Momentum vs redemption as Lions and Sharks collide at Ellis Park in latest URC derby

Derby week returns to South Africa as the United Rugby Championship (URC) resumes at Ellis Park on Saturday (2pm kick-off), where the Lions host the Sharks in a high-stakes clash with Top 8 implications.

For the home side, nothing less than victory will do to reignite their campaign. The Lions are winless in their last two outings and were humbled by the Bulls in a heavy defeat the last time they ran out in Johannesburg. A strong response is required.

The Sharks, meanwhile, arrive with renewed clarity after JP Pietersen was appointed permanent head coach. The responsibility now falls on the players to prove that the momentum built under his interim tenure, including the double victory over the Stormers, was no fleeting surge.

A strong showing in Johannesburg would underpin their intent and justify the faith placed in Pietersen.

Victory for the visitors would secure the URC SA Shield for a second successive season. The Lions, however, know they are the only side capable of keeping that race alive, and it will add further intrigue to an already tough match.

In the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the panel discuss the potential impact of Pietersen’s appointment, how both teams are likely to approach the contest, and whether the recent two-week break has disrupted or refreshed momentum.

As in every local derby, the foundations will be laid at the set-piece.

The Lions struggled in that department in their previous outing; however, with the Sharks expected to travel without several frontline Springboks, there may be an opportunity for the hosts to assert dominance up front and spring an upset in Johannesburg.