Lions brace themselves against Bulls
two local derbys will take place over the weekend, Lions vs Bulls and Sharks vs Stormers.
THE Lions will be looking to brace themselves against the onslaught from near neighbours, Vodacom Bulls.
They will be playing in their third last Vodacom Super Rugby match against Vodacom Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday May 31.
Kick-off at 17:05.
Starting the season on a high, the local team from Johannesburg suddenly find themselves in the bottom spot of the South African Conference and on the overall standings at the bottom together with the Reds.
They will face their neighbours who are advancing towards the play-offs on the overall log. While the Lions are in desperate need of a home win, Vodacom Bulls will not forfeit their upward surge towards play-off contention. The position on the log will also determine whether they will be having an away play-off and where.
“We need to focus on what we have to do in the game against the Bulls, it is always an interesting derby. The players know each other well, but we will have to brace ourselves for an onslaught as they need this win as much as we need it,” said head coach Johan Ackermann.
“We are confident that we know what to do on Saturday, we were unfortunate not to get a win on our overseas tour, but for most of the players it was their first tour,” said captain warren Whiteley.
Ackermann was forced to make several changes to his team which will take on Vodacom Bulls on Saturday. Some of the key players who started the season on a high note have been ruled out and quite a few players are recovering well and will be able to play in the last two matches of the Vodacom Super Rugby season.
The Lions last two matches will be played in July against the Rebels and Toyota Cheetahs at Ellis Park.
This weekend’s matches are:
Friday May 30.
09:35 – Crusaders vs Force, AMI Stadium, Addington, Christchurch.
11:40 – Reds vs Highlanders, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Saturday May 31.
06:35 – Chiefs vs Waratahs, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth.
09:35 – Blues vs Hurricanes, Eden Park, Auckland.
11:40 – Brumbies vs Rebels, GIO Stadium, Canberra
17:05 – Lions vs Vodacom Bulls, Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
19:10 – Cell C Sharks vs DHL Stormers, Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban
