The final season of Super Rugby as we know it kicks off in New Zealand. Jacques van der Westhuyzen analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the South African teams in several key areas.
Scrumming strength
The Lions were the best scrummaging unit last campaign, dominating all-comers and winning penalties, and with all their props still available to Johan Ackermann they should again give a good account of themselves. Adriaan Strauss and Trevor Nyakane’s arrival at the Bulls will boost an already powerful unit, while the Sharks, who’ve got plenty of depth, should also have no problems getting the upperhand at scrum-time. The jury is out on the Stormers’ scrumming strength – they took a beating in this area at times last year – while the Cheetahs will rely heavily on Coenie Oosthuizen staying fit.
Line-out prowess
Strauss’ throwing accuracy will boost the Bulls where Victor Matfield should again reign supreme. This is one area where the Bulls should dominate, while the Lions have also become a solid outfit when it comes to the line-outs. New hooker Malcolm Marx will, however, be under pressure to hit the spot, as will rookie Torsten van Jaarsveld of the Cheetahs. Willie Britz’s arrival in Bloemfontein, though, gives the Cheetahs a new option at the back. With Pieter-Steph du Toit back for the Sharks, the Durbanites should be just fine, while the Stormers’ hookers will have several targets to aim at, among them Duane Vermeulen.
Try-scoring abilities
Not surprsingly the Cheetahs were South Africa’s most prolific try-scoring team last year, with 38. Next were the Lions, with 31 ... but they didn’t come close to the the 55 tries scored by the Waratahs. The South African teams have fantastic back divisions – all capable of causing problems for opposition defences – but there’s simply not enough confidence shown by the coaches to allow their teams to run with the ball. That, or the skills levels aren’t good enough, but I don’t buy that. Let’s hope the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers do more with the ball this year than simply look to drive over from close range.
X-Factor
Every team will be banking on a few key men to spark the side into action; players with the ability to turn a game on its head. Damian de Allende and Juan de Jongh will be the key men for the Stormers, while at the Cheetahs No8 Britz has the potential to ignite his side – someone’s got to do it besides Willie le Roux, who’ll remain a key man. Flanker Jaco Kriel will be the go to guy at the Lions, but let’s not forget hooker Akker van der Merwe. A trimmed down Frans Steyn will be key for the Sharks, while up north, Handré Pollard and Jan Serfontein will be tasked with getting the best out of the Bulls.
Defence
Alluded to by Marnitz Boshoff this week, defence is almost more important than attack. It has been shown time and again the teams who concede the least tries generally find themselves at the top of the standings. The Waratahs let in 24 last year and finished first; the Sharks fared best defensively, letting in 22 for a third place finish. The bottom four teams – the Lions, Reds, Cheetahs and Rebels – let in more tries than anyone else. The Cheetahs and Lions need to make a big improvement in this department this season if they’re to get themselves into the top 10. The other local sides should again be sound defensively.
Kicking
Marnitz Boshoff of the Lions was South Africa’s most prolific goal-kicker last year and he’ll again have a crucial role to play if his side are to repeat their feats of 2014. He should again be a points-machine, but his exit kicking will be just as important. Handré Pollard of the Bulls will be under pressure to show he can be a match-winner with the boot – one part of his game that’s still lacking – while Pat Lambie also needs to be more consistent kicking at goal. Demetri Catrakilis is generally spot-on so he should keep the scoreboard ticking for the Stormers, while Joe Pietersen could prove vital in this department for the Cheetahs.
Depth
The Bulls have again lured several big-name stars to Pretoria and with a number of their juniors now coming through the ranks, Frans Ludeke has a wealth of talent at his disposal. If the Bulls don’t shine, it won’t be for a lack of depth. The Sharks, too, look strong in all areas, as is the case with the Lions, even though they may not have the experience in depth as the Bulls and Sharks. The Stormers are also blessed with talent all over the park, but a few injuries up front could leave them scratching their heads. The Cheetahs are worst off, having lost several key men in the off-season. They simply don’t have the experience in their ranks.
FIRST ROUND FIXTURES
Tomorrow
l Crusaders v Rebels, Christchurch, 8.35am
l Brumbies v Reds, Canberra, 10.40am
l Lions v Hurricanes, Johannesburg, 7.10pm
SATURDAY
Blues v Chiefs, Auckand, 8.35am
Sharks v Cheetahs, Durban, 5.05pm
l Bulls v Stormers,7.10pm
SUNDAY
Waratahs v Force, Sydney, 7.05am
All games on SS1 - The Star