WATCH: Excitement builds for the Stormers and Bulls’ Cape Town URC showdown

It's a big weekend for the Stormers and Bulls as they face each other on Saturday in the first North-South derby of the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship 9URC) season.

While both sides will miss some crucial players, The Last Word on Rugby Podcast, presented by Indy Sport, looks at some key battles in this encounter (2 pm start).

The importance of this game can't be overstated, and the sold-out DHL Stadium will expect a fiery exchange between the sides.

John Dobson's side has always found a way to tame Jake White's troops each time they have come down to the Mother City as favourites. Leading the South African sides on the overall log, being on a winning run after a spectacular win over the Lions, the Bulls will have a slight advantage.

But, being spurred on by the majority of the over 55 000 supporters expected to flock to the stadium, the Stormers will be keen to show their season is still alive and kicking.

The scrum battle will likely hold the key for the respective teams. And, will Willie le Roux run at flyhalf for the visitors? What about the Stormers' Evan Roos battling with fellow Bok newcomer Cameron Hanekom in the back row? The old guard of Deon Fourie (Stormers) and Marcel Coetzee (Bulls), challenging each other at the rucks, looking to turn possession over on the ground.

Those are some of the individual battles that promise to shape the outcome of the derby.

Over in the Six Nations Championship, England will be under immense pressure in Round 2 facing the high-flying France. Another loss for the Red Roses and their campaign will likely be over.

The battle between high-flying Ireland and Scotland on Sunday will be another mouth-watering clash with the Irish looking for win number two on their way to another Triple Crown victory. Wales will then be the only side standing between them and defeating the British home nations.