Overview
- The Stormers lead the URC unbeaten after seven matches and stayed top with a game in hand when Munster lost 13-8 to Leinster.
- The Bulls arrive on a five-match losing run in all competitions and sit 10th on the URC table, with recent results prompting urgent changes.
- Assistant coaches Andries Bekker and Chris Rossouw were removed, Neil de Bruin joined the staff, and Johan Ackermann has taken direct charge of the forwards with Duane Vermeulen adding technical input.
- SARU said Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Duane Vermeulen and Andy Edwards will provide limited, short-term assistance to the Bulls, a move that has prompted questions about protocol during derby weeks.
- Saturday features Stormers vs Bulls in Cape Town, which is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd, and Sharks vs Lions in Durban as all 16 URC teams return to action.