North-South derby: Exquisite head-to-heads
The build-up to the Stormers versus Bulls United Rugby Championship Round Nine encounter in Cape Town this week has been clouded by the controversy surrounding the dispatching of four members of the Springbok coaching roster to assist the Pretoria-based franchise.
That matter, at least the controversy created by the South African Rugby Union’s original statement, has now been settled.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann emphasised that the speculation suggesting Springbok assistant coaches would be helping the Bulls during derby week is unfounded.
“I never asked for that, and Rassie also said it wouldn’t be ideal,” Ackermann said in a media release, issued by the Bulls on Tuesday.
“The thought that they would be in camp this week is ridiculous.
“I challenge any press photographer to get a picture of a Bok coach at Loftus this week – it was never our intention.”
Ackermann expressed frustration at the misinformed reporting.
That ‘reporting’ and speculation is the lack of clarity in the SARU media release.
With that matter done and dusted, it is now a good time to turn to the match and the excitement it promises to deliver.
My focus is on some of the more exquisite head-to-head battles, some between Springbok teammates.
The teams will only be announced later in the week, but we already have a pretty good idea who will be in action.
With the Bulls finally having their full squad available – certainly the first time since Ackermann took charge in mid-year – the team from the north can field 12 Springboks in their starting XV and a few more on the bench.
The Stormers’ Bok count will most likely only reach eight.
Here are some of the most fascinating head-to-heads we can look forward to in Cape Town on Saturday!
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu versus Handré Pollard
The most exciting player in recent years to step onto the game’s main stage against a two-time World Cup winner.
It is unpredictability of the Stormers man against the composure of the veteran.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23, has played 19 Test since his debut against Wales at Twickenham in June last year.
He has scored nine tries, some of them the most dazzling individual efforts. An entertainer par excellence.
Pollard, 31, has played in 85 Tests since his debut more than a decade ago – against Scotland in Port Elizabeth in June 2014.
He has eight Bok tries to his credit.
These two, along with Manie Libbok, looks set to be in contention for the World Cup squad in 2027.
However, what will the pecking order be?
Damian Willemse versus Harold Vorster
Willemse, 27, is on the cusp of 50 Test caps and a crucial playmaker, even though his utility role is sometimes highlighted more.
He is also a double World Cup winner, and while fullback is an option for Saturday, playing him alongside Feinberg-Mngomezulu would be the smart move.
He could bring the composure and Feinberg-Mngomezulu the chaos.
Vorster, 32, is uncapped and hasn’t quite lived up to the potential he showed while playing under Ackermann at the Lions.
Included in the Baby Boks training group that toured Argentina in preparation for the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship, he brings the experience of more than 100 first-class games.
Tight five versus tight five
The Stormers, as they did a fortnight ago against the Lions, can field a pack that includes
Vernon Matongo, André-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouché, Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden.
That is some serious beef, or should be ‘snoek’?
In stark contrast, the Bulls can feature an all-Springbok tight five – Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese and Ruan Nortje.
The scrums will be interesting, especially with Louw against Matongo on one side and Fouché against Steenekamp on the other side.
As a collective, the Bulls’ pack looks more solid, while the line-outs could be decisive in this contest.
@rugby365com
