How do you stop the unstoppable force? With the immovable object, apparently. And if there’s one team who can stop this awesome-looking Brumbies side, it’s...er...probably not the Stormers. Famed for having a stingy defence that can shut out all but the most potent attacks, the Stormers seem to have been infected with a nasty streak of generosity in the early parts of this season. Losing their first two matches, they hit back with a 2 point victory over the Chiefs, but they still managed to concede 4 tries and 34 points in the process – two seasons ago, this would have been unheard of. That said, after a week off to recover and re-focus, you can bet that the Newlands outfit will be utterly intent on barring the way for their free-scoring visitors.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have been charging onwards with the
determination of an overweight American waddling towards a McDonalds at happy
hour, swatting away challengers – many of whom you would expect to really take
them on – with almost arrogant ease.
Their 4 try, first half blitz against the hotly-tipped Sharks was almost
unbelievable, and they have been blessed with many of their
as-yet-internationally-unrecognised players ripping it up – with Henry Speight
and Jesse Mogg providing the finishing nous and Ben Mowen implementing the
grunt in the pack.
So, the all devouring attack will come against the
(potentially) rock solid defence – something will have to give.
Springbok Juan De Jongh's return has seen Stormers coach
Allister Coetzee switch captain Jean de Villiers to inside centre which demotes
Damian de Allende to the bench having started in the three previous fixtures. Meanwhile Gerhard van den Heever makes his
first start in the backline as replacement for the injured Bryan Habana and
Dewaldt Duvenage takes the scrum-half position with Nic Groom dropped to the
bench.
Starting Line
up: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon,
13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (capt), 11 Gerhard van den Heever, 10 Elton
Jantjies, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya
Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Tiaan
Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Deon
Fourie, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Damian
de Allende, 22 Jaco Taute.
Key Player
Elton Jantjies. The
fly half was criticised for his flakiness as the Stormers lost 2 games in
succession, but he looked an assured and sharp presence when they grabbed a 2
point win over reigning champions, the Chiefs, in their last outing. His ability to bring his powerful centres
into the game and over the gain-line will be absolutely key to getting this
stubborn Brumbies defence backpeddling.
Brumbies Team News
Brumbies coach Jake White has made two changes to his
starting side, with Ian Prior replacing scrum half Nic White, who has a
shoulder problem but is named among the replacements, should he prove his
fitness, and Dan Palmer returning as tight-head prop with Ben Alexander moving
to the bench.
Starting Line up:
15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13, Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano,
11 Joe Tomane, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Fotu Auelua, 7 George Smith, 6
Ben Mowen, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Peter Kimlin, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott
Sio.
Subs: 16 Siliva
Siliva, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Scott Fardy, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Nic White, 21
Robbie Coleman, 22 Clyde Rathbone, 23 Mark Swanepoel (one player to be removed
from bench prior to kick off)
Key Player
Christian Lealiifano.
The inside centre has really grown into the role over the last few games
and his assuredness, intelligence and running abilities have had critics
clamouring for him to be considered by Robbie Deans for the Lions series. He’s talented, no doubt, but his kicking
boots will be the aspect under focus on Saturday – in a tight game, he can’t
afford to wobble like he did against the Reds on the opening day of the season.
Key Battle
Siya Kolisi v Ben Mowen.
Two of the stand out players this tournament will go head to head in
what should be an absolutely brutal showdown.
Both men are renowned for the physicality and work rate, with captain Mowen
throwing himself into the Wallaby reckoning with a series of huge performances
whilst Kolisi is one of the most frightening rugby players on the scene with an
unbelievable ferocity in his tackling. The outcome of this game may well depend
on who can get into the opposition’s faces and disrupt their patterns the most.
Prediction
A week ago I would have said the Stormers, because of the
home advantage, but the way in which the Brumbies utterly dismantled their
illustrious opponents last week was unbelievable. I think with the confidence and form the way
it currently is, we may just see the Brumbies nick this one. Brumbies by 4.
Chiefs v
Highlanders: The Chiefs are looking
almost unplayable in attack and the Highlanders are yet to win this year. It sounds like it could be a mismatch. Chiefs by 14.
Crusaders v
Kings: The Crusaders stormed back
into form last week and will have too much for the plucky visitors. Crusaders by 20.
Reds v Bulls: The Bulls took a pasting last week
against the Crusaders, and although the Reds suffered a bad home defeat in
their last outing, they will be working hard to ensure it doesn’t happen
again. Reds by 9.
Force v
Cheetahs: The Cheetahs have surprised
many with their excellent away form, but that was nothing compare to the shock
the Force sprang on the Reds last week.
I think this Cheetahs side have a little more about them though and will
edge a close one – Cheetahs by 6.
Sharks v Rebels: After an embarrassing performance against
the Chiefs, you can bet the Sharks will be hungry to vent their frustrations –
and the Rebels may not be able to cope.
Sharks by 15.
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