9 October 2026
The high-stakes Jukskei Derby headlines a blockbuster Saturday of local rugby as the Vodacom Bulls host the 10bet Lions at Loftus Versfeld at 13h30 SAST. Both Gauteng franchises head into Round 3 eager to solidify their positions in the upper echelon of the United Rugby Championship table.
Historically, encounters between these traditional rivals produce high-scoring spectacles and intense physical battles. The Bulls currently hold the statistical edge, spearheading the tournament's attack with 69 points scored while conceding 39. The Johannesburg visitors remain hot on their heels with 62 points scored and 45 conceded, setting the stage for an explosive tactical battle at altitude.
Despite their strong defensive record, the Pretoria outfit will not underestimate their neighbours. Ivan van Rooyen’s charges proved formidable on the road last season. Furthermore, the Lions will draw massive confidence from their memorable 43-33 victory at this exact venue late last year. The men from Pretoria managed to avenge their previous home loss with a comprehensive 52-17 victory in Johannesburg during the latter stages of last season. This recent volatility in results underscores the unpredictable nature of the rivalry. With crucial early-season log points up for grabs, both management teams have emphasised the importance of physical dominance from the opening whistle.
The contrasting early-season forms of both teams add intrigue to this weekend's local derby. The Vodacom Bulls launched their campaign by beating Zebre Parma but subsequently stumbled in a tight away defeat to Munster. Meanwhile, the high-flying 10bet Lions march into Pretoria with an unblemished record after registering back-to-back home victories over Leinster and the Ospreys.
Ahead of the clash, both teams have confirmed key personnel changes. Head coach Johan Ackermann has made sweeping changes to his match-day 23, including 10 Springboks. Willie le Roux starts at fullback, paired with Canan Moodie and Sebastian de Klerk in the back three. Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster form the midfield partnership, while Paul de Wet and Curwin Bosch direct play at the halfbacks. In the pack, Hanro Liebenberg captains the side for the first time from flanker alongside Jeandre Rudolph and Cameron Hanekom. Johan Grobbelaar and Gerhard Steenekamp bolster the front row, while lock Cobus Wiese is set for his 50th cap from the bench alongside Handré Pollard.
10bet Lions' head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made five changes to his starting lineup. Morne van den Berg (scrumhalf) and Quan Horn (fullback) return to the backline. Due to an injury to Erich Cronje, Richard Kriel moves to the wing, while Ethan Adams and Henco van Wyk form the new midfield partnership. In the forwards, Dylan Sjoblom and Hyron Andrews form a completely new lock pairing.
Local rugby pundits heavily favour the Vodacom Bulls to edge out the high-flying 10bet Lions in this weekend’s titanic Jukskei Derby at Loftus Versfeld. Despite the Johannesburgers arriving with an unblemished record, experts believe the home side's massive reinforcements will shift the scales. The main reason for this consensus is the formidable lineup named by the Pretoria outfit. Pundits note that the inclusion of ten Springboks, combined with Handré Pollard providing lethal ammunition from the bench, gives the Bulls unmatched tactical depth.
"Loftus is historically a fortress for the Bulls, and they rarely lose back-to-back matches early in the campaign," noted SuperSport analyst and Springbok legend Breyton Paulse earlier this week. "While the Lions have played spectacular rugby to dismantle Leinster and the Ospreys, matching the sheer physical gravity of this beefed-up Bulls tight five at altitude remains a massive mountain to climb."
Teams:
Vodacom Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Hanro Liebenberg (c), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Cheswill Jooste
10bet Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Henco van Wyk, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne (c), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.
