The Lions will lean on continuity, while the Bulls arrive armed with reinforcements, when the two Gauteng rivals collide in a pivotal Jukskei Derby at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
Ivan van Rooyen has named a settled Lions 23, backing the combinations that have begun to find rhythm as the URC season gathers momentum. The hosts will draw confidence from their 43–33 victory over the Bulls in November, but the Lions coach is under no illusion this will be a tougher assignment.
A battle between the big boys up front!
You’ll feel every hit from the stands. 🦁🔥
🎟 https://t.co/LlgQkDMpSh
@Vodacom #URC | #ForOurCity | #LIOvBUL
#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/71gNVF4Jyn— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 30, 2026
“Obviously, they’ll be hurting from the result at Loftus,” Van Rooyen said.
“But they’ve got some superstars returning in Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Marcell Coetzee, and mentally they’ll be a very different team after the two results they got overseas. We’ll have to rise to that emotional level and physical level.”
Van Rooyen believes Saturday’s contest will be decided less by tactics than by composure when pressure peaks.
“Of course, we’ve got plans, they’ve got plans – but I think the team that can execute under pressure on Saturday, and enforce their strengths more often during the 80 minutes will emerge successful.”
The Lions’ selection stability puts the spotlight on Chris Smith, who will steer the ship against his former side, while captain Francke Horn anchors a familiar loose trio braced for a physical battle at the breakdown.
In the back three, Springbok Quan Horn provides calm under the high ball, with Richard Kriel and Angelo Davids offering strike power on the edges.
The Bulls, meanwhile, show clear intent with their selection changes. Elrigh Louw returns at openside flank, adding bite at the breakdown, while Devon Williams replaces Willie le Roux at fullback, signalling a shift towards speed and aerial contestability.
Pre-captains snaps 📸@Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA #JukskeiDerby pic.twitter.com/BiMZ31JaVF
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) January 30, 2026
The midfield pairing of Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans points to a more direct, defence-first approach, while the return of Kurt-Lee Arendse injects genuine X-factor out wide. Handré Pollard, back in control at flyhalf, remains the fulcrum around which the Bulls’ game will pivot.
With Cobus Wiese waiting on the bench and Marcell Coetzee leading from the front, the visitors appear primed for a high-tempo, confrontational derby rather than a slow-burning arm-wrestle.
Key Match-Ups
Francke Horn vs Marcell Coetzee
A collision of work-rate kings. Horn’s ability to disrupt rhythm meets Coetzee’s relentless carrying and defensive presence. Whoever wins the breakdown battle could tilt momentum.
Chris Smith vs Handré Pollard
Control versus authority. Smith’s game management and kicking accuracy will be tested by Pollard’s composure, physicality and proven big-match temperament.
Quan Horn vs Devon Williams (backfield battle)
Expect a tactical kicking duel. Horn’s experience and positioning face off against Williams’ pace and aerial threat under Ellis Park’s high ball pressure.
Lions scrum vs Bulls front row
The Bulls’ experienced front row will target scrum dominance, while the Lions will aim to neutralise and play at tempo to avoid getting dragged into a trench war.
Predictions
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Match Result:
The Lions’ continuity and home-ground advantage make them competitive, but the Bulls’ returning Springbok firepower keeps this firmly in toss-up territory. -
Winning Margin:
Recent derbies suggest a single-digit margin. A close finish looks likely if discipline holds. -
Total Points:
With attacking threats on both sides and tactical kicking in play, this shapes as a moderate-to-high scoring derby, especially if tempo rises after halftime. -
Anytime Try-Scorers to Watch:
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Kurt-Lee Arendse – lethal in broken play
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Angelo Davids – thrives if Lions win collisions
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Marcell Coetzee – strong pick from close range
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First Try:
Early territory pressure from the Bulls could translate into points if they dominate set-piece and breakdown in the opening quarter.
Teams:
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (8), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinnhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Scheoman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Darrien Landsberg, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Erich Cronje
Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Stravino Jacobs, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Nizaam Carr, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 David Kriel
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)
Match Details
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Date: Saturday, 31 January
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Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
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Kick-off: 14:30 SAST
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Referee: Morne Ferreira
