The Bulls are set to take on the Stormers in a highly anticipated north-south derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with the home team looking to extend their four-game winning streak. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has been cautious in his approach, acknowledging that the Stormers have one of the best set-pieces in the competition, including their lineout, maul, and scrum.
According to Wikipedia, the Stormers have won nine out of the last 11 meetings between the two teams, including two high-pressure play-off games. However, the Bulls have a strong edge among the replacements, with five current Springboks set to be introduced from the bench.
North-South Derby Stats
The Bulls have beaten the Stormers only twice in the URC, with the Stormers winning two high-pressure play-off games. The Stormers have also won four out of the last five meetings between the two teams at Loftus Versfeld.
Key Players to Watch
Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Nizaam Carr, and Marco van Staden will be key players to watch for the Bulls, while the Stormers will be relying on their experienced players to turn their fortunes around. The Bulls tight five, including Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, and Gerhard Steenekamp, will be crucial in the set-pieces.
The unpredictable nature of the north-south derbies makes it difficult to predict the outcome, but the Bulls will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit. As SA Rugby notes, the Bulls have a strong squad with a good mix of experience and youth.
- The Bulls have won four games in a row
- The Stormers have lost three games in a row
- The Bulls have a strong edge among the replacements
- The Stormers have one of the best set-pieces in the competition
- The Bulls tight five will be crucial in the set-pieces
