Rugby writer Jacques van der Westhuyzen matches up the Free State Cheetahs and the Blue Bulls ahead of tomorrow’s Currie Cup final in Bloemfontein and finds that the hosts, who are unbeaten in nine matches, just edge their opponents from Pretoria...
Back three
Cheetahs
They’re fast, powerful and try-hungry. Last week, Sergeal Petersen scored a hat-trick against the Golden Lions, and let’s not write off the attacking threat posed by Clayton Blommetjies and Raymond Rhule. If there is a weak link it’s Blommetjies, who sometimes tries to do the extraordinary when a simple clearance kick would do.
Score: 8/10
Bulls
Like their opponents, a seriously formidable trio who love nothing more than to run with the ball. You’re not going to see much kicking from Ulrich Beyers, Travis Ismaiel and Jamba Ulengo, who’s scored seven tries to be joint top try-scorer. Defensively, they’re not to be sniffed at so expect the two sets of wings to keep each other on their toes.
Score: 8
Midfield
CheetahsOne of the reasons why they have been so devastating with ball in hand is because Nico Lee has enjoyed a fabulous two months. And, together with skipper Francois Venter, they’ve carved up all-comers this season. Work-horses and wonderful distributors of the ball, the Bulls will have their work cut out for them to keep these two subdued.
Score: 8
Bulls
Burger Odendaal and Dries Swanepoel waited a long time for their chance at the big time and it’s come in the last few weeks, the pair producing scintillating rugby. Both are powerful strike-runners, but they also know how to put their teammates into gaps. We’re in for a stunning battle.
Score: 7
Halfbacks
Cheetahs
Shaun Venter and Niel Marais weren’t the first-choice players in their positions at the start of the competition, but they’ve developed a wonderful partnership and are now the heartbeat of their team. Marais is a smart operator who makes good decisions; his biggest test will be knocking over the kicks at goal.
Score: 8
Bulls
Flyhalf Tian Schoeman sits comfortably at the top of the pointscorers’ list with 137, including two tries, and he’ll be the man who his team look towards to provide the spark. But more will depend on the experienced Rudy Paige, who simply isn’t regarded highly enough.
Score: 7
Loose Trio
Cheetahs
From No 8 Niell Jordaan, who scored a fabulous try last weekend, through blindside flank Uzair Cassiem, to openside Paul Schoeman, it’s a back row to be taken very seriously. It took coach Franco Smith a while to find the right combination, but he’s finally hit the jackpot. Cassiem especially has been a revelation.
Score: 8
Bulls
Captain and No 8 Arno Botha hasn’t quite reached the heights of a few years ago although he’s still a formidable player. But it’s Jannes Kirsten, with his strong runs and linking play, who’s caught the attention. And Roelof Smit, too, has been a real find. They’re a trio who’ve settled nicely and are performing very well.
Score: 7
Tight-five
Cheetahs
You know there’s something special happening in the Cheetahs pack when they’re able to disrupt the Lions, and that’s what they did last weekend. None of the front heavies are household names but they will be soon enough. Sadly, Ox Nche (leg injury) shifts to the bench with Charles Marais starting, but they remain a powerful scrumming side and almost just as good in the lineouts.
Score: 7
Bulls
They’re going to miss lock RG Snyman, who misses out through injury, but Jason Jenkins is a more than capable replacement while Marvin Orie has been excellent. And let’s be honest, no one will like coming up against Jacobie Adriaanse, Jaco Visagie and Lizo Gqoboka at scrumtime. It’s going to be a sensational battle, with the Bulls edging their opponents in the lineouts.
Score: 7
Benches
Cheetahs
It’s a dynamic and very mobile bench, with Nche sure to make a big impact, while Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga and especially Rayno Benjamin giving their team plenty of zip when they’re called upon. Benjamin, even at 33, is a real worker and he’ll lift his team if needed.
Score: 6
Bulls
It’s a mixture of youth and experience, but in Bandise Maku and Hanro Liebenberg they have players who can lift the tempo. For rookies Ivan van Zyl (a hero a week ago) and Joshua Stander, this will be their biggest moments on a rugby field. Bjorn Basson could also play a key role.
Score: 7
Total
Cheetahs 45/60
Bulls 43/60
Teams
Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies, Sergeal Petersen, Francois Venter (capt), Nico Lee, Raymond Rhule, Niel Marais, Shaun Venter, Niell Jordaan, Uzair Cassiem, Paul Schoeman, Reniel Hugo, Justin Basson, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais. Bench: Jacques du Toit, Ox Nche, Armandt Koster, Henco Venter, Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga, Rayno Benjamin, Conraad van Vuuren.
Bulls: Ulrich Beyers, Travis Ismaiel, Dries Swanepoel, Burger Odendaal, Jamba Ulengo, Tian Schoeman, Rudy Paige, Arno Botha (capt), Jannes Kirsten, Roelof Smit, Marvin Orie, Jason Jenkins, Jacobie Adriaanse, Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka. Bench: Bandise Maku, Martin Dreyer, Pierre Schoeman, Nic de Jager, Hanro Liebenberg, Ivan van Zyl, Joshua Stander, Bjorn Basson.
The Star