Super Rugby Unlocked Round Two: Teams, News and Previews
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Round 2 of Super Rugby Unlocked kicks off in South Africa this evening with the Cheetahs hosting the Bulls in Bloemfontein. On Saturday, the Pumas travel to Kimberley to take on Griquas before the Stormers tackle the Lions in Cape Town.
The opening round last weekend was full of action despite the players showing a little rustiness after a six-month lay-off from the game as a result of lockdown.
In the first game, the Sharks opened their campaign with a win, eking out a three-point victory against the Lions in Durban. A thunderous performance followed from the Cheetahs as they trampled the Pumas 53-31, thereby settling at the top of the overall standings. The final game of the round saw the Bulls with a narrower-than-expected, seven-point victory over Griquas.
Click on the fixture to see the kick off times, broadcast details, pre-match stats, line ups and more
As tradition dictates, the Cheetahs vs Bulls match is sure to be a brutal tussle. Much will depend stamina of the packs as they wear each other down in the typical South African style. Jake White has already accomplished plenty in Pretoria with his side as the Bulls have come out firing like a new team after a difficult period in recent times, though they face a very capable Cheetahs outfit who are relishing the talent of two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn in their midfield.
The Pumas and Griquas are sure to go hammer-&-tongs at each other for the full 80 minutes, making a winner quite difficult to predict. The Pumas, under the ever-wise guidance of head coach Jimmy Stonehouse will have to contend with the wily toughness that the Griquas have always been known to exude.
The round ends off with what will no doubt be a fiery encounter between the Stormers and Lions in Cape Town. It will be the hosts’ first game of the tournament having sat out in Round 1, and as eager as they will be to make a good start, they face a Lions team of 80 minutes of match-practice under the belt. However, the Stormers have been putting in the hard yards under John Dobson and will field a potent group of players. The Lions will tackle the game without the services of talented young scrumhalf Dillon Smit who dislocated his shoulder last weekend.
Player Of Round One: Malcolm Jaer
The Standings After Round One
