Lions welcomes Crusaders

The Lions will welcome the Crusaders to Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg on Saturday. The Crusaders have Dan Carter back in their starting line-up, but the Lions will still feel they have what it takes to beat them.

The Crusaders suddenly look a lot stronger with carter back in the side. We can expect to see Fruean and Taylor play a more expansive type of game with Carter giving them that extra bit to work with. Todd and Read will be key at the break down and will have to negate the Lions loose trio. They have a good tight five that will test the Lions. The key however will still be in how they handle the travel weariness and fatigue in the last 20 minutes. Expect them to run at the Lions for at least the first 60 minutes and if they have the lead they will start to defend.

The Lions are struggling with injuries and have lost Doppies le Grange in midfield. This will see them field their third centre pairing in as many matches. It is difficult to really predict how good a team they will field as it has not been announced yet. I’m glad I’m not John Mitchell as he will have to start looking at school boys soon if the injuries keeps on coming. The Lions do however have guts and they showed it against the Stormers. If the Crusaders are going to allow them any sort of chance they will take it. Watch out for their loose trio, specially Josh Strauss and Derick Minnie. The fly-half will be their key to attack and also on defence. If they can keep their cool and not let the Crusaders build up a big lead, they can take it in the last 20 minutes.

I have to go with the Crusaders in this one as they have the near full strength team, but don’t write-off the Lions. Crusaders by 7.

Lions
Yet tbc

Crusaders: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Sean Maitland, 13. Robert Fruean, 12. Tom Taylor, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andy Ellis, 8. Kieran Read (captain), 7. Matt Todd, 6. George Whitelock, 5. Sam Whitelock, 4. Luke Romano, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 1. Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Tom Donnelly, 19. Luke Whitelock, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Ryan Crotty, 22. Tom Marshall

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Can the Sharks beat the Brumbies?

The Sharks will take on the Brumbies, coached by Jake White, in their last game in Australia. Both teams have had their up’s and down’s already this season and would want to restore some order to their respective campaigns.

The Brumbies have won 3 of their 4 games, losing only to the Chiefs. They did have that close game against the Cheetahs that could have gone the other way. They will be relying on Pat McCabe and Christian Lealiifano as play makers. Their scrum will once again be tested by strong Sharks one. The key for them will be at the break downs. If they can compete here they might just put the Sharks on the back foot.

Matt Toomua and Ian Prior will also be tested as half back pairing. If they are put under pressure the Brumbies will suffer. They do have the ability to run with the ball and their defence should be ok. With Jake White as coach they surely have a chance against most teams. It is however a young outfit that is busy rebuilding after White’s arrival.

The Sharks have lost two and won three this season. Last week they allowed the Waratahs back into the game and eventually lost. They will not want to make the same mistake this week. John Plumtree will want to use his replacements better this week. It was during the period when he made changes that the ‘Tahs came back. The Sharks should dominate the scrums and break downs. Keegan Daniel, Bismarck du Plessis and Steven Sykes will give them the front foot ball they need.

They will miss Patrick Lambie at fly half but JP Petersen returns on wing. The big boot of Riaan Viljoen can keep them in Brumbies territory. On attack few defences will stop them, but handling and that last pass will be crucial. It has cost them some tries this season. Their discipline will have to be spot on as penalties and cards can make a big difference in keeping the Brumbies in the game.

In the end I’m going against the home side and back the Sharks to win by 8 or more.

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Leon Power, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ruadhri Murphy.
Replacements: 16 Anthony Hegarty, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Ita Vaea, 20 Nic White, 21 Zack Holmes, 22 Joe Tomane.

Sharks: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Jandre Marais, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Anton Bresler, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Jacques Botes, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Louis Ludik

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Biggest SA Derby: Will it be Pink or Blue who reign supreme? Stormers vs Bulls

Saturday evening will see one of the biggest derbies in provincial/club rugby in the world being played at Newlands. It is probably the oldest rivalry in South African rugby and will be played at the oldest rugby stadium in the world. There are only two questions remaining: One will be answered on Saturday. The other on is: “Are you ready for the are you ready for the North vs South derby? To see the Stormers take on the Bulls?”

Bulls season so far
The Bulls started the season as probably one of the underdogs in the SA conference after losing so many key players. They have since moved on to be come on of the favourites to win the Super Rugby competition. But are they really as good as they are made out to be?

In their opening game at Loftus Versfeld they just managed to hold of the Sharks as they beat them 18-13. The Sharks made a lot of mistakes and gave away penalties that cost them the game in the end. The Bulls never really looked like scoring a try and they were lucky to win this one. Then came the Cheetahs. The Bulls travelled to Bloemfontein and demolish the Cheetahs 51-19. They ran the ball from all corners and it truly looked like they were a changed team. It must however be said that the Cheetahs defence was as a trying to stop an elephant with a piece of string. The Cheetahs never really challenged the Bulls on attack either and in the end allowed the Bulls to much space to move the ball.

The Blues came to Loftus and everyone expected then to lose the game hands down. They however kept it tight and didn’t allow the Bulls the freedom they had against the Cheetahs. Quick early points gave the Blues the lead they needed and from there on in it was a fight back for the Bulls. It must be said that if the penalty was gien to the Bulls after the yellow card for the tackle on Basson it might still have been a draw. But life is not made of if’s and what if’s.

A week off and then the Reds arrived. True the Reds are the defending champions, but it is not the same side that played the Crusaders in the final. They were flying players from club level to come and play as they suffered injuries and had players banned. At most a third string team if that much faced the Bulls. Yes the Bulls won with an impressive 61-8 but it should have been far worse. In the first 20 minutes alone the Bulls missed 5 scoring opportunities. Credit must go to the Reds for never giving up and keeping it down to just 61-8.

Stormers season so far
The Stormers first game was a relative easy game against an understrength Hurricanes side. They won the game 39-26, but failed to score the bonus point try. It can be said that they were lucky and 3 yellow cards against the Hurricanes helped a lot. Next up they played the Sharks in a typical Sout African derby that saw no tries being scored. In the end a penalty seperated the teams and the Stormers won 15-12.

The Stormers took a break and came back to face the Blues. They beat the Blues 27-17 but made hard yards of it. They allowed them to come back from an 18-3 deficit. The Stormers stopped playing towards the end of the first half and the start of the second half. This could have been very costly. The Stormers made the journey up north to Johannesburg to play the Lions. Against the Lions they started of by scoring two quick tries and then went to sleep again. Leading 18-3 at one stage they suddenly looked down the barrel of the gun at 18-16 with time left on the clock. In the end they won 24-19 but it was hard work once again.

The Game
The Bulls will be playing in their pink jerseys for the first time this seasons and will take a lot of flack from the Newlands crowd. They will however be able to field a near full strength team as will the Stormers. Not many teams have this luxury. Still both teams have key players out due to injury. The Stormers will miss Super Schalk and Deon Stegmann has been ruled out for the Bulls. It will also be the first time that Johan Sadie and JJ Englebrecht will face the Stormers since their move. The same is true for Gerhard van der Heever.

It will be interesting to watch the scrums. The Bulls are known for their scrums and forward play, but the Stormers have come a long way over the last season or two and can now compete in this area. The breakdowns and line-outs will also be hotly contested. Forwards to watch for both saide are: Steven Kitshoff, Tiaan Liebenberg, Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth for the Stormers. CJ Stander, Jacques Potgieter, Werner Kruger and Juandre Kruger for the Bulls.

The backs will want to run with the ball but will be wary of the opposition. Key areas will be the fly-half channels. Peter Grant is an attacking fly-half that is good on defence as well. Morne Steyn is more of a defensive player and if the Stormers puts some pressure on him the Bulls will suffer. Both sides have brilliant centres and back three combinations that can run through, over and around most defences in the world. Keep an eye on: Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Dewaldt Duvenhage and Peter Grant for the Stormers. Bjorn Basson, Johann Sadie, Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn for the Bulls.

The Bulls will probably fall back on their tried and test kick and chase game with the forwards rumbling it up. This might cost them as the Stormers have an elusive back three. The Stormers will want to run at the Bulls and they can do it. The Stormers will have to play a full 80 minutes and can’t afford to lose concentration at any point. In the end the home team should just be able to scrape through. Which every way this goes it will be a close game with the loser taking a bonus point. I’m going Stormers by 3-6.

BULLS TEAM: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, Johann Sadie, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies, Jacques Potgieter, CJ Stander, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling.
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Arno Botha, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche, JJ Engelbrecht

Stormers team: Joe Pietersen, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (captain), Bryan Habana, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Andries Bekker, Eben Etzebeth, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Frans Malherbe, De Kock Steenkamp, Nick Koster, Louis Schreuder, Burton Francis, Gerhard van den Heever.

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Waratahs pulls Sharks teeth

The Waratahs needed a 76th minute try to beat the Sharks in Sydney. The Sharks looked pretty good and set to win the game until around the sixty minute mark when the Waratahs came back into the game.

The Sharks started off with a lot a flair and determination, looking good when they spread the ball. It took them only 4 minutes to score an impressive try. Riaan Viljoen made the break and pass to Meyer Bosman who in turn kicked ahead. Lwazi Mvovo collected and went over. Brendan McKibbin answered with a penalty in the 11th minute. The Sharks returned the favour with a Patrick Lambie penalty.

The Waratahs had some luck on their side as Lambie went down injured and this allowed the ‘Tahs to attack. Adam Ashley-Cooper was held up just short but McKibbin got the ball and went over. He then equalised as he converted the try. The Sharks maul was responsible for their next try when captain Keegan Daniel scored the Sharks second try. McKibbin slotted another penalty to take the halftime score to 17-13 in favour of the Sharks.

The Sharks started the second half in much the same fashion as the first. They played with guts and determination and pinned the Waratahs in their own half. After numerous penalties, Bismarck du Plessis burst from the side and went over for yet another try. With the scores on 24-13 it looked like the Waratahs were down and out.

The Sharks made a mess of the restart and this allowed the Waratahs to hit back immediately. Wycliffe Palu put up a brilliant drive that saw space created for Bernard Foley who went over in the corner. Suddenly the Waratahs were back with in reach at 24-20. Tim Whitehead field a kick down field and got caught in possession resulting in a penalty for offside against the Sharks. The Waratahs tapped and went with Tom Carter going over to put the ‘Tahs in the lead.

The Sharks took back the lead through two Lambie penalties and with 5 minutes to go it looked like they had it in the bag. A lapse in defence from the Sharks allowed the Waratahs to build up once again. And when they came off their line to quick, they created the space the Waratahs needed to send Tom Kingston over for the winning try and final score of 34-30.

The Sharks will be well advised not to listen to Peter de Villiers, former Bok coach, speeches before a game. Although each half is only 40 minutes you need to play 80 minutes of rugby to win. Not just 60 as De Villiers once put it. The Sharks takes a bonus point from the game and the Waratahs a full house of 5 points.

SCORERS
Waratahs – Tries: Brendan McKibbin, Bernard Foley, Tom Carter, Tom Kingston. Conversions: McKibbin (3), Berrick Barnes. Penalties: McKibbin (2).
Sharks – Tries: Lwazi Mvovo, Keegan Daniel, Bismarck du Plessis. Conversions: Pat Lambie (3). Penalties: Lambie (3).

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Rebels withstand Force

The Rebels broke their 12 game losing streak against the Force on Friday in what was a nail biting game. Both teams played some thrilling rugby and threw all they had at each other.

The Rebels looked like the might be in trouble even before the game started as James O’Connor and Richard Kingi both pulled out due to injury. Danny Cipriani however stepped up and scored the first try of the game. Lloyd Johannson soon extended the lead when he also crossed the line after some poor defending by the Force. The forced seemed to come back but a turn over ball and great sell of the dummy by Marc Gerrard set up yet another Cipriani try and the Rebels were leading 21-0.

The Force kept up the pressure and some luck came their way. A Rebels boot knocked the ball towards the try line after the ball was stolen from their maul. David Pocock ever present dived on it to put the Force on the board. The Rebels answered with a Huxley penalty. Again the force build up through some good phases and pressure. Brett Sheenan send out a screamer pass to Winston Stanley on the blind side and there was no stopping him as he crashed over the line. This took the half time score to 24-12 in favour of the Rebels.

What ever the Force coach said at half time definitely put some spark into his side. The came out in the second half and were over the Rebels like white on rice. Alfi Mafi cut through the Rebels defence like a hot knife through butter and scored the Force’s 3rd try. Harvey converted and added a penalty to make it a two point ball game. Huxley replied with a penalty to take it back out to 5 points. The Force again went onto the attack and a clever angled rum by Nick Cummings so him go over for the bonus point try. Harvey’s conversion had the Force leading for the first time.

Both teams now started to run at the other with every opportunity they got. The pressure started mounting and eventually the Force conceded a penalty for a infringement at the ruck. Huxley slotted the penalty to take back the lead for the Rebels. With 8 minutes to go the Force threw everything they had plus the kitchen sink at the Rebels. The Rebels however stood their ground and repelled the Force attacks to walk away 30-29 winners.

SCORERS
Melbourne Rebels – Tries: Lachlan Mitchell, Lloyd Johansson, Daniel Cipriani. Conversions: Cipriani (3). Penalties: Julien Huxley (2), Mark Gerrard.
Western Force – Tries: David Pocock, Winston Stanley, Alfi Mafi, Nick Cummins. Conversions: David Harvey (3). Penalty: Harvey

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Blues woes continues against Hurricanes

The Blues woes continued against an impressive Hurricanes side on Friday. With minutes to go it looked like the Blues would be triumphant by 25-19, but the Hurricanes with a whirlwind move clinched it 26-25.

The Blues started off the game looking like the outright favourites to win it and when Ma’a Nonu went over for his try it looked even more so leading 10-0. The Blues however did get another try and had to content with 5 more penalties. The Hurricanes on the other hand took their opportunities and with the Blues defence in shambles at stages just helped them on their way to scoring 4 tries.

Taylor scored the Hurricanes first try after Savea collect a kick and put him in to a gap. That was all he needed and he ran circles around the Blues defence over half the field before dotting down. Lachie Munroe answered with a penalty but minutes later were caught in possession in his own 22. Taylor followed up his own kick stole the ball and had Corey Jane over in the corner. Barrett missed the conversion and once again Munroe answered with a penalty. Smith this time followed up a kick from Bateman and went over for the Hurricanes third try. Barrett converted and the Hurricanes went into the break leading 19-16.

After the break the Blues used their scrum a lot more effective and tightened up on the defence. They added 3 more penalties by virtue of Munroe’s boot and had a 25-19 lead with 5 minutes to go. With a minute to go Taylor kept the ball in play in his own 22. Barrett made a brilliant break and once he was caught he offloaded to captain Smith. With an open line in front of him he was set to score. He however had the presence of mind to cut infield and score as close to the uprights as possible. The kick would give them the victory. Barrett kept his cool and slotted the conversion.

The Blues have now lost 4/5 games and pressure is mounting on them if they still want to make the play-offs. The Hurricanes on the other hand is moving closer and closer to that play-off position. They are also gaining self believe and momentum with every win.

SCORERS
Blues – Try: Ma’A Nonu. Conversion: Lachie Munro. Penalties: Lachie Munro (6).
Hurricanes – Tries: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (2). Conversions: Beauden Barrett (2).

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Lions set for Stormers

The Lions will host the Stormers at Ellis Park or the Coke Tin as it is known these days. The Lions will want to be the first team to beat the Stormers this season and by doing so keep in touch with the top teams in the South African conference. The Stormers will want to keep their unbeaten record in tact and take revenge for the loss Western Province suffered in last year’s Currie Cup semi-final.

The Lions are still missing key players like Elton Jantjies but the squad has been playing together for more than a season now. Joshua Strauss and his men will believe that they can win this one. The experience of coach John Mitchell and his assistant Carlos Spencer will help a lot. Add to that players like Butch James and Doppies le Grange and it starts looking like they can compete. The midfield pairing of Le Grange and Hollenbach will have their work cut out against the Springbok pairing in the Stormers side.

The scrums will be interesting as well. Last year the Lions had the upper hand but the Stormers have improved vastly in this area. At the breakdown Strauss and Minnie will have a big impact. The Lions have the ability to play flamboyant attacking rugby and this might just be the key against a Stormers team that has shown some weakness in their first line defence. In the end it might just come down to the goal kickers and this might worry the Lions a bit.

The Stormers will want remain unbeaten and in doing so create some day light between them and the rest of the South African teams. It will also give them that added confidence and momentum going into the Bulls game next weekend. Steven Kitshoff will want to keep on dominating in the scrums. Kolisi and the rest of the loose trio will have their work cut out against their counter parts.

Dewaldt Duvenhage will again play a vital role in giving his team some good quick go forward ball. With Peter Grant on the field it gives that extra bit of defence and straightening of the line when needed. De Villiers and De Jongh will be up against a very good centre pairing. In the end if the Stormers can move the ball to the wings quickly they might just be able to get around the Lions defence. I will give the goal kicking duties to Grant and only use Pietersen if needed. It is after all a local derby and these have been decided in the past by kicks.

This all said and done the Stormers should be the stronger team on the day. Do not however write-off the Lions. They have been known to upset the other SA teams as well as top teams from Australia and NZ. Still I’ll go with the Stormers by between 7 and 14.

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Bulls sees Reds flag being waved

The Bulls take on the Reds this weekend at Loftus Versfeld. Both teams lost their last outing and will look at this game as a must win. The Bulls had a bye last week and will be able to field a near full strength team. The Reds had to fly in reinforcements after suffering some injuries against the Sharks. They also have Digby Ioane suspended for 5 weeks for a tip tackle.

The Bulls will have Francois Hougaard back at scrum half and Johann Sadie is set to return as well. This will bolster their midfield and should get some quick ball from Hougaard. They are usually good at the break downs and in the scrum and will want to use this to their advantage. In the line outs they should be able to gain the upper hand as well.

My big concern is yellow cards and the one dimensional rugby that the Bulls tend to fall back on when under pressure. If they watched the Sharks vs Reds game they will know that kicking the ball at the Reds is not a wise thing to do. They have the players to run with the ball and should do this. Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht and Johann Sadie can run circles around most teams if given the opportunity.

The Reds will start to feel the strain as they have to make various forced changes to their team due to injury and players being suspended. Vital for them will be Will Genia as he must provide the backs with some good clean ball. Should the Bulls decide to run at them their midfield will be tested. On attack they will be well advised to target the fly half channel.

They will have some hard work to do as the Bulls will have the faithful of Fortress Lofrus behind them and they will also be at full strength. The scrums, line outs and breakdowns will be well contested and if the Reds can manage ti show some type of dominance in these areas they will make life easier for themselves.

The Bulls will probably be the dominant team as they have less injuries to content with, but it still won’t be easy. The Reds will want to repeat the first 30 minutes against the Sharks, but keep it up for 80 minutes. In the end I can’t see the Bulls losing this one. Bulls by about 12.

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Crusaders up against the Cheetahs

The Crusaders will face the Cheetahs this weekend in a game that is important for both to win. the Cheetahs come from a good win away against the Rebels. The Crusaders had a bye but two losses before that. They do welcome back Dan Carter if speculation are correct.

The Crusaders will be out to exact revenge for the loss they suffered last year in Bloemfontein and also to get their campaign back on track. They have lost two of their first three games and this has become a crucial game if they want to stay in the hunt for the top spot in the New Zealand conference. It must be said that they have missed Dan Carter and Richie McCaw but in a tough season injuries will play a role.

They have good enough scrum although it has been under pressure. The Cheetahs will look at this as a possible area that they could dominate. At the break downs with out McCaw they have also not been strong and will have some hard work to do again this weekend. Defensively they have been lacking and they allow teams to score easy tries against them. Blyendaal has been good at fly half and with Carter set to return they will get some more go forward ball.

The Cheetahs will go out with some confidence and momentum after beating the Rebels. The fact that they are playing a understrength side might play in their favour. Their scrum is strong and with the changes that Drotske has made they might just be better than the Crusaders. This will give them a good platform to work from. Adrian Strauss, the captain, at hooker will play a vital role. He has given them some good go forward ball.

Brussow will be key at the break downs and will need to be on his level best. If the Cheetahs can dominate the break downs they will be halfway to winning this game. Willie le Roux will want to show that his performance thus far in Super Rugby is not just a flash in the pan. The Cheetahs has got the goods in the back line and should spread the ball wide but not with reckless abandonment. This is a game that they can win if they keep their cool. They have been known to buckle under pressure and lose their cool.

The Crusaders know they are the better team on paper and will want to show case this. The Cheetahs will guard against yellow cards and try and win their first game in New Zealand. A difficult game to call. I’m going with my gut and back the Crusaders to win by 10.

Posted by Dave (@djvanman on twitter)

Waratahs get ready for Sharks attack

On Saturday the Sharks will face the Waratahs in their first game on tour. The Sharks are coming of two good wins and will want to build on that. The Waratahs on the other hand will want to come back strongly from their loss against the Force.

Sharks coach, John Plumtree, and his team has gained some good momentum and believe after coming back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Reds 27-22 on the weekend. It was just what the doctor order before they departed on their tour of Australia and New Zealand. They started the season off slowly losing both opening games away from home. They have however won their two home games since.

With players like Bismarck du Plessis, Steven Sykes and captain Keegan Daniel starting to show their talent and hitting form it will be a hard game for the Waratahs. In the back line Riaan Viljoen, Patrick Lambie and Lwazi Mvovo is also showing that they can play. It will take a full 15 man effort for them to come out on top and they have shown that they can do it.

If the Sharks do let the game slip, as they did against the Reds, it will not be as easy to come back. Defensively the Sharks should be the stronger side. They will however be made to work hard on attack. Quick recycling and protecting of the ball will also be paramount if they want to win this game.

The Waratahs will want to erase the loss against the Force from their minds as quick as possible. They have had an up and down season already and this game will be seen as a must win game if they want to stay in contention for the play-offs. Although it is still early in the season it will become tougher to win games as teams gain momentum and injuries take their toll.

The Waratahs have a good attacking game but against the Sharks defence it will be tested as will their defence. They have been guilty of falling as sleep at times and this will cost them should it happen against the Sharks. They do compete strongly at the break down points and will have to use this to their advantage. Sarel Pretorius can play a vital role as he knows the Sharks well, having played many games for the Cheetahs against them.

At scrum and line out time the test will be put to their forwards. They should be able to hold their own but if they really want to dominate the game these are the areas they would have to target. The key to the game for them will also be how there back three reacts to the speed and power of the Sharks’ attack. They do have the 16th player in the home crowd and should use this motivation to their advantage.

This all said it will be a good game with hard hitting rugby. Both teams see this as a must win game. Discipline as always will play a vital role and neither team can afford to play with less than the full compliment as the other will take advantage of this. The team with the bigger hunger on the day will win it. Looking at this game it should be close. I’m backing the Sharks as they should be all over this like a hyena over a carcass. My prediction Sharks by 5-10.