The Bulls finally snapped their seven-match United Rugby Championship losing streak with a cathartic and well deserved 40-22 win at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.
While a huge thunderstorm that enveloped Ellis Park threatened to stifle their momentum, the Lions resuscitated their push for a URC play-off spot with a well-deserved 40-10 victory over an outgunned Sharks combination on Saturday.
Stuart Baxter, the last coach to win a trophy with Kaizer Chiefs, says one of the contributing factors in their dry spell is a lack of clarity on direction – which he claims to have seen first-hand in his second spell.
Having won fans and influenced friends with a concerted effort to play expansive rugby over the last two seasons, the Bulls may have to curb their enthusiasm to get the Stormers monkey off their backs.
The Bulls and Stormers meet with both squads largely fresh physically and mentally ... that will change greatly soon, warns Rob Houwing.
The hype of this Saturday's North-South derby not only continues a fine tradition of a provincial fixture exhibiting a Test match intensity and quality. It also shows the page has been turned from the 2023 World Cup win, writes Nick Mallett.
The Bulls and the Stormers squaring off at a sold-out Loftus on Saturday is proof that it's not only the Springboks who can bring a smile to South African rugby fans; the franchises are doing their bit.
Former Proteas all-rounder Vernon Philander remains a champion of the four-day circuit and it's importance to SA cricket despite the rise of the SA20 and white-ball cricket dominance.
The present and future collide at Ellis Park when Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku and Durban-bound Lions pivot Jordan Hendrikse face off in Saturday's URC fixture at Ellis Park.
The Stormers could've pressed Frans Malherbe into service against the Bulls on Saturday, but left him out in his "best interest".