The renowned North-South derby returns for the second instalment in this current 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship and both the Vodacom Bulls and the DHL Stormers have more than bragging rights to play for.
After eleven rounds of scintillating rugby, the hosts sit in third place with forty points, whilst the 2021/22 champions currently lie in tenth with 24 points, three points behind the Scarlets [27] in eighth place and Benneton [28] in seventh place.
World Cup-winning Springbok Willie le Roux says there is nothing like a Cape-Gauteng derby because of the on and off-field thrill of the day.
“The North-South derby, there is no motivation for these types of games. I am sure it will be a sell-out, no extra motivation is needed when we have our fans in the stands, 55000 people in the stands will be an amazing feeling for me and it is something that we are all looking forward to as the team,”
“We know the threat of the Stormers and how hard they will come at us. It will be a cracker and a true derby that is not to be missed, so I hope that Johannesburg will turn up and fill up Loftus. This is what every player lives for, these historic games.”
Tickets to the clash start from R 100.00c only from Ticketpro, and with 23000 tickets out on the market, the stadium is expected to sell out. Fans are urged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
ORIGINS ROUND RETURNS
The match will also be dedicated to celebrating grassroots rugby and the origins of our stars with select invited schools also in attendance to compete for the best war cry on the day. This initiative by the tournament is to help shine a spotlight on the identities of the clubs, schools and communities that do an incredible job of giving children a chance to first pick up a rugby ball and guide the lucky few good enough to reach the elite level.
Fans are encouraged to attend the match donning an item of clothing that either represents their primary or high school, university or community club, and this can be a shirt or a cap, or a combination of everything for those who still have that memorabilia.
ENTERTAINMENT GALORE
The entertainment begins at 14h00 when the gates open, and ticketholders can expect to see LIVE performances from Zaan Sonnekus, Neon Dreams and Booshle. There will also be DJ performances by Arod, Mack, and ShaMan. After the match, the party will continue in the iconic Loftus D-Market until 21h00. The Laerskool Swartkop Dansakademie ensemble will also treat ticketholders to a routine.
Fans will also have the opportunity to partake in the #LoftusCrossBarChallenge where one lucky ticket holder could walk away with R 100 000.00c. The famous Vodacom Dinosaur Dash returns this weekend at halftime, 30 participants will have the chance to dash for the line for a lucky prize.
The market will also house a variety of food and drink options with a dedicated kiddies area, and your match ticket gives you access to the market.
