A few months ago it may have been unthinkable, but the Lions stand on the precipice of doing the double over the Vodacom Bulls in this season’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
To do that, they will need a former Bulls player to get one over on his former teammates and direct matters so that the Lions can repeat their shock win at Loftus Versfeld a few months ago.
It was a result that stunned the Bulls and hurt their chances, coming in the middle of a seven-game losing streak, and raised several questions about their abilities under new coach Johan Ackermann.
And it was a result the Lions would be very interested in repeating this weekend.
For that to happen, they would need their pivot, Chris Smith, himself a former Bulls player, to keep his side on the front foot and keep the momentum up so that they can get on top.
Smith knows how to win games. His prodigious boot is a key asset, but what will come more into play is the way he gets his backline moving and keeps his pack on the front foot.
Just like he did in the Loftus game to help the Lions win.
“We moved the ball around quite nicely and our forwards were nice and dynamic,” Smith recalled of the November match.
“We really connected. On turnover ball, we capitalised and we were clinical at times.”
What stands out this weekend is his clash with Handre Pollard, the Springbok pivot. Pollard has not yet imposed himself as the Bulls' 10 since returning to Pretoria and his struggles have echoed those of the team.
But Smith is looking forward to going up against the double world champion Bok.
"He is one of the world’s best and he has been for a long time. It is an awesome challenge to look forward to.
“Their backline is filled with stars and guys that can ignite something from anywhere and anytime, so we are going to have to be at our best at all times if we want to match them. As a backs unit, all of us are looking for the opportunity to go up against them.”
The Lions took all the points on offer with a 43-33 win at Loftus and if they can repeat that, they will set themselves up nicely for not only a run in the top eight, but also catapult themselves into a real shot for the South African shield in the URC.
The Lions have never qualified for the top eight since they entered the competition and are currently sitting in seventh spot.