The battle lines have been drawn as the Stormers and Bulls both selected formidable-looking teams for Friday's URC derby in Cape Town.
Exeter took a huge step towards the Champions Cup knockout phase as they blitzed South African challengers the Bulls 44-14 at Sandy Park.
Bulls captain Morne Steyn praised the young players in his side after the men from Pretoria claimed a 42-36 win against Lyon in the Champions Cup.
The Bulls were left clinging on for victory as they survived a Lyon fightback to begin their maiden Heineken Champions Cup campaign with a thrilling 42-36 win in Pretoria.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White has compared playing in the Champions Cup to Test rugby ahead of his team's debut in the club competition against Lyon in Pretoria on Saturday.
Bulls coach Jake White has been giving his players a crash course in the Heineken Champions Cup as his United Rugby Championship high-fliers prepare for their European debut.