The DHL Stormers recorded their eighth consecutive victory following their 13-8 victory over the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship in Cape Town.
The two South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship derbies to kick off the new year both went down to the wire, with the Lions and DHL Stormers taking the spoils over the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls in two nail-biting encounters.
The Toyota Cheetahs return to Europe on Tuesday for Rounds 3 and 4 of the EPCR Challenge Cup against Ulster Rugby and Racing 92.
Vodacom United Rugby Championship rugby resumes after the brief Christmas break with the Hollywoodbets Sharks hosting the Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday afternoon.
Springbok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery, SA Rugby Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen, and Head of Athletic Performance Andy Edwards will provide short-term support to the Vodacom Bulls following a request from the franchise for assistance in specific technical areas.
The DHL Stormers welcome back the return of two-time Rugby World Cup–winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi at the end of the season.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have confirmed that Siya Kolisi will leave the franchise at the conclusion of the current season to take up an opportunity with the DHL Stormers.
With big crowds enjoying the South African summer weather at the two local Vodacom United Rugby Championship derbies in Cape Town and Durban, the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks were too good for their Gauteng visitors on Saturday.
SA Rugby confirmed on Friday that former Springbok lock Barend Pieterse had been appointed as a lineout and breakdown consultant to the Junior Springbok team for three years.
Vodacom United Rugby Championship action returns to Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday when the Hollywoodbets Sharks host the Vodacom Bulls in what should be yet another fiercely contested local derby between the two sides.