Territory, tempo and tackles: Five battles that could shape the URC SA Shield fight at Ellis Park

With a Top 8 place at stake and the battle for the SA Shield on the line, Saturday’s derby between the Lions and Sharks at Ellis Park promises plenty of sparks (kick-off 2pm).

The Lions desperately need winning momentum to get their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign back on track and will target a season double over the visitors. For the Sharks, a win would secure their SA crown and help them avoid another defeat to their hosts.

We look at the key battles that could shape the outcome of the derby as the URC returns following a Six Nations break.

Forwards power

The Sharks’ overall forward play has been their strength in the last two coastal derbies against the Stormers. They were excellent with their carries over the gain line, and their defence stood up to heavy ball carriers — something that will again be required this weekend.

The performance that the Lions produced against the Bulls in their last outing simply cannot be repeated. They lost the contact battle on both attack and defence, and need their ball carriers and tacklers to front up if they want to dominate the advantage line.

Set-piece tussle

Hopefully, the Lions have learned from the Stormers’ struggles in this department against the Durbanites. There is a relentlessness about the Sharks when it comes to competing in the line-outs and scrums and they’ve been strong with securing their own ball possession.

While the home side will bank on their scrum to front up, it’s the lineout that could cause trouble and the Lions’ locks could have a tough day at the office. Players like Emile van Heerden, Corné Rahl and Vincent Tshituka will be key threats when the visitors contest opposition throws.

The battle for the ball

The Lions have struggled at the breakdown in the absence of specialist fetcher JC Pretorius. Their backup loose forwards, Renzo du Plessis and Jarod Cairns, haven’t yet nailed down the position. Saturday presents another opportunity to step up.

However, the breakdown is the playground of players like Siya Kolisi and Phepsi Buthelezi, and — much like the Bulls — they will aim to disrupt the Lions’ rhythm and prevent quick ball for the backline.

It’s all about kicking for territory

Flyhalf Chris Smith, fullback Quan Horn and utility-back Richard Kriel can all kick long, high and accurately, and those punts could prove decisive for the hosts. Another crucial aspect will be the contestable high kicks, especially from the base of rucks. Against the Sharks, precision is non-negotiable.

The visitors know any counter-attacking opportunity — particularly off poor kicks — could see the Lions strike. Fortunately for the Sharks, their backline kicking game has been superb, and their aerial contesting equally sharp. Those weapons could heap enormous pressure on the hosts.

Sparking attack and defence

This is one of the Sharks’ strongest areas, and they will look to launch through their powerful centre pairing. When captain André Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker hit their straps, they are hard to stop. Just as importantly, the midfield must keep the Lions’ dangerous backline honest on defence.

The Lions have had something of a revolving door in midfield, but they’ll aim to front up to their more-fancied counterparts. They can’t afford to get caught up in reputations, though — their own attacking game depends on generating go-forward ball.

Against the Bulls, they looked flat and largely lethargic. The spark for running rugby must start there.

* Leighton Koopman is Independent Media's senior rugby reporter and host of the Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel The Clutch