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Bulls Seek Reset at Ellis Park as Stormers Target Fixes for Sharks Rematch

Derby outcomes will shape URC playoff positioning as well as the South African Shield race.

Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 25: Francke Horn of the Lions during the United Rugby Championship match between Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park on January 25, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 24: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (captain) of the Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks at DHL Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Overview

  • Buoyed by away wins over Pau and Edinburgh that ended a seven-match slump, the Bulls say Saturday’s Jukskei derby at Ellis Park (14:30) is a performance reset rather than a revenge mission.
  • The Lions return from tour with two draws and warn that the Bulls’ momentum and returning Springboks — including Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Marcell Coetzee — heighten the challenge.
  • A Bulls win could lift them above the Lions into the URC top eight, while a Lions victory could effectively remove the Bulls from contention in the South African Shield race.
  • In Durban, the Stormers focus on repairing lineout and set-piece errors exposed in their 30-19 home defeat to the Sharks, with Evan Roos pushing to be available for the rematch.
  • Kick-offs are Bulls v Lions at 14:30 at Ellis Park and Sharks v Stormers at 17:00 at Kings Park on Saturday, with coaches prioritizing execution over payback narratives.