Last weekend was a frustrating one for both the Lions and the Sharks as the Glasgow Warriors and Ulster were forced to withdraw from their respective matches in Johannesburg and Durban due to both camps being struck down with gastroenteritis infections.

The Stormers, in turn, were handed their first defeat in 13 games when they lost 30-24 to the Cardiff Blues in Cardiff. The Bulls bounced back in emphatic style with a 44-22 victory over Benetton in Treviso.

This week, the Lions will be hosting the defending champions, the Stormers, on Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg.

After their match against the Glasgow Warriors was called off last week, the Lions are desperate for game time.

The Lions' assistant coach, Julian Redelinghuys, said that not playing last week was frustrating, especially as they were wanting to return to winning ways following their narrow 39-37 defeat to Ulster.

"The frustrating part is that we had a great week and we wanted to bounce back after the Ulster result," the former Springbok Redelinghuys said.

"You can only control what you can control. If you can’t play - then you must braai and you must enjoy your weekend.

"Then your focus is on the next job, which is the Stormers this weekend.

"We are still waiting to hear what is going to happen as a result of their pulling out of the game."

This game at Ellis Park will kick off at 16:00.

On Sunday afternoon at 15:00, the Bulls will tackle the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport