Super Rugby Round 14 Preview Part 2

The Waratahs host the Sharks, with both needing bounce-back performances after a disappointing game for the defending champions in Perth, and an unhappy season thus far for the Sharks. The Lions, who play with such ebullience and courage, take on the Brumbies, who need the win to stay top of the Australian conference. The Cheetahs play the Highlanders in what could be a try-fest.

Waratahs v Sharks

The Waratahs have delivered superb performances in 2015, giving notice that they could be repeat champions, but other performances so miserable that they’ve let themselves down badly. Last week’s defeat against the lowly Force was a horror show, from which the Waratahs need to recover in a hurry. The Sharks showed more energy and commitment in Round 13 than in most previous weeks, but they suffered another defeat to exacerbate their woes in a sadly underachieving season They have big problems on and off the field, and only a victory on Saturday can lift their spirits.

Key players:
For the Sharks, their front row, Beast Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, who need to show why they’re first-choice Springboks. In the absence of Pat Lambie and Cobus Reinach, halves Lionel Cronje and Stefan Ungerer. The Waratahs tight forwards – especially Dave Dennis, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, and Benn Robinson – must be far more assertive, at breakdown particularly. And they will want clearer direction from Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps.

The big match-ups: In the scrums, Beast vs Sekope Kepu, Bismarck vs Latu,. Can S'bura Sithole contain Taqele Naiyaravoro out wide? At inside centre, Francois Steyn vs Kurtley Beale.

Lions v Brumbies

The Australian conference sees a tight race between the Brumbies and Waratahs, with the Rebels chasing hard, making a win crucial for the Brumbies after losing four of their last five. They conceded 19 penalties at Newlands, which was awful; they will also want to execute more accurately on attack to turn possession and pressure into points. The Lions have exceeded expectations wonderfully, in their enthusiasm, energy, enterprise, and creativity. With a lesser player pool than many others, they’ve planned and played well and scored unlikely victories. Coach Johan Ackermann and skipper Warren Whiteley provide an excellent example to a few other coaches and captains on playing to potential.

Key players:
Matt Toomua has flown in from Canberra and starts at12. Allan Alaalatoa in his first start at loosehead. Christian Lealiifano, needing to rebuild confidence after his game-changing goalkicking debacle at Newlands.  For the Lions, halves Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk. For the forwards, an improved lineout is a priority.

The big match-ups:
At openside, David Pocock vs Jaco Kriel. At 5 lock, Sam Carter vs Franco Mostert. At 9, De Klerk up against pugnacious but skilful Nic White.

Cheetahs v Highlanders

The Highlanders will be upset with their loss to the Lions when they should have had victory sealed by early in the second half. Their backline skills are such that they are always capable of scoring tries from flair and skill, and they’ll aim at four tries on Saturday to earn five log points to chase the NZ conference leaders. The Cheetahs defence can be weak but their attack is often a delight and they’ll want to achieve a few wins in these last five rounds to pay tribute to departing coaches, Free State icons Naka Drotske and Os du Randt.

Key players:
With Joe Pietersen and Sarel Pretorius injured, stand-in halves Francois Brummer and Tian Meyer take on huge responsibility. Michael van der Spuy, outstanding in the win over the Stormers, and his centre partner Francois Venter. For the Highlanders, the usual three – Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, and Aaron Smith, so potent on attack that they can rip opposition defences apart. Super Rugby debutants, wing Ryan Tongia and lock Alex Ainley. 

The big match-ups:
Venter vs Fekitoa at 13. Openside flanks John Hardie and Tienie Burger. At 10, Brummer vs rising star Lima Sopoaga.