URC: Lions vs Stormers and Bulls vs Sharks set for back-to-back clashes on Saturday

Africa Melane speaks to Layla Arrison, sport broadcaster and rugby commentator.

Listen below: 

Two local United Rugby Championship derbies take place this week. 

First up, a battle between the Lions and Stormers take place on Saturday, 15 February at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg. Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

RELATED: Stormers vs Lions (URC): ‘There's a lot of pressure’ – John Dobson

Then, the Vodacom Bulls, will host the Hollywoodbets Sharks across the Jukskei River in Pretoria shortly after at 5pm.

Arrison shares her thoughts on each clash:

Bulls vs Sharks

"The Bulls love to say that Loftus is their fortress and I think they'll be favourites at home," says Arrison.

"The Sharks would've had an off-week, with no momentum going into this weekend - they've only been training with no game time, whereas the Bulls are coming off a really good high from the momentum, winning in Cape Town. They don't often win in Cape Town, but when they do manage to do it, they do get momentum... and carrying that into Loftus means they're going to be very very difficult to beat at home."

- Layla Arrison, Sport Broadcaster

"It's definitely going to be a close game... it depends on the team that wants it more on the day, but I think the Bulls are going to be really really strong at home, and the Sharks are going to be trying to block and defend a huge attacking line and huge set pieces that the Bulls will try and enforce on them."

- Layla Arrison, Sport Broadcaster

Stormers vs Lions

"Both teams have something to prove this weekend," believes Arrison.

"Altitude does matter and it's tough to play in Johannesburg," she adds. 

"The Stormers are licking their wounds, they have to try and find something. Dobbo said that top four dream of theirs is not anymore in sight, but a top eight dream has to be in sight... so that's what both teams are fighting for."

- Layla Arrison, Sport Broadcaster

"The Lions are also coming off a rest week... they're not going to be game-fit or game ready... how sharp is their game readiness going to be? However, I do fear a Lions team that's got nothing to lose. At home, they're probably still seen as the underdogs... and I think they're going to have something to prove and they'll want to get out there and get a victory for the city of Johannesburg."

- Layla Arrison, Sport Broadcaster

"It's been a hot and cold season for the Stormers. I think it's definitely not the way they would want to play, but it's been injury-ridden. If you think about all the names that still have to come back, you can almost feel the full side, and the side of strength... the reality is, there are big names that are missing - guys who are game-breakers, game-changers, guys who look to insert energy into the game, and leaders who are calm heads in chaos, and I think that's what the Stormers are still lacking at the moment, they need a leader in the front."

- Layla Arrison, Sport Broadcaster

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