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Bulls–Stormers Loftus Derby Set for Saturday With Playoff Places in Play

Stormers regain key leaders for a Loftus trip where they have won three of four URC visits.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 01: Stedman Gans of the Vodacom Blue Bulls tackles Warrick Gelant of the DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 28: Embrose Papier of the Bulls scores a try during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 03: Neethling Fouche of DHL Stormers during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 28: Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images)

Overview

  • Kick-off is at 14:00 on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in a rescheduled Round 8 north–south derby, the only URC game this weekend.
  • The Bulls arrive on a four-match winning run across competitions, including 52-17 over the Lions and 41-12 over the Sharks, while the Stormers have dropped three URC games in a row to sit fifth.
  • Stormers director of rugby John Dobson confirmed Deon Fourie, Dan du Plessis and Ruhan Nel are available, with Seabelo Senatla a possibility, noting their returns will be managed for a physical Highveld contest.
  • The outcome has immediate standings impact: eighth-placed Bulls can firm up a top-eight berth and the Stormers can push back toward the top four; the Lions have sealed the SA Shield, with the Stormers set for a worst-ever Shield finish and the Bulls still able to avoid that fate.
  • Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee warned of the visitors’ threat in Pretoria, pointing to the Stormers’ 3-from-4 URC record at Loftus.