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 co…