The Grubber: How have the SA teams fared in the first few rounds
This week's focus is on the SA team's form so far, a preview of their upcoming fixtures and player updates. Club rugby player, coach and sports presenter, Sky Tshabalala joins the panel to comment on the Sharks' game against the Rebels.
THE Vodacom Super Rugby is entering its fourth round this weekend and it has been a mixed bag for the South African sides so far.
The Cell C Sharks have enjoyed a decent start to the season showing a lot of promise in the backline led by Springbok, Lukhanyo Am, who will be rested this weekend as part of SA rugby’s resting policy.
The Durban side produced a scintillating performance against the Highlanders in Dunedin with players like fullback, Aphelele Fassi; wingers, Makazole Mapimp and Madosh Tambwe and loose-forwards; James Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe all producing top class performances.
The Hurricanes clash saw the injuries of Springboks, Thomas Du Toit and Makazole Mapimpi; and Curwin Bosch’s (returns for Rebels clash) absence disrupted the flow of the Cell C Sharks. Boeta Chamberlain also suffered an injury during the clash.
The new players and youngsters at The Sharks have integrated themselves quite well into the side and coach, Sean Everitt has managed to award some game time to half-back, Sanele Nohamba and forward, Dylan Richardson.
The men in black take on the Melbourne Rebels for their third game on tour and it should see the Durban side come away with a win over the inconsistent Australian side.
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The Bok-laden Stormers have flexed their muscles up-front with a strong, but constantly shuffled forward pack (due to injuries) and showed their attacking flair with the mercurial Damien Willemse calling the shots at number 10; and the introduction of Welsh legend, Jamie Roberts has added some class to the Cape outfits midfield.
This week, the unbeaten Stormers take on the Jaguares in what promises to be an exciting and cagey affair with both sides fielding some strong forward packs. This will be a proper test for the Newlands outfit who also welcome back in-form Jaco Coetzee at flank and 2019 breakout star, Herchell Jantjies at scrumhalf.
The Stormers will look to maintain their 100 per cent winning start for the top-of-the conference encounter.
The Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions haven’t started as brightly as their coastal rivals but one has to consider the Bulls haven’t played at home yet and are yet to see the best of some of their new signings into the side (Juandre Kruger is available this week) and will receive an injury boost with Springbok fullback, Warrick Gelant, Marco Van Staden and Tim Agaba all making a return.
The Pretoria outfit will make a much-needed return to Loftus Versveld against The Blues in what should be considered a must-win clash for the Bulls.
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The Lions are on a rebuilding phase and although they’ve signed experienced players like Willem Alberts, Jannie Du Plessis and Jaco Kriel, there’s still plenty of inexperience in the side led by Elton Jantjies.
Outside center, Wandisile Simelane (missed the first two games due to a lack of match fitness) and fullback, Tyrone Green are exciting prospects and will look to add some pace and flair to the Lions backline. The Jo’burg side will enjoy the bye before heading off to Australiasia to face The Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels, the Blues and the Highlanders.
The panel:
Kelton Thunder (Hillcrest Villagers): The Sharks should come away with a win. They’ve been playing well as a team and Curwin Bosch is back at 10! The Bulls had a tough start with two away games, they are hungry to get going again. They should come away with a win this weekend. The Lions are in a serious re-building phase and did well against an in-form Stormers side. They should win this weekend too.
Sky Tshabalala (East Coast radio sports presenter): With The Sharks game, it all depends on which Rebels team shows up. The Australian teams are up-and-down so you never know what can happen. They’re taking on a Sharks team that has been on tour for three weeks already; they are very good against the Highlanders, decent against the Hurricanes – besides those injuries earlier on – and the 6-2 split on the bench and having to play Nohamba at 10. The good news for The Sharks is that Curwin Bosch is back. I think they missed him a bit last week. It’s also going to be interesting to see Jeremy Ward coming in for a rested Lukhanyo Am. The Sharks are good on paper and seem to have a lot of continuity with selection, having Bosch and Thomas Du Toit back is a huge tick! The Sharks can beat the Rebels, but will they? that’s the big question. If they produce a similar performance to the one against the Highlanders then it’s game over for the Rebels.
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