Newlands: Battle of the defences
The Stormers and Rebels could be engaged in a chess-like stand-off at Newlands on Saturday, as both rely heavily on their defences to secure victories.
Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham, speaking ahead of his team's departure for Cape Town and a Round 15 Super Rugby encounter with the Stormers, admitted that the two teams employ similar tactics.
One of the hallmarks of the Rebels this season has been their improved defence – which has netted them six wins, four of those in the last six weeks.
While he feels the Rebels' backs have shown some flair this season, he admitted defence could be the key.
"That [improved flair] is the difference from last year," Higginbotham said, adding: "They [the backs] have come along on the back of what the forwards have been working on in the last couple of years.
"However, [the teams have] similar game styles.
"That Stormers forward pack is a tough forward pack. They have a great set piece and it will be a great challenge for us."
The Rebels, after an impressive run that included knocking over teams like the Brumbies in Canberra and Chiefs in Melbourne – came unstuck against an inspire Reds outfit last Friday.
Despite the obvious disappointment with the 29-46 loss to the Reds last Friday, Higginbotham said it is important to move forward.
"That was our fifth game in a row and we've played some tough games so far," he said, adding: "We've had some good wins and some tough losses."
He said it is important they regain their ability to change the momentum in games, especially against a Stormers team famous for getting off to fast starts.
The Rebels have never won in eight previous matches in South African with their only visit to Newlands resulting in a 21-26 loss to the Stormers in 2012.
And it won't get any easier for them, as they face the Sharks in Durban a week later.
"I don't think we can look too far ahead," adding that the Sharks have had a tough run and will be determined to turn things around after some controversial losses on tour in Australasia.
"The Stormers have won some good games, but they have also lost some tough ones," Higginbotham said.
"[It is] Cape Town first, against the Stormers. It is going to be a tough game."
* Meanwhile two uncapped players have been named in the Rebels squad for their two-match tour of South Africa.
Japanese international prop Keita Inagaki and wing Cam Crawford, a 2014 Super Rugby winner with the Waratahs, are rewarded for strong form in the Dewar Shield and are among the 27 players named.
They join the matchday 23 from last Friday's Round 14 match against the Reds in Brisbane – as well as co-captain Scott Fuglistaller and lock Sam Jeffries.
Sefanaia Naivalu is the only player in any doubt, facing a fitness test before being considered for the opening tour match.
Naivalu suffered a head knock against the Reds last Friday in Brisbane, and will follow concussion protocols this week.
The Rebels' head of athletic performance Bryce Cavanagh said that as always, the franchise will put Sefa's welfare first.
"Sefa copped a knock whilst in the action of tackling last Friday and reported some symptoms consistent with concussion," Cavanagh said.
"His well-being is our number one priority, and while we will give him every opportunity to be available for selection we will also ensure he is only declared fit if we are 100 percent confident that he is good to go."
The Rebels play the Stormers in Cape Town (on Saturday, May 23) and Sharks in Durban (on Friday, May 29).
Rebels' tour squad:
Forwards: Paul Alo-Emile, Cruze Ah-Nau, Colby Fainga'a, Scott Fuglistaller, Scott Higginbotham, Keita Inagaki, Sam Jeffries, Luke Jones, Pat Leafa, Sean McMahon, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordy Reid, Tom Sexton, Toby Smith, Lopeti Timani, Laurie Weeks.
Backs: Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Jack Debreczeni, Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris, Bryce Hegarty, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu, Dom Shipperley, Nic Stirzaker.
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