Vodacom Bulls return to their Pretoria fortress at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night with a clear objective after last weekend’s bruising defeat to the DHL Stormers.

    Standing in their path are Cardiff Rugby, a side that has tasted defeat only four times this season and arrives with confidence after a victory over Leinster Rugby.

    The Bulls remain formidable on their home turf. Only two visiting sides have escaped Loftus with victories this season, and the altitude has long served as a silent teammate for the men in blue.

    Statistically the Bulls carry the sharper attacking blade, having scored 83 more points than Cardiff so far. Cardiff’s defensive line has proven more resilient, which means the hosts must convert pressure into points when opportunities appear.

    Missed chances proved costly last weekend. A more clinical performance could turn Loftus into the launching pad for another climb up the standings.

    Lions Look to Roar Again at Ellis Park

    Momentum has been building in Johannesburg where the Fidelity Securedrive Lions have rediscovered their bite.

    Victories against the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers have injected fresh confidence into the Pride ahead of their clash with Edinburgh Rugby at Ellis Park Stadium.

    The Lions have lost only once at home in the competition and their attacking rhythm has been electric, with nearly 90 more points scored than the Scottish side.

    Edinburgh, however, travel with a reputation for resilience. Only one of their away defeats has been by more than eight points, a statistic that suggests the contest could unfold like a tactical arm-wrestle before the tempo lifts.

    If the Lions’ attacking spark catches fire again, Ellis Park could witness another high-tempo performance from a side that thrives on broken play and open grass.

    Sharks Face Must-Win Battle Against Munster

    The stakes could hardly be higher for the Hollywoodbets Sharks when they face Munster Rugby in Durban.

    Two successive defeats have slowed the Sharks’ momentum and left them outside the playoff zone. The Durban side trails Munster by five places on the table and holds half as many victories after twelve rounds.

    That scenario leaves little room for error.

    The Sharks’ attack has produced slightly more points than Munster this season, though their defensive structure has leaked too many opportunities. Tightening that system will be critical if they hope to control the contest at Kings Park Stadium.

    Munster’s reputation for physical forward play and tactical discipline means the Sharks will need to strike early and maintain intensity across the full eighty minutes.

    Their recent back-to-back victories against the Stormers earlier in the season showed what the Durban outfit can achieve when rhythm and belief align.

    Stormers Eye Top Spot Opportunity

    Sunday afternoon in Cape Town could provide the DHL Stormers with an opportunity to climb to the summit of the URC table.

    The defending champions host Dragons RFC at DHL Stadium with the knowledge that a bonus-point victory could propel them into first place should the Glasgow Warriors stumble against Leinster Rugby.

    The Stormers rediscovered their rhythm last weekend after ending a three-match losing run with a powerful display against the Bulls. Their record of nine victories compared to the Dragons’ two places them firmly among the favourites.

    Cape Town’s coastal venue has often felt like a tidal surge for visiting teams. When the Stormers’ attacking waves gather momentum, they can crash through defensive lines with relentless force.

    A strong finish to the remaining six matches could secure a valuable home playoff fixture, a prize that would place the Stormers in a powerful position as the tournament approaches its knockout phase.

    Match Information

    Vodacom Bulls v Cardiff
    Date: Friday, 20 March
    Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
    SA Time: 19h00
    Referee: Eoghan Cross
    TV: SuperSport

    Fidelity Securedrive Lions v Edinburgh
    Date: Saturday, 21 March
    Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
    SA Time: 14h45
    Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
    TV: SuperSport

    Hollywoodbets Sharks v Munster
    Date: Saturday, 21 March
    Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
    SA Time: 17h00
    Referee: Sam Grove-White
    TV: SuperSport

    DHL Stormers v Dragons
    Date: Sunday, 22 March
    Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
    SA Time: 15h00
    Referee: Andrew Brace
    TV: SuperSport

    Deon Fourie set for emotional Stormers return in Bulls showdown

    Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Deon Fourie set for emotional Stormers return in Bulls showdown
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    Veteran Springbok loose forward Deon Fourie is poised for a welcome return for the Stormers after a gruelling two-year battle with injuries, with the Cape side hoping his presence can spark a response against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

    The 39-year-old has endured a frustrating stretch on the sidelines after a sequence of injuries that kept him out for most of the past two seasons.

    Speaking to journalists at the Stormers High Performance Centre in Bellville on Wednesday after a training session in searing heat, Fourie said he was grateful to be back in contention.

    “Yeah, feeling fresh,” Fourie said. “I think next month, almost exactly two years ago, I started the injury route. I’m back now and I’m very, very grateful to be back. I worked hard and credit to the physios and management that got me lucky.”

    His recovery journey included an ACL injury followed by further setbacks.

    “After my ACL I did four games and then my ankle, then one game and then my biceps,” he explained.

    Fourie’s comeback could hardly come in a bigger fixture, with the Stormers travelling to Pretoria for one of South African rugby’s fiercest rivalries.

    “It’s always special,” he said. “Playing against the Bulls, all the history involved in that and all the times I’ve played against them. It’s a great game to come back to. It gets the best out of everyone.”

    Match fitness remains an unknown after such a lengthy absence, though Fourie believes the team’s demanding preparation will help.

    “Game fitness and running fitness aren’t the same,” he said. “But after this week in 40 degrees for two days I think I’ll be fine. We’ll see. It’s up at Loftus with a bit of altitude as well, but luckily we’ve got a great player in Paul de Villiers on the bench who can step in.”

    The veteran admitted the latest injury tested him mentally, even raising thoughts about retirement.

    “Especially the last injury it was quite tough,” Fourie said. “There were a lot of emotions and a lot of questions running through my mind. But that was always my motto. I like to prove people wrong.”

    For now, the focus is on simply getting through his return match.

    “My first objective is to get through the first game injury free and do it well. Then we’ll see how the body is,” he said. “In two years I’ve only played about five games so maybe my age turned back two years. I’m only 38 now,” he quipped.

    The Stormers head to Pretoria seeking to halt a three-match losing run, a stretch that has frustrated the squad.

    “It’s important for morale and confidence,” Fourie said. “You need that W again. The frustrating thing the last three weeks was the quality of how we played. We’ll try to rectify that this weekend.”

    Despite the pressure, Fourie expects the squad to embrace the occasion at Loftus, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere.

    “That’s why you want to go play there,” he said. “The atmosphere builds you, motivates you. That’s why we play rugby, to enjoy it as well and to win there.”

    The Stormers will hope their returning veteran can bring the type of grit and breakdown steel that has defined his long career as they attempt to wrestle momentum back in the United Rugby Championship.

    ‘The Chef’ to steer Junior Boks in Georgia as Foote names balanced U20 squad

    Adnaan MohamedNews, Rugby, SpringboksLeave a Comment on ‘The Chef’ to steer Junior Boks in Georgia as Foote names balanced U20 squad
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    Talented 19-year-old flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed will headline an exciting 31-man Junior Springbok squad for a three-match tour of Georgia later this month, as coach Kevin Foote begins laying the foundation for South Africa’s 2026 U20 campaign.

    Ahmed, a former Wynberg Boys’ High standout known as “The Chef”, has already been contracted by the Stormers after catching the eye while still at school. Now he is set to cook up a storm for the Junior Boks in Tbilisi, where two of the three fixtures will be internationals against Georgia U20.

    The squad departs on Sunday, 15 February, and returns on 28 February.

    Foote’s selection blends continuity with fresh talent. Four members of last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship-winning side return: loosehead props Ollie Reid and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, and lock Riley Norton, who captained the Junior Boks to the title in Italy.

    The touring group was finalised after a three-week training camp in Stellenbosch, which included high-tempo matches against FNB Varsity Cup sides Maties and UCT.

    “We have had a very productive period in Stellenbosch, and I believe the matches against UCT and Maties gave us a clear indication of where we are in terms of technical and tactical preparation,” said Foote.

    The tour also forms part of South Africa’s build-up to defending their world crown in June and July, also in Georgia.

    “Georgia is a challenging place to play, especially with the sub-zero temperatures expected, but this is exactly the kind of test we need to build resilience,” Foote said.

    “We are looking for growth in our set-piece dominance and cohesion as we begin our 2026 campaign.

    “They are a well-coached team with a lot of experience returning from last year’s international season. We expect very physical encounters, which is exactly what we need for our preparations.”

    Foote added that the broader vision includes building depth for future campaigns.

    “We are also building for 2027 by giving new players the opportunity to experience international rugby. This tour is a vital step in that regard.”

    Several players eligible for the 2027 cycle have been included, among them Gert Kemp, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya and Luan Giliomee, who recently represented the Blitzboks and helped the Springbok Sevens win the HSBC SVNS Perth title.

    Injury concerns ruled out Vuyo Gwiji (loose forward), Pieter van der Merwe (centre) and Alzeadon Felix (fullback), while flyhalf Vusi Moyo continues his rehabilitation. All are targeting a return for the U20 Rugby Championship in April and May.

    Speedy wing Cheswill Jooste is currently on Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty with the Bulls and is expected to link up with the squad later in the season.

    Foote admitted that narrowing down the group was not easy.

    “The full training group made it very hard to decide on a 31-man travelling party. Players such as AJ Meyer (lock) and Reinhardt Viljoen (fullback) put their hands up for consideration and remain firmly in the mix for future camps leading into the Rugby Championship,” he said.

    With Norton providing leadership up front and Ahmed poised to guide proceedings at flyhalf, the Junior Boks will look to use the Georgian tour as a critical stepping stone towards another shot at global success.

    Junior Springbok squad for Georgia tour:

    Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).

    Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).

    Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).

    Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).

    Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).

    Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

    Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).

    Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).

    Fixtures (Tbilisi):
    18 February – SA U20 vs Lelo Saracens
    22 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20
    27 February – SA U20 vs Georgia U20

    Lions, Bulls prepare for Ellis Park showdown

    Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on Lions, Bulls prepare for Ellis Park showdown
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    Ellis Park will once again rumble like a restless scrum on Saturday afternoon as the Lions and Bulls lock horns in a Jukskei Derby that promises sparks, sweat and shifting momentum on the URC log.

    The Lions, settled and confident, return home looking to turn continuity into currency. Their memories of last November’s 43–33 win over the Bulls still echo, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen knows this weekend’s contest will be a far sterner examination.

    “Obviously, they’ll be hurting from the result at Loftus,” Van Rooyen said.

    “But they’ve got some superstars returning in Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Marcell Coetzee, and mentally they’ll be a very different team after the two results they got overseas. We’ll have to rise to that emotional level and physical level.”

    For Van Rooyen, the derby won’t be decided on reputation but on precision when lungs burn and legs feel heavy.

    “Of course, we’ve got plans, they’ve got plans – but I think the team that can execute under pressure on Saturday, and enforce their strengths more often during the 80 minutes will emerge successful.”

    The Lions’ unchanged 23 is a statement of trust. Chris Smith, facing his former employers, will be the conductor of tempo at flyhalf, while skipper Francke Horn leads a familiar loose trio into what is expected to be a collision-heavy battle for breakdown supremacy.

    Out wide, Springbok fullback Quan Horn provides composure at the back, with Richard Kriel and Angelo Davids offering strike power on the wings.

    Across the tunnel, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has reloaded his side with intent. The return of Elrigh Louw at openside flank sharpens the Bulls’ breakdown blade, while Devon Williams replaces veteran Willie le Roux at fullback, injecting pace and aerial contestability for what is expected to be a tactical kicking duel.

    In midfield, Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans form a more direct, defence-first pairing, signalling a Bulls side built for impact rather than finesse. Kurt-Lee Arendse’s return on the wing adds lightning to the Bulls’ backline, while Handré Pollard resumes his role as the general steering the attacking ship.

    The Bulls’ engine room has also been reshuffled, with Reinhardt Ludwig starting at lock and Cobus Wiese primed off the bench to bring brute force in the closing exchanges.

    With both sides chasing log momentum, this derby shapes as less chess match and more street fight — a high-tempo contest where accuracy will be the sharpest weapon and composure the ultimate decider.

    Teams

    Lions:
    15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
    Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Etienne Oosthuizen, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Haashim Pead, Erich Cronje

    Bulls:
    15 Devon Williams, 14 Stravino Jacobs, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (capt), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
    Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, David Kriel

    Match Details

    • Date: Saturday, 31 January
    • Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
    • Kick-off: 14:30 SAST (12:30 GMT)
    • Referee: Morne Ferreira
    • Assistants: Aimee Barrett-Theron, Hanru van Rooyen
    • TMO: Egon Seconds

    All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers

    Adnaan MohamedNews, RugbyLeave a Comment on All to play for in Durban as Sharks eye repeat strike on Stormers
    By Adnaan Mohamed

    Saturday’s return-leg Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers has all the ingredients of a heavyweight rematch – pride on the line, bodies already bruised, and both teams desperate to land the final blow before the competition pauses.

    Kick-off at Hollywoodbets Kings Park is set for 17h00, with the Durban side chasing a stunning double over the previously unbeaten Cape outfit, while the Stormers arrive determined to right last week’s wrongs and wrestle momentum back across the Indian Ocean.

    Stormers: reshaped for response

    The DHL Stormers have reloaded their arsenal for the Durban battlefield, making several changes aimed at sharpening their edge. Damian Willemse drops back to fullback, Jonathan Roche steps in at inside centre, and Dylan Maart takes over on the right wing. It’s a backline reconfigured to counter-punch and strike from turnover ball.

    From the bench, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee and Warrick Gelant are primed as late-game accelerators, ready to stretch tired defenders when the derby muscles tighten.

    Up front, Oli Kebble anchors the scrum at loosehead prop, while a brand-new lock pairing of Ruben van Heerden and a fit-again Adré Smith adds fresh steel to the engine room. Evan Roos returns at the back of the scrum, bringing the kind of explosive carries and confrontational presence that can tilt a derby on its axis.

    Director of Rugby John Dobson has made it clear there will be no easing into the four-week break.

    “Playing back-to-back derbies against the same opposition is a fairly unique situation, and we are desperate to put in a more convincing performance than we managed at home last week.

    “We have been boosted by the return from injury of some key players, and you can be sure that all 23 will be going out there to show what it means to play in our jersey for our fans,” he said.

    Sharks: belief, but no complacency

    The Hollywoodbets Sharks, meanwhile, have also rung the changes as they look to back up last weekend’s bonus-point victory. There’s a completely new front row, with Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs all starting, while Corne Rahl comes into the engine room, with Jason Jenkins named among the replacements.

    In the loose forwards, Phepsi Buthelezi is the only starter retained from last week, joined by Siya Kolisi and Vincent Tshituka, both of whom made their impact off the bench in the first encounter.

    The backline sees Grant Williams start at scrumhalf ahead of Jaden Hendrikse, the pair swapping jerseys, while Edwill van der Merwe replaces Yaw Penxe on the wing in the final tweak to the starting XV.

    Despite the confidence that comes with a derby win, Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen insists there is no room for complacency.

    “We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.

    “Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”

    With the break looming, Esterhuizen says motivation is sky-high.

    “Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”

    Since taking over the captaincy, Esterhuizen’s influence has mirrored the Sharks’ improved form. While he credits a shift in mindset under coach JP Pietersen, his own lead-from-the-front approach remains central.

    “I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.

    “I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

    What to expect

    Expect collisions to echo, scrums to creak and tempers to simmer. The Sharks will look to turn Kings Park into a fortress and land back-to-back blows, while the Stormers arrive with pride wounded and packs reloaded, intent on proving last week was a stumble, not a trend.

    In a derby where inches matter and moments decide everything, this one shapes as a contest fought in the trenches and finished by nerve.

    Team line-ups

    DHL Stormers

    15 Damian Willemse, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain), 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Oli Kebble.

    Replacements:
    16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Jurie Matthee, 23 Warrick Gelant.

    Hollywoodbets Sharks

    Ox Nche, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaco Williams, Andre Esterhuizen (C), Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe, Aphelele Fassi.

    Replacements:
    Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Nick Hatton, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Masuku, Jurenzo Julius.

    Photo Credit: Rashied Isaacs