Bulls and Lions ready for fierce Jukskei derby

The Bulls and Lions renew their Jukskei rivalry at Loftus on Saturday in a derby both Keo and Zels believe deserves major billing.

While the Stormers v Sharks clash has the Cape Town spotlight, the Pretoria showdown carries its own history, edge and significance. Zels made it clear that kickoff time will not matter, because this rivalry is steeped in Currie Cup, Super Rugby and URC tradition.

The Bulls have had the better of the Lions in URC meetings, but recent history shows that home ground has not always been decisive. Last season, the Lions went to Loftus and produced a statement win, before the Bulls returned the favour at Ellis Park.

Zels is backing the Bulls this time. He likes how they have built their game-management structure around Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch, giving them multiple kicking options and plenty of tactical variety. He also highlighted their pace out wide and physicality up front.

For Zels, the Bulls have several ways to hurt teams. The one area that still needs settling is midfield, where they must find a combination that gives them go-forward on attack and stopping power on defence. Even so, he believes the Springboks returning to the Bulls setup will make a major difference.

Keo, however, is leaning towards the Lions.

Weekend teams

He praised the work done by Cash van Rooyen and the culture that has developed in Johannesburg. The Lions, he said, have a family feel and a familiarity that comes from a group being together for several seasons. That continuity could count for plenty against a Bulls side reintegrating a number of Springboks.

A major part of Keo’s confidence comes from Chris Smith at flyhalf. The former SACS old boy has brought calm, control and direction to a Lions side that previously lived too much on chaos and coast-to-coast rugby.

Zels agreed that Smith has been a key figure in the Lions’ evolution. He said the Lions had once burnt their fingers trying to play too much horizontal rugby, but have now found a more efficient way. With Smith and Morne van den Berg guiding them, the Lions are better placed to play in the right areas and build pressure.

Keo also pointed to Francke Horn’s leadership at No 8 and the influence of a settled halfback pairing as reasons why the Lions can win. His argument is that the Lions have fewer returning players to integrate, while the Bulls could feel some disruption after bringing several Boks back into their system.

That difference in continuity shaped the predictions. Keo went for the Lions to win 35-29, inspired by Horn and controlled by Van den Berg and Smith.

Zels backed the Bulls 31-22, predicting that their returning Springboks, improved scrum, wide threats and Curwin Bosch’s long kicking game will prove decisive.

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