Tomorrow night’s clash between the Golden Lions and Western Province could be one the highlights of this year’s Currie Cup.
The Lions have blown away all who have stood before them this season. They have played a fast-paced, attacking game which has seen the crowds flock back to Ellis Park.
WP have blown hot and cold this season, but they look like a team starting to kick into gear after two consecutive losses in the middle of the campaign.
JOHN GOLIATH looks at some of the key match-ups ahead of this match.
Julian Redelinghuys v Steven Kitshoff
The scrum has been the one department where WP have consistently decimated their opposition, and Kitshoff is a vital cog in this area for the men in the blue-and-white stripes.
“Rooi Gevaar” has shed a few kilos and has hit the gym harder than a Bubba Watson drive. The loosehead prop scrums low, hard and straight, and trying to push him backwards is almost impossible.
Redelinghuys, though, is fighting his way back to his best form after a few below-par outings in Super Rugby. The Lions tighthead isn’t the biggest prop in the game, but he has very good technique and is very strong.
Franco Mostert v Ruan Botha
With Victor Matfield leaving for the retirement village next year, Mostert and Botha are seen as two possible successors to his throne.
Mostert has had a fantastic season and was one of the standout locks in Super Rugby. His work-rate is second to none; he carries the ball with plenty of purpose and power, and also makes a lot of tackles.
Botha has played 32 minutes more than Mostert this season, but has made fewer tackles and running metres than his Lions counterpart. However, he soars above Mostert when it comes to the lineouts.
Bar last weekend’s first-half disaster against the Pumas at Newlands, Province’s lineout has worked well this year.
Botha has taken a lot of responsibility on himself and has given WP a lovely attacking platform to work from.
Warren Whiteley v Nizaam Carr
The battle of the No 8s could definitely be one of the highlights of tomorrow’s clash.
Both players would have harboured aspirations of making it to the Rugby World Cup in England with the Springboks this year, but now they will have to play vital roles for their respective teams at the business end of the Currie Cup.
Whiteley was one of the form No 8s in Super Rugby, with his leadership and his all-round play helping the Lions record their best-ever finish in the tournament. His work-rate is phenomenal, as he makes plenty of tackles and is a great link between the backs and the forwards.
Carr is the better ball-carrier and possesses some X-factor on attack, often slicing open defences. He didn’t have the best of Super Rugby campaigns this year, but he is back to his best and is certainly picking up a head of steam going into the play-offs.
Marnitz Boshoff v Robert du Preez
IS this a Stormers trial? After all, Boshoff was linked to the Cape franchise earlier this season.
But Du Preez has taken his chance with both hands after Kurt Coleman’s injury and has settled nicely into the WP No 10 jersey. He showed his all-round ability with a 21-point haul against the Pumas last weekend, which included two well-taken tries.
His kicking has also come along nicely over the last few matches.
Boshoff, though, has been arguably the best flyhalf in the competition and has only missed three kicks at goal this season.
His big boot makes him a major threat, but his distribution is an under-rated part of his game. The Lions don’t lead the try-scoring stats because their flyhalf is a bit of a cow.
Howard Mnisi v Juan de Jongh
Mnisi is an old-school No 12. He isn’t the biggest player on the park, but has lovely feet and a nice pair of hands.
He is the creative force in the Lions’ back division and the man who sparks their attack. He can also step past defenders with ease, and he seems to be thriving given the extended run he has been afforded this season.
De Jongh hasn’t played at inside centre in quite some time, but his quality always shines through on the big stage. The big question is how sharp the WP captain is going to be after missing out the last six weeks because of injury.
De Jongh has always been known for his stepping ability and his pace. But he has also turned into a great defender and impressive organiser. His leadership will also be key for John Dobson’s men. - Cape Argus