Africa-Press – South-Africa. The South African derbies in the United Rugby Championship come at a time when the local sides have found form, and more importantly, are collecting points.
On Saturday, the Bulls travel to Cape Town to avenge an earlier loss to the Stormers this season, while the Sharks will entertain the Lions at Kings Park.
Word from Loftus is that players have revenge on their minds for that loss, but Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff suggested that it’s not that deep.
“We spoke about it in the week and we don’t want to play mind games. It’s all about pitching up on Saturday. You can talk as much as you want in the week, but it’s all about Saturday,” Kitshoff told reporters in Cape Town on Wednesday.
The match in question ended 30-26 in favour of the Stormers, after initially racing to a 18-7 lead going into half-time. Kitshoff said the players remain motivated for the game, because it’s a north-south derby.
“The Bulls will be at their best and we will be at our best and that’s when real South African rugby comes through.”
Head coach John Dobson was also on hand to say this derby feels like the biggest one since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There are many elements to it,” Dobson began.
“Firstly, the traditional rivalry, then it’s how the result will affect the conference and it’s also important for rugby.
“The Bulls did well to make an occasion of last week and I think it’s important for rugby that we get that culture back and this game is an opportunity for that, so it’s a big one.”
Dobson’s side is the best placed South African team, sitting sixth on 43 points, with the Bulls on 42 (seventh).
Saturday’s game gets underway at 14:00.
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