The big derby at Loftus is the focus of our preview this week, while we’ll also take a stab at the results of the other games.
Bulls v Sharks (Saturday 17h10)
With many pundits predicting a one-sided game at Loftus, the pessimist in me is starting to grow ever more nervous. I’ve done enough previews in the past that were based on, to me, rather sound analysis and logic, only to find that things turned out spectacularly differently on the day, and usually based on a whole bunch of other factors that I didn’t even consider. Let’s face it, funny old game that this is, it’s perfectly possible that the Bulls will pull through at last, based on a platform of sheer bloody-mindedness, or perhaps hitherto unsuspected skill from some of the new players they’ve grudgingly brought into their side.
It’s unlikely, though. The Sharks appear to hold the cards this week and come to Pretoria with a pack that’s literally bristling with heavy hitters. While you can look at the Bulls lineup and identify a few weak links in their engine room, the Sharks quite simply have none this week; if the starting line-up isn’t proof enough, just look at the forwards bench. This advantage in terms of manpower and – let’s face it – form, is widely expected to translate to on-field dominance at the set piece and at the breakdown, areas in which the Bulls have struggled in their opening games. Looking at positions 9 and 10, the Sharks again have two vastly more experienced players, the Bulls having opted to gamble on a first start at this level for Rudy Paige.
The danger, bizarrely, comes from the Bulls’ backline. In Jesse Kriel they have stumbled upon a match-winning counter-attacker and with ball and space, he could use his experienced and very fast wingers to wreak havoc. Don’t expect too much creative play to come down the channel from 9, but watch instead how Kriel sparks attacks from any wayward ball kicked onto him.
And there we have the way to win this game. The Sharks need to control possession and territory, with the latter perhaps being more important. Keep the ball out of the hands of the Bulls back three by making sure of touch and rather pressuring the lineout. Force set pieces contests and use Andre Esterhuizen to draw defenders in. The Sharks need to make the most of the anticipated forward dominance by drawing the opposition into the physical battle and tiring them out. Do that and we could have a try fest in the last quarter.
Things seldom pan out as well in reality as they do on paper, though, which is why I’m going to back the Sharks to prevail in an ugly game, but only by around 5 points.
Bulls – 15. Jesse Kriel, 14. Bjorn Basson, 13. JJ Engelbrecht, 12. Jan Serfontein, 11. Francois Hougaard, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Rudy Paige, 8. Pierre Spies(c), 7. Lappies Labuschagne, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield, 4. Jacques du Plessis, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 1. Mornè Mellet.
Subs: 16. Callie Visagie, 17. Dean Greyling, 18. Grant Hattingh, 19. Hanro Liebenberg, 20. Travis Ismael, 21. Tian Schoeman, 22. Jurgen Visser, 23. Marcel van der Merwe.
Sharks – 15 SP Marais, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Renaldo Bothma, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Lubabalo Mtyanda, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis (c), 1 Dale Chadwick.
Subs: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Marco Wentzel, 20 Jean Deysel, 21 Conrad Hoffmann, 22 Fred Zeilinga/Lionel Cronje, 23 Jack Wilson.
I expect the Highlanders to beat the Reds by about 6 points at home. The Canes will probably squeak a 3-point win against the Force in an entertaining game. Expect a high-scoring affair in Bloemfontein, with at least four tries to each side, but the Cheetahs to beat the Blues by around 8. Chiefs v Crusaders will be an early-season classic, with the Chiefs taking the spoils by 5. The Brumbies will see off the Rebels, by as much as 12 points, with the Stormers exposing mounting chaos in the Lions ranks and consigning them to a third defeat, by about 10.
Tweet
I have Blues and Force for a win.
@JarsonX (Comment 1) : I hope you are right.
Also hope the Lions win
Hi Rob
I tend to agree with the predictions. Although I would be pleasantly surprised if the Bulls do force an upset or get within 7 points even.
The standard of play this year displays the feeling of disorientation. Something big needs to happen to change the Bulls’ fortune.
@Blue Centurion (Comment 3) : you need a new coach
@robdylan (Comment 2) : And the Saders and the Rebels 😈
@Blue Centurion (Comment 3) : Would be really cool if you guys could send us Jesse Kriel, you can have Jaco Taute
Didn’t someone mention the sharks have a young FB in the mould of Andre Joubert coming through the ranks? Or was the week way to long for me and I’m making things up to get me through the last day before the weekend 😉
@JarsonX (Comment 1) : Also feel the Blues will bounce back with a win.
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 6) : How about an even better trade for you. SP for Taute, deal? 😆
@HeinF (Comment 7) : We have Jaco van Tonder, I think his name is. But I’ve never seen him play to be honest.
@robdylan (Comment 4) : Spot on.
New captain wouldnt hurt either.
@Blue Centurion (Comment 12) : Did Spies play against the Hurricanes?
So it’s official. The Sharks are favourites for the Bulls game? Oh no! 🙄
@Ben (Comment 9) : I’d rather wait and see what SP can do when he finally discovers some form, Taute is would fit well with a more erm…conservative team such as the bulls. 😉
@FireTheLooser (Comment 15) : True.
SP for Willie le Roux on the the other hand is a trade I would be all for.
@Ben (Comment 16) : No but seriously, I have nothing against SP. Hope he finds form soon. Needs to get his head sorted out.
@HeinF (Comment 7) : I think you’re talking about Morne Joubert. The kid is GOOD.
@robdylan (Comment 18) : Keep going please. How old?
@Ben (Comment 19) : And why is he not in the SR squad 😛
@Ben (Comment 19) : 18
@Zibbie (Comment 20) : because he’s 18
@robdylan (Comment 21) : ja let him grow up before letting him play with the big boys! !!!
@Clayton(PJLD) (Comment 6) : Tell you what, we’ll trade you Conrad Hoffman for… um… er… a new towel for the dressing room should suffice, I guess
Landers won by 7…. off to a good start again
Bulls
@Morné (Comment 25) : Dude! 😈
Thanks Morne. I should sue you. Just have to figure out what for 😛
Chiefs 0 – 6 Crusaders
7 minutes.
Chiefs have a man in the sin bin now for a dangerous tackle.
SBW try. Very nice offloading by the Chiefs leading up to the try.
Chiefs 5 – 6 Crusaders
14 minutes.
Chiefs winger Lowe is the player that was sent to the sin bin earlier.
James Lowe is back on and the Chiefs are back to their full quota.
Matt Todd (Crusaders) yellow carded now for a dangerous tackle.
Both yellow cards have been for tackling the man whilst in the air.
Augustine Pulu try for the Chiefs.
Chiefs 12 – 6 Crusaders
23 minutes.
Chiefs 12 – 9 Crusaders
26 minutes.
Chiefs 15 – 9 Crusaders
31 minutes.
Matt Todd back on the park for the Crusaders.
Chiefs try. Charlie Ngatai
Chiefs 22 – 9 Crusaders
35 minutes.
Half Time
Chiefs 22 – 9 Crusaders
Crusaders try. Andy Ellis.
Chiefs 22 – 16 Crusaders
47 minutes.
Teams are really in each other’s faces. A lot of shoving going on between the forwards.
Chiefs 25 – 16 Crusaders
49 minutes.
TMO for a chiefs try.
No try. Knock on.
Chiefs 28 – 16 Crusaders
55 minutes.
Bonus point try for the Chiefs. Tom Marshall.
Chiefs 33 – 16 Crusaders
64 minutes.
Chiefs running away with it now. Another try. James Lowe scores.
Chiefs 40 – 16 Crusaders
68 minutes.
Chiefs yellow card for a tip tackle.
FULL TIME
CHIEFS 40 – 16 CRUSADERS