The Vodacom Bulls and Lions are set to clash at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein during a top-of-the-table showdown in the Currie Cup this week.
The Bulls beat Griquas in Pretoria in round 8 to stay unbeaten at the top of the standings, all but booking their spot in the playoffs, while the second-placed Lions mauled defending champions, the Cheetahs, in Bloemfontein.
In the penultimate round of this year’s edition of rugby’s oldest competition, the Herd host Mzwakhe Nkosi’s charges for the big Jukskei derby on Friday at 5:15pm.
This will be the first time the Pretoria outfit play in front of a school crowd since an exhibition match at HS Merensky. Skipper Nizaam Carr says the chance to inspire the next generation of Bulls players is an exciting opportunity.
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“The Currie Cup was always a family outing when we were growing up and over the years that touch may have slipped away but this game becomes an active effort we are taking to bring back that family vibe to rugby,” he said.
“It will probably be the loudest game we have seen because of the number of young kids we anticipate to come and watch the game. To have them there, enjoying the game and having the opportunity to see their favourite players so close to them will be amazing.”
Head coach Phiwe Nomlomo says the trip to Midstream is timely, considering that the Bulls boast plenty of promising youngsters.
“Our team, in fact, most times when we field a Bulls side in any of the competitions, it will always celebrate the exceptional young people we have at this franchise. So being able to take them to a school environment will do the game we love a world of good,” he explained.
“I hope it also inspires the youth who will be attending the game and the many who will watch this historic derby around the country. This is why the Currie Cup is important to the game.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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