The Bulls are out after The Crusaders dominated in the play-offs. Quite frankly, I didn’t expect much from my side. Throughout the competition, they’ve showed signs of inconsistency. They’d dominate then break down, offering opponents too much space. All credit must go to The Stormers and Sharks who have set up a tantalising semi this weekend. The Western Cape outfit have been the best team in the competition in my opinion and The Sharks have improved on their slow season start.
Right now, no one is a favourite.
Looking back, The Stormers were beaten by The Sharks earlier in the season (one of two defeats all season). And while The Stormers overcome many, their rugby hasn’t been pretty of late (despite dominance). Even though The Sharks use jet-lag as a primary excuse, their complete form over the last few games will grab attention and their tough tour won’t set them back against The Stormers. At the breakdown, Sharks can produce turnovers with world-class players like Bismarck Du Plessis and Willem Alberts. For me, the Durban front row is the best in South Africa so it will be interesting to see if The Stormers can control the ball in those sort of set-pieces.
The Stormers, however, have relied heavily on their defence this season and it has propelled them to the top of the league. Both teams also rely on quick counter-attacks so the game will definitely introduce open, pacey play. With home ground advantage, its Stormers who have the upperhand but in a knock-out match-up, the pressure could be on the home side to follow-through on their scrape wins.
A lot of the game might rest on possession and territory and Joe Pietersen will be looking to play well to get a look in at a Springbok call-up while Peter Grant remains consistent in gaining territory. While The Stormers have Gio Aplon on fiery form throughout, the form of Springbok winger JP Pietersen shouldn’t be ignored. Not only has he been scoring tries of late, but his assisting going forward has been amazing and his runs through defence holes have proved worthy of many man-of-the-match performances.
Players to watch out for:
Marcell Coetzee – moves the ball up with ease.
Willem Alberts – powerful, physical
Eben Etzebeth – a talent that proves worthy in the breakdown
Bismarck Du Plessis – world’s best in the position. Can control at the breakdown and produce turnovers
Jean De Villiers – strong, quick, moves past defensive lines and creates opportunities on the wing
Habana – prolific over the last few weeks. Always a threat on the wing and likes semi-finals and final match-ups.
My prediction: It’s a hard one and I predict the winner will win by 7 points.
I’m going to go with The Sharks, though. They are the underdogs in the match-up but Allister Coetzee’s side might buckle in the competition’s end. They have before.
afterkick 