Super XV Big Match Preview - Stormers v Crusaders

Comebacks are great.  One minute you're scrabbling around looking for any sort of positive, fighting tooth and nail for inches and constantly coming up short, the next you're on top of the world, with the taste of victory even sweeter after being forced to suckle on the stale-semolina-like substance that, I think, is what defeat tastes like (perhaps that's because I was force-fed it in school – yuck).

Unfortunately though, it's only a comeback in sport if you can back it up.  Wales did it in the Six Nations to an enviable degree when they ended up winning the tournament, and in some style too, but this weekend one side will see their comeback brought abruptly to a halt.  The Stormers and the Crusaders is RuckedOver's big game of the week in Super XV, and the similarities between the two sides are striking.  Both traditionally dominant forces in their country, both suffering disappointing starts to the season with 2 away losses to rivals, and both bouncing back with 2 good home wins.  Spooky, hey?  Ok, it's not exactly paranormal activity stuff, but what it does tell you is that it should be one hell of a war between these two sides – and only one will be able to say with any conviction "We're back."

The Stormers suffered the ignominy of losing to both of their fierce rivals – the Bulls and the Sharks – in their opening rounds but bounced back perfectly with impressive wins over early pace-setters the Chiefs and the Brumbies.  Andries Bekker has been in sublime form for them throughout the season, grabbing three scores already this term, whilst Gio Aplon remains almost poetic in his running ability.  Fly half Elton Jantjies, criticised early on for his lack of control, has started to step up to the mark and showed some gorgeous touches in their last outing to create gaping holes for his runners.  If he gets given the armchair ride by his forwards that he wants, then he can be a real threat.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, started the season with a surprise loss to the Blues in Auckland before a 1 point loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington, but turned their form around by thumping South African sides the Bulls and the Kings at home.  It seems they have a taste for South African blood and won't be afraid of the Stormers, but playing them away is a very different animal.  Without 3 of their most influential players – Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Dan Carter – this Crusaders side will face a huge challenge, but if they can play with the pace and width they have been in their last 2 matches, with the impressive Matt Todd and George Whitelock beating their counterparts to the breakdown, then they are a handful for anyone.

It's going to be war, and at the end, we'll know which one of these two big hitters really means business.

Stormers Team News

Pat Cilliers comes in at loosehead prop for the suspended Steven Kitshoff in the No.1 jersey in one of two changes to the Stormers starting line-up that claimed a 35-22 win over the previously unbeaten Brumbies this past weekend.  The other change is also in the front row, with hooker Tiaan Liebenberg (elbow) a late injury-victim.  Currie Cup-winning captain Deon Fourie takes his place.

Starting Line up: Joe Pietersen; Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers (captain), Gerhard van den Heever; Elton Jantjies, Dewaldt Duvenage; Duane Vermeulen, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi; Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp;Frans Malherbe, Deon Fourie, Pat Cilliers.

Subs: Martin Bezuidenhout, Brok Harris, Don Armand, Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom, Damian de Allende,Jaco Taute.

Key Player

Siya Kolisi.  The big flanker has impressed me this season with his strong defensive work and brutal carries.  The man has a huge engine on him and if the Stormers are to dominate then he will need to be at his aggressive and disruptive best to make a mess of any ball provided to this inexperienced Crusaders half back combination.

Crusaders Team News

Luke Whitelock has been named to replace Kieran Read while his brother George will lead the team in the No. 8's absence. Read sustained a toe injury in the victory against the Southern Kings.  Whitelock is one of four changes to the side, which will also be without fly-half Dan Carter on paternity leave pending the birth of his first child. His place will be taken by Tyler Bleyendaal.  Israel Dagg returns at fullback, after missing the Kings' game with a hamstring problem, meaning Tom Marshall returns to the wing and Zac Guildford dropps to the bench.

Starting Line up:  Israel Dagg; Tom Marshall, .Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl; Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz; Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock; Samuel Whitelock , Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Subs: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Adam Whitelock, Zac Guildford.

Key Player

Tyler Bleyendaal.  Filling in for Dan Carter is a daunting task and not dissimilar to entering a manhood-measuring contest with Ron Jeremy – you're probably going to come up short.  The talented young fly half has looked great with a dominant pack, but he will be under serious pressure this week from a hungry and confident Stormers unit, and so it will be his tactical nous and kicking game that will come under the most scrutiny.

 

Key Battle

Duane Vermeulen v Luke Whitelock.  The youngest of the Whitelock clan has a big task on his hands, stepping into the shoes of the inspirational Kieran Read.  The youngster will be relied on to provide much needed thrust around the fringes and in the midfield, whilst not allowing his big South African counterpart to get the upper hand in the close exchanges.  If Vermeulen gets rumbling, then this Stormers pack are very difficult to stop.

 

Prediction

This is a strong Crusader side but when you take out such lynchpins as Dan Carter and Kieran Read, and in such key positions as well, any side would struggle.  Home advantage and confidence after a strong showing against the Brumbies should be enough to see the hosts claim a win.  Stormers by 9 points.

 

Where else will the points go this weekend?

Highlanders v Reds:  The Highlanders are still yet to win this season whilst the Reds have been chugging along in 3rd gear.  I think the Kiwi outfit will finally break their duck – they have too much quality to not win sometime soon.  Highlanders by 3.

Hurricanes v Kings:  The Kings have shown great character in recent defeats and a huge tenacity in defence, but the Canes at home will be too steep a hill for them to climb.  Hurricanes by 17.

Chiefs v Blues:  The Chiefs were scrappy last week but will be hungry for tries this week, and although the Blues have looked sharp in dribs and drabs, the reigning champions should have too much for them.  Chiefs by 15.

Brumbies v Bulls:  The Brumbies will be smarting after their chastising defeat at the hands of the Stormers but will be keen to put the record straight against a Bulls side coming off the back of 2 successive defeats.  Brumbies by 12.

Cheetahs v Rebels:  Whilst the Cheetahs have impressed many with their ambition and execution this season, the wheels are coming off the Rebel's wagon as a bright start to the year was ruined by a run of 4 defeats – including a thumping at the Sharks in their last outing – that have been compounded by reports of in-fighting between some of the club's more 'egotistical' players.  The Cheetahs will take full advantage of their opposition's disarray.  Cheetahs by 16.

Waratahs v Force:  This will be a bit of a grudge match for Force coach Michael Foley, who had an unhappy season at the Tahs last year.  The Sydney-based side though will be confident after their last outing and will be keen to try and get a run of form going.  Waratahs by 6.