Venter places premium on derby wins

Injured Springbok flanker Ruan Venter believes the Lions' performances in South African derbies are crucial for another successful United Rugby Championship campaign. The Lions travel to Pretoria on Saturday to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in the Jukskei derby, aiming to replicate last season's 43-33 victory that propelled them to the SA Shield title and playoff qualification.

Venter highlighted the physical intensity of South African derbies, noting that winning four of six local fixtures last season was vital. Currently recovering from a knee injury sustained in May, Venter expressed encouragement over the Lions' start to the campaign, which yielded nine log points from their first two matches.