The midfield showdown between Damian de Allende (Stormers) and Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs) will be a key highlight in Saturday's Super Rugby fixture at Newlands (kick-off 3pm).
Both the inside centres bring a host of various strengths to their teams' performances. In the run-in to Saturday's game, the roles of these two feared players would have been on the minds of the coaching staff.
Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck couldn't contain his excitement about the much-anticipated midfield match-up.
"This is a classic match-up between two in-form players, who are pretty similar in the way they play and I am really excited to see how it pans out," said Fleck. "Damian is playing really well at the moment but we think he can still bring a bit more variation to his game which he is working incredibly hard on.
"He is executing his strengths really well and likewise with Sonny Bill, who is probably varying his game a bit more which makes him quite dangerous. We must not shy away from these kinds of match-ups because it will be a big talking point and it is something that the fans want to see."
Chiefs skipper Liam Messam who has been moved from No 8 to blindside flanker for the match, also feels the De Allende-Williams showdown will be crucial on Saturday.
"De Allende is strong on his feet, big and gets them over the advantage line in an efficient manner," said Messam. "We also have a big inside centre in Sonny Bill, so hopefully they'll meet each other on the gain line."
Allister Coetzee, the Stormers coach, said De Allende has gone from strength-to-strength as an inside centre after breaking into the Super Rugby ranks as a strong-running wing.
“At the start of the season, people questioned the selection of Damian at inside centre but he has proved these critics wrong as he has done very well there,” said Coetzee. “He’s been outstanding in the No 12 jersey, making a big impact on attack and defence, proving to be powerful with the ball in hand and making big tackles.
"A big reason for his improvement is his improved fitness and conditioning after working hard during the off-season and pre-season. He’s stronger than before.
“We do have a young squad, but our senior players have stood up and played a big role for the team, like Duane Vermeulen, Juan de Jongh and Damian.”
Another area of tomorrow's game that will enjoy great attention is the role of Stormers fullback Cheslin Kolbe who was at the receiving end of a few hard tackles by the Sharks last week.
Coetzee said Kolbe has earned the reputation as a line breaker, and the attention is not unwarranted.
"I think Cheslin knows that there are times that opposition will focus on him, but while he may be small, he is a really tough guy and he knows how to handle himself," said Coetzee. "There’s a reason why opposition single him out, it’s because he’s a dangerous player and he is the type of guy who could make an idiot of you in a telephone booth."
Kolbe himself is undeterred by the opposition's attention.
"I am still alive after the (Sharks) game and just focus on what I have to do. I do not think I was targeted or that there has been a target placed on my back, big hits and tackles are part and parcel of the game. All I can do is get up and carry on with the game," said Kolbe.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie would not to drawn into discussing the man-to-man battles but said they're preparing for a physical battle.
“They're an African side that can play a big game; they've got some pretty big backs and some pace," said Rennie. "We’re aware of their strengths and we know we’re going to have to play well in order to be competitive this weekend but we've got a pretty good squad as well.” - ANA