Super Rugby Round 11 Preview Part 2

The admirably overachieving Lions play the sometimes exciting, sometimes inept Cheetahs. The Stormers play the Bulls at Newlands in what will be a ferociously physical, potentially mean-spirited, derby clash. On Sunday in Brisbane, the underachieving Reds host the log-leading Hurricanes.  

Lions v Cheetahs

The Cheetahs can score breathtaking tries but are so inconsistent in the standard of both attack and defence they produce, and in the energy, enthusiasm, and workrate they offer, that one can never feel confident about their chances of winning a game.

The Lions have a less talented player group than many of their opponents, but their endeavour to play to maximum potential is consistent, and they’ve been rewarded for that this year, with richly deserved victories. The Cheetahs could hit their stride and win in Johannesburg, but it’ll take a substantial change of mindset, while the Lions need to just keep on doing what they’ve been doing all year.

Key players:
Tienie Burger, who replaces the injured Heinrich Brussow as openside flank for the Cheetahs, Joe Pietersen, moving from 10 to 15 in place of injured Willie le Roux, and Willie du Plessis who gets a rare start at 10. For the Lions, Elton Jantjies, a more effective flyhalf after his Japanese experience, Faf de Klerk, a veritable livewire at 9, and the consistently superb Warren Whiteley.

The big match-ups:
Jantjes vs Du Plessis at 10, and De Klerk vs Sarel Pretorius at 9.

Stormers v Bulls

This north-south derby has provided many memorable encounters over the years, and this one is likely to be as physically intense and tightly fought as ever. The Stormers beat the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Round 1, when the visitors were good and the home team awful, but the Bulls have improved selection and performance, particularly set piece, since then.

Newlands has become as hostile to visitors as Loftus has always been, and Saturday’s game has all the makings of a mini-final for the SA conference, which makes this potentially one of the games of the season. The set piece battle will be crucial.

Key players:
Duane Vermeulen returns from mini-sabbatical to lead the Stormers. Potent scrummaging props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, plus Vincent Koch off the bench. Demetri Catrakilis for his brilliant boot. For the Bulls, Handré Pollard, as always. Fullback Jesse Kriel, headed for Springbok colours later this year. Flank Jacques du Plessis, whose contribution to the Bulls performance is too modestly acknowledged.

The big match-ups:
Pollard vs Catrakilis, for their goalkicking, kicking for position, and 22 exit execution. In the scrums, Kitshoff vs Marcel van der Merwe, Malherbe vs Dean Greyling.

Reds v Hurricanes

The Hurricanes lost their unbeaten record in Round 10 but remain top of the log. They play skilful, intelligent rugby, and unlike some of their opponents, are clearly astutely coached. Their backs are often a delight to watch, for their skills and ingenuity. 

The Reds won last week, a sadly rare event in 2015 and achieved against the lowly Cheetahs, which makes it no great feat. But winning two in a row by beating the log-leaders on Sunday would certainly put them back on track and go a long way towards helping coach Richard Graham avoid unemployment come the end of the competition – or sooner.

Key players:
Karmichael Hunt’s adductor strain means Lachie Turner moves to fullback and Chris Feauai-Sautia to right wing. Liam Gill – the Reds standout player in 2015, especially in tough times. James O’Connor, the Reds matchwinner last week. For the Hurricanes, Beauden Barrett, who last week mixed up brilliance with horrible decision-making; he is too gifted a player to make such unforced errors. Workhorse loose forwards Callum Gibbins and Brad Shields.

The big match-ups:
O’Connor vs Matt Proctor, who starts at 14 with Cory Jane on the bench. At 9, Will Genia vs TJ Perenara.