S18 PREVIEW: ROUND 13, PART TWO
Let's start with the BIG match of the weekend, the north-south derby – the Bulls hosting the Stormers in Pretoria.
It is always a special occasion, even when one of the teams is in a slump.
The Stormers lead the Bulls by a mere three points at the top of the Africa One conference, with both sides having won six of 10 games and the difference on the table coming from the Stormers' ability to regularly pick up a losing bonus point.
The Stormers will have to make do without co-captain Juan de Jongh, who has a hamstring injury.
However, the silver lining for coach Robbie Fleck is the news that Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is ready to play again.
The Blues will be looking to bounce back from last week's hammering at the hands of the Lions when they stop off in Perth – on their way home to Auckland – to play a Western Force team fresh from a win in their last outing (40-22 over the Sunwolves) with a bye sandwiched in between.
The Lions, leaders in Africa Two conference, will fancy their chances when they play a depleted Jaguares side – who have both captain Agustin Creevy and back row forward Leonardo Senatore suspended.
The Sharks, who lie second in that conference, play the bottom-placed Southern Kings.
And then, of course, it is the Loftus showdown – the Bulls against the Stormers.
Saturday, May 21:
The Blues are desperate to end their three-match road-trip with a win, on a winning fashion note – especially after last week's embarrassing loss to the Lions.
However, they face a Force team coming off a bye and with a morale-boosting win over the Sunwolves the week before.
Force coach Michael Foley said the team is well rested and looking to carry their form from Tokyo back to Perth on Saturday.
"We used the first few days of the bye week to recover and the back end of the week to reinforce some of the positives from the Sunwolves match," he said.
Foley believes his team found the formula for success that had eluded them earlier in the season – when they lost seven matches on the trot.
"In Tokyo, we played the type of rugby we've been working towards," the coach said.
"The biggest difference came as a result of us focusing on enjoying the game and attacking every contest without fear.
"Without doubt, there have been times where our disappointment as a result of not getting things 'right' held us back, but I believe the boys now have not only a clear picture of the type of game we're chasing, but also the attitude that allows us to enjoy games while we continue to improve."
Blues captain James Parsons said the embarrassment of their 5-43 loss to the Lions would be a key tool in turning the result around.
"There's a natural edge obviously," he said of the team's build-up towards the Perth outing.
Parsons, and assistant coach Glenn Moore, re-emphasised the point that the week's build-up to the game had been the best of the season.
Parson said they had plans in place to cover any eventuality in terms of the weather – it rained throughout the game in Johannesburg.
"We certainly didn't institute the plans we wanted and I suppose there was that disappointment, but flip that on its head it was a great learning curve for us, we're a young group and I think we can feed off that experience," he said.
Recent results:
2015: Blues won 41-24, Auckland
2014: Blues won 40-14, Perth
2012: Blues won 32-9, Auckland
2011: Force and Blues drew 22-all, Perth
2010: Blues won 38-17, Auckland
2009: Blues won 25-19, Perth
Prediction: The Blues are undefeated in their last six games against the Force and have lost to the Western Australian team only once in Super Rugby history (2008). The Force have lost their last four games at home when hosting a team from New Zealand, scoring an average of just 12 points per game in that span and conceding 31. The Blues have won only one of their last 14 games away from home, though they are yet to lose consecutive away games this season. Ihaia West has kicked 21 successful penalty goals so far this season, the most of any player, and has missed eight further attempts. Matt Hodgson has made 145 tackles so far this season and is five shy of becoming the first player to make 150, he currently sits 26 tackles above second ranked Michael Hooper. It is difficult to fathom who has been more dire – the Force or Blues. The home ground factor will give the Force hope, but the Blues should win by 10 to 15 points.
Teams:
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Ian Prior, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Guy Millar, 2 Harry Scoble, 1 Francois Van Wyk.
Replacements: 16 Anaru Rang, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Rory Walton, 20 Angus Cottrell, 21 Ryan Louwrens, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Semisi Masirewa.
Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 George Moala, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Billy Guyton, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Hoani Matenga, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Matt McGahan, 23 Male Sa'u.
Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
The Lions will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the African conference.
However, they have to overcome a stiff challenge from a much-improved Jaguares team – which went down fighting when they lost 22-25 to the Sharks last week.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann warned his team against complacency – which cost his team dearly against the Hurricanes earlier in the season.
Ackerman spoke about the quality remaining in the team, despite the ban of two key players – captain Agustin Creevy (one-week ban for dangerous tackle) and No.8 Leonardo Senatore (10-week ban for biting).
"You would be a fool if you take this Argentinean side lightly," Ackermann said.
"They have a large number of their World Cup players in the squad and you don't play for your national team unless you are a very good player."
Ackermann said he felt the Jaguares were unlucky not to get a win in some of the games.
"They were never really humiliated in any games," the Lions mentor said, adding: "There were one or two games where they lost with more than seven points, but they were always in it.
"If you look at their No.9 and No.10 combination, the locks and the front rows, it is all guys we will see soon in the international season.
"It is a quality side and we have to play to our highest standards."
Jaguares No.8 Facundo Isa – in for the suspended Senatore – said Johannesburg's high altitude of 1,700 will be a factor.
"It is a topic which we have discussed and hopefully we will all adapt," Isa said.
The loose forward pointed to the Lions' record of seven wins from 10 starts and their 43-5 humiliation of the Blues last week as indicators that it will be a tough day at the park.
"Our analysis made it clear they like to play from everywhere and are very strong ball carriers.
"In many ways they are a team like Sharks. We know that when we get opportunities we must make them count and score."
He felt they have shown this season – and particularly against the Sharks last week – showed the Jaguares can compete with the best.
Previous results:
These teams have not met before.
Prediction: This Jaguares' only away win so far in Super Rugby came in Round One when they visited South Africa to play the Cheetahs. Each of the Lions' last 14 matches have seen the full-time result mirror the half-time results. The Lions have won only one of their last four games against teams from outside of South Africa, though that win came in their most recent such fixture in Round 12. The Lions have won nine turnovers per game this season, the most of any team and 2.3 more per game than the Jaguares who average the third fewest. Elton Jantjies has kicked 44 goals for the season, the most of any player, and is one of only five players (all of whom are South African based) to have kicked a goal from beyond the halfway line. It will be tough and the Jaguares will push the Lions all the way, but in the end the home team will win by eight points.
Teams:
Lions: 15 Jaco van der Walt, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Howard Mnisi , 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Francois de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (captain), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Lourens Erasmus, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Corne Fourie.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Warwick Tecklenburg, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Sylvian Mahuza
Jaguares: 15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Juan Martin Hernández, 12 Matías Orlando, 11 Lucas González Amorosino, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo (captain), 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Tomás Lezana, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Matías Alemanno, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Julián Montoya, 1 Santiago García Botta.
Replacements: 16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Facundo Gigena, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Santiago González Iglesias, 23 Ramiro Moyano.
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)
TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)
The Sharks – just two points behind – will look to keep the pressure up on the Lions in the race for Africa Two conference honours.
With Springbok flyhalf Patrick Lambie now back to full fitness and starting at flyhalf, the KwaZulu-Natalians will be looking to continue their recent resurgence – with three wins in their last four matches.
The Kings have some serious firepower back and Sharks Director of Rugby Gary Gold struck a very cautionary note for his team this week.
"We had work to do after our performance against the Jaguares [a fortuitous 25-22 win last week], but we are happy with the character shown to dig deep and find a way to win in tough conditions," Gold said.
Gold dismissed the notion that the Kings – with just one win from 10 starts – is a guaranteed win for his side.
"Every week you need to be at your best in this competition and our match against the Kings is no exception," Gold said.
"They have been working hard and improving each week and they will be ready for the fight this weekend.
"We as a group are very determined to improve each week and it is critically important for us to continue doing so."
Kings coach Deon Davids spoke about the need to focus on getting the basics right and making the right decisions throughout the game.
The Kings have been inconsistent all season, but were bolstered by the return of captain Steven Sykes and veteran prop Schalk Ferreira, two of the most experienced players.
However, Davids said it would require a team effort, rather than individual brilliance to beat the Sharks.
"I think all the players have the ability to make an impact," Davids said.
Previous results:
2016: Sharks 43-8, Port Elizabeth
2013: Sharks won 58-13, Durban
2013: Sharks won 21-12, Port Elizabeth
Prediction: This will be only the fourth clash between these teams; the Sharks have won all three previous meetings by a combined 122-33 score line. The Sharks have won three and drawn one of their last five games against South African opponents, though they've not scored more than 18 points in any of their last three such fixtures. The Kings have lost their last three games on the trot, conceding 141 points in the process. The Sharks have been forced to make 127 tackles per game so far this season, the second most of any team in the competition, yet they still boast the third best tackle success of any side (86 percent). The Sharks have averaged the fewest carries of any team this season (85.2 per game), however the Kings have gained the fewest metres on average (324). The Sharks will win, it is just a matter of the margin. Don't be surprised in the winning margin exceeds 50 points.
Teams:
Sharks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie (captain), 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lubabalo Mtyanda, 20 Lubabalo Mtembu, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Garth April, 23 Odwa Ndungane.
Southern Kings: 15 Jurgen Visser, 14 Lukhanyo Am, 13 JP du Plessis, 12 Shane Gates, 11 Luzuko Vulindlu, 10 Louis Fouche, 9 Ntando Kebe, 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Stefan Willemse, 5 Schalk Oelofse, 4 Steven Sykes (captain), 3 Jacobie Adriaanse, 2 Martin Ferreira , 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Justin Ackerman, 18 Tom Botha, 19 John-Charles Astle, 20 Jacques Engelbrecht, 21 Kevin Luiters, 22 Elgar Watts, 23 Leighton Eksteen.
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant referees: Rodney Bonaparte, Archie Sehlako
TMO: Marius Jonker
The Bulls and Stormers are both coming off disappointing trips abroad – the Bulls having lost their last two matches in Australia and the Stormers playing to a 17-all draw against the lowly Sunwolves.
The Bulls are hoping to avoid a record fifth straight loss against their fierce southern rivals, the Stormers.
Not that matches between these two are even in need of additions motivation – but with just three points separating them it is a conference decider.
Tradition dictates that it will be another bruising derby.
Bulls coach Nollis Marais was quick to accept the underdog for a game where there is never any love lost.
"They're travelling up north with a point to prove after their draw [against the Sunwolves] in Singapore last week," Marais said.
"When we met in Cape Town earlier in the competition, they used their bench to good effect, so we have to be prepared for that.
"A match between the two sides is always very tough and tense and I expect the same on Saturday."
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck all week spoke of his team's desire to set the record straight after last week's dire effort .
"Week-in and week-out we want to be in a position where we have to compete and be at our best," Fleck said, adding: "We certainly weren't against the Sunwolves and we need to cop that, understand it and learn from it.
"It is now a real situation where every single game counts."
Fleck knows that his side are in for a serious test against a competitive Bulls side.
"Our backs are against the wall, but so are theirs, they are coming off two losses and are playing in front of their home fans, so it is going to be a helluva game and we are excited about making amends for last week," Fleck said.
"The players know that we have to make a big step up in terms of our performance, and we have worked incredibly hard this week to ensure that we are at our best"
Bulls captain Adriaan Strauss said he expected a typical arm-wrestle.
"We always have massive clashes with the Stormers," Strauss said.
"It is one of those matches everybody wants to play and to be part of.
"This team have a great opportunity to deliver a proper performances in front of our fans against a formidable foe. We will be ready," Strauss added.
Recent results:
2016: Stormers won 33-9, Cape Town
2015: Stormers won 15-13, Cape Town
2015: Stormers won 29-17, Pretoria
2014: Stormers won 16-0, Cape Town
2014: Bulls won 28-12, Pretoria
2013: Stormers won 30-13, Cape Town
2013: Bulls won 25-17, Pretoria
Prediction: The Stormers have won their last four games against the Bulls; a fifth straight win would be their longest victory run in the history of this fixture. The Bulls are the only team in the competition who are still undefeated at home. The Bulls have scored only 14 points in their last two Super Rugby games, never before in the history of the competition have the Bulls been restricted to single figures in three consecutive games. The Bulls have conceded just 6.8 clean breaks and 6.5 offloads per game, the fewest of any team in the competition in both categories, while they have also missed the fewest tackles per game this season (13.7). No player has stolen more line-outs than Stormers' pair Eben Etzebeth (nine) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (seven) so far this season. The Stormers, based on their superior set pieces, will ease to a win of 15 points or more.
Teams:
Bulls: 15 SP Marais, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Travis Ismaiel, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Pieter Labuschagne , 5 Rudolph Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Pierre Schoeman, 19 Grant Hattingh, 20 Deon Stegmann, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Tian Schoeman, 23 Dries Swanepoel.
Stormers: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Oliver Kebble.
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Alistair Vermaak, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Rynhardt Elstadt, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Huw Jones.
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson, AJ Jacobs
TMO: Johan Greeff
Compiled by Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
* Statistical information provided by Opta Sports
