The four Super Rugby franchises will battle it out in Pretoria this weekend with the Super Fan Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.

The double-header will feature the Bulls against the Sharks, followed by the Lions against the Stormers.

The following week, the action will move to the Mother City, where the Springboks Green and Gold teams will battle it out, in what effectively an old school national trial game.

Closer to home, the Griquas and the Toyota Free State Cheetahs will play in the first of two warm-up games against each in Kimberley.

Griquas coach, Scott Mathie, told OFM Sport the match is very important for the season.

“It’s just good for the guys to get some game time.

“I can foresee a lot of errors and a lot of rustiness, but the effort will be there.

“We will be able to get that match-fitness, contact and collision work which will be vital for us in our preparation for the first game.

“We’re are excited that things are close to starting and everyone is ready to rock ‘n roll.”

The derby matches will be played in a chukka format.

Next week Saturday the second derby will be played in Bloemfontein.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport