With not only a win at stake but also places in a Springbok squad to look forward to in a few weeks’ time, there’s plenty to play for when the Lions and Stormers clash in what is expected to be a highly-charged Super Rugby match at Emirates Airline Park this evening (7.15pm).
South Africa’s top two teams will be gunning to lay down a marker and set the foundation for the second half of the competition, but at the back of the players’ minds will be the not-so-small matter of getting into the Bok team for the June Tests against Ireland.
Allister Coetzee was confirmed as the Boks’ new boss this week and he’ll no doubt keep a close eye on the big South African derbies in the coming weeks, and none is bigger than today’s match.
Both teams have been in scintillating form and look to be in good shape to make the play-offs in a few months, while a number of individuals have also caught the eye with some powerful performances.
They’ll want to get a right tick behind their names and be front of the queue in Coetzee’s eyes.
The new Bok mentor has, after all, made it clear he will rank the players in position in the coming weeks and pick those he deems to be the best in their respective slots.
Lions boss Johan Ackermann, though, has told his players to focus only on today’s game and what they need to do to get the better of the Stormers.
“The players must forget about who’s watching them,” said Ackermann this week.
“It would be disappointing if the players didn’t put the team first. The players know individuals will only stand out and be recognised if the team plays well first - so the focus will be on the campaign, not own agendas.
“Yes, this is a big game, but every game and every week is important.
“Sure, every player will have a different view of how to get to the next level, but I’m pleased the coaching issues have been finalised, while here at the Lions the majority of players have also signed their contracts so it’s down to getting the job at hand done.”
It promises to be an intriguing battle this evening, with the Lions favouring a more attack-minded, ball-in-hand approach, while the Stormers have continued their trend of being one of the finest defensive sides in the competition.
That said, the Lions beat the Sharks in Durban last week because of their powerful defence, which kept the home side try-less, while the Capetonians have added a more attacking element to their game.
There won’t be much between the sides in the set-pieces, but there is no doubt the Stormers face their sternest test at scrum time.
And, if the Lions do manage to get on top here, it will provide their loose forwards and backs with the opportunity to get on the front foot and we all know how dangerous Ackermann’s men are when they’ve got momentum and rhythm in their play.
The Stormers, though, will prove tough opponents in the line-outs, but it will likely be the performances of the two halfback pairings - Ross Cronje and Elton Jantjies for the Lions, and Nic Groom and Jean-Luc du Plessis for the Stormers - that will determine who comes out on top.
Expect a thrill-a-minute game in what should be ideal conditions.
LIONS
Jaco van der Walt, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronjé, Warren Whiteley (capt), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Julian Redelinghuys, Malcolm Marx, Dylan Smith
Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Faf de Klerk, Howard Mnisi, Andries Coetzee
Stormers
Cheslin Kolbe, Kobus van Wyk, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh (capt), Leolin Zas, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Nic Groom, Schalk Burger, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Nizaam Carr, Pieter-Steph du Toit, JD Schickerling, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: Mike Willemse, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe, Rynhardt Elstadt, Siya Kolisi, Louis Schreuder, Damian de Allende, Huw Jones – Saturday Star