The Bulls are coming off a loss to the Sharks, while the Lions beat the Stormers.
So, who will rule Gauteng in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship derby at Loftus Versfeld (2pm kick-off).
Here are five player match-ups that could decide the course of the game...
Stedman Gans v Henco van Wyk
Gans has been on the sidelines for most of the season, despite impressing whenever he has worn the Bulls No 13 jersey.
The former Blitzboks captain gets his chance now, though, and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time, with the Bulls battling to convert their forward dominance into points.
With his skilful passing game and fancy footwork, can Gans be the man to ignite the Bulls attack?
His opposite number Van Wyk has certainly been that and more for the Lions.
His electric line-breaks and ability to find gaps have resulted in a Springbok alignment camp call-up, but he needs to stand-out once more in a high-profile game to impress the national selectors.
Willie le Roux v Gianni Lombard
Can the real Willie le Roux please stand up? We all know and love the magic man who first began his wizardry for Boland as a flyhalf, and then became a household Springbok.
But now in the twilight of his career, Le Roux is being asked to go full circle and be the conductor for the Bulls at No 10, which has had varying outcomes over the last few weeks.
It looked like he’s worrying too much about the tactical kicking, so perhaps coach Jake White must allow Le Roux to just play his natural game to get the best out of him.
That has been the case for Lombard, who has also enjoyed a full-circle moment of sorts as a flyhalf – which is where he gained prominence at Paarl Boys’ High – after also operating at fullback for the Lions previously.
Lombard will keep Le Roux busy with his speed across the ground, but he just seems to be able to unleash those dangerous Lions outside backs at the right time.
Embrose Papier v Morné van den Berg
Grant Williams is the incumbent Springbok No 9, but both Papier and Van den Berg have been included in the alignment camp, and will want to push their Test case in this game.
Papier’s pace around the fringes sets him apart from other scrumhalves, but his kicking game has improved significantly over the last two seasons.
Van den Berg provides a slicker service from the base, but also has a knack of taking on slow forwards around the rucks.
Let’s hope, though, that both No 9s don’t put boot to ball too much, and are able to come up with the big plays that can win the game for their team.
Reinhardt Ludwig v Ruan Venter
Both blindside flanks are only 22, with Bulls captain Ludwig nearly three months older than Venter.
However, the Lions No 7 is already a Springbok, and is building an impressive reputation as someone with excellent running lines, who is a strong lineout jumper and is imposing in defence.
Ludwig, though, has been quietly coming through the ranks at the Bulls with his hard running and lineout-calling, to the point that White has trusted him with the captaincy over the last few weeks ahead of many more senior players.
But if he wants to become a Springbok this year, this is the game to show Rassie Erasmus that he is better than Venter.
Gerhard Steenekamp v Asenathi Ntlabakanye
This is arguably the most anticipated battle of all. Steenekamp has just got better and better since becoming somewhat of a surprise Springbok cap in 2023, and is now even pushing Ox Nche for the Springbok No 1 jersey.
Steenekamp is a powerful force in the dominant Bulls scrum, along with tighthead giant Wilco Louw, and also gets around the field with his ball-carrying and big tackles.
But now he comes up against the new Bok tighthead contender, Ntlabakanye, who has also been invited to the alignment camp.
Ntlabakanye’s cult following is growing by the day, as he puts his 153kg frame all over the park when charging forward with ball-in-hand, making monster tackles – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu recently acknowledged that enormous impact recently – and being an immovable force in the scrums.
If he gets the better of Steenekamp in all those facets, he will become a Bok this year.