Ruan Venter believes the Lions’ success in South African derbies holds the key to another strong URC campaign.
For them, that starts with Saturday’s Jukskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus.
The Lions travel to Pretoria looking to replicate last season’s famous 43-33 victory over the Bulls – a result that kickstarted their best campaign in the competition, ultimately delivering the SA Shield title and playoff qualification.
The injured Springbok, who started at openside flank in that win, says derby matches carry a weight unlike any other fixture on the URC calendar.
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“The SA derbies in the URC are the most special games; they’re the ones you want to play, and they are the most physical,” Venter told News24. “To play the Bulls at Loftus, you really can’t describe it; you know it’s going to be a hard, physical battle.”
The Lions won four of their six derby matches last season, a record Venter believes was central to their overall success.
“If you win your SA derbies, you are in the mix,” he said.
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Venter has watched the Lions’ start to this campaign from the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained in May. The flanker is encouraged by what he’s seen so far, with the Lions collecting nine log points from their opening two matches.
“We have worked really hard and we have had a good start to the season,” he said. “Not the best performances, but as long as you’re winning, we should be good.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
