URC’s South African franchises played in back to back matches on Saturday - and they did not disappoint. This coming weekend two more local derbies are scheduled and promise to deliver once again some scintillating rugby with the results in the balance until the last minute of the match.
First up is when the in-form URC team and current South African Shield leader, the DHL Stormers travel to Johannesburg to face a struggling Emirates Lions on Saturday at @15h00.
It was clear during the post-match interview on Saturday that the Stormers will underestimate their hosts. The Stormers will be aware that they are going from sea level to altitude, which is particularly tough in the height of summer, also they certainly have not forgotten their last match against the Emirates Lions at home a few weeks ago.
Dobson was clear that there was still several aspects to improve on, after their win over the Sharks. "I thought we squandered quite a bit today. We played much better than last week, but we may have left four or five tries out there,” said Dobson." he said.
The Lions will also be smiling after a week of introspection. This led to a markedly improved showing against their neighbours, the Vodacom Bulls. Unfortunately, on current form, the Lions needs to improve a lot more to be a credible threat to the Stormers.
We discuss the past weekend URC local derbies, Aimee Lee-Barret and have a quick peek into the upcoming weekend's matches.
Across the Jukskei river, the Vodacom Bulls host a hurting Cell C Sharks team.
The Sharks' supporters are understandably hurting after the draw in Durban followed by a defeat in Cape Town.
The Stormers suffocated the Springbok laden Sharks backline with a brilliant rapid advancing defensive system and we can expect the Bulls to try and do the same to their visitors.
Vodacom Bulls head coach said that the match against the Sharks is like a mini-final for the home team. White was happy with his side returned who returned to form and took nine out of a possible 10 points against the Lions.
“Saturday is like a mini-final, and we lost in Durban without taking a point. You need to win your derbies and if you lose twice to the same opposition, it makes things difficult further down the line,” White said.
The Bulls need to pull off a win over the Sharks to move up the log. Resulting in a little less pressure on themselves before their upcoming overseas trip.
However, this week they will face a wounded Sharks team that will be set to respond after their disappointment in two weeks against the Stormers. It will not be that easy.
In other matches to be played during the weekend, a brilliant match is expected when Leinster hosts Edinburgh. Both teams are still leaders in the URC and a win could see them making a positive to move to the top of the log.
Muster travels to Glasgow to play third-placed Glasgow Warriors. This result will also help to shape the top of the log with Munster being two points behind the Warriors with one game in hand. The Warriors can move to the top of the log if they manage a five-pointer against Munster.