South Africa’s Vodacom URC derbies always deliver on intensity and quality, with an added incentive for players hoping to bolster their case for Springbok selection, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Two blockbuster clashes are scheduled for Saturday on the Highveld, over the second-last weekend in the competition when the local teams will line up against one another this season.

The Lions host the Sharks in Johannesburg before a rematch between the Vodacom Bulls and Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane highlights how local clashes, regardless of league standings, are fiercely contested and often unpredictable.

He points to the history of the North-South derby, where the Stormers initially dominated before the Bulls broke their losing streak with consecutive wins. He expects another heated battle at Loftus, where form and standings matter less than the occasion itself. 

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The Lions and Stormers, despite sitting outside the playoff spots in 12th and 10th places on the table respectively, are determined to fight their way back, while the Bulls and Sharks aim to solidify their top-four positions.

Keohane sees these derbies as proving grounds for players pushing for national honours, where big-game performances can catch Rassie Erasmus’ eye.

“South Africa’s derbies are the most watched among South Africans in the United Rugby Championship,” Keohane writes. “They are also the most important match-ups when it comes to Springboks selection.

“Often we have seen a South African team, lower in the league, knock over a high-riding South African team and scupper their playoff prospects.

“Individually there is so much gain for players in these derbies, but equally there is risk in getting knocked back in the national pecking order.

“Whatever the result, know that the two matches will deliver in quality and passion.”

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