Lions scrumhalf Morné van den Berg could be targeting game time in the following weeks at the Springboks and Lions, following a bicep injury, as his franchise prepares for the Currie Cup and their historic clash against the All Blacks. Photo: Backpagepix
Although the Currie Cup will be front of mind, the four South African franchises will no doubt start feeling the tension of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) beginning to consume their thoughts and actions.
The Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers are all scheduled to play the All Blacks next month as part of the tour, with the Cape-based side hosting the New Zealanders first on August 7 at Cape Town Stadium. That match will be followed by fixtures against the Sharks and Bulls, the first Test on August 22, the final tour match against the Lions the following Tuesday, and then the remaining three Tests.
The Stormers' match is just over a fortnight away, and how the franchises balance their current responsibilities in the Currie Cup with their United Rugby Championship (URC) pre-season plans will be crucial if they are to play a respectable game of rugby against the mighty visitors.
Down at the Lions, a young Currie Cup team were training vigorously for their upcoming Matchday 2 clash against the Pumas at Ellis Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Their URC squad, meanwhile, are off this week before returning next week to continue their pre-season preparation.
