CAPE TOWN - You can call it a straight shootout. You can call it a final of some kind. Maybe even call it the dance of the desperates if you want. Point is, the Sharks and Stormers are both gunning for a Super Rugby playoff spot, and that in itself makes Saturday’s Newlands fixture a big one.
So, here are six players who can turn on the heat at Newlands.
Dillyn Leyds
Watching a game lacking fireworks? Chances are if Leyds is
involved, a few sparks are bound to go off.
We always talk about how devastating he is at the back. But
this season, when he's shifted to the wing while Damian Willemse started at 15,
he also produced a few top spells out wide, where he created opportunities by
the dozen (think Blues) and showed how he can handle his business in that
channel.
Fullback still remains his ultimate stage, though, and just
thinking back to how many times he's impressed in his magician's den (aka the
No 15 jersey), you can't be blamed for expecting him to wave the wand a few
times against the Durbanites on Saturday.
Aphelele Fassi
Fassi's linebreak, linebreak assist and metres made stats
should provide a big-enough window into the opportunities he can create.
The 2019 Super Rugby season has been kind to the young
talent until now. But let's not act like it hasn't all been his doing. He's
been a proper threat from the back, and chances are it'll continue on Saturday.
Damian de Allende
There's been times this season where you could swear you're
watching clips of the Springbok midfielder from 2015.
He's been quite a figure in 2019, from constantly looking
for space to a linebreak or three to offloads that have kept the ball not only
moving, but also gave it an express ticket to the tryline.
Simply put, he's been pleasing to watch. And continuing that
form surrounded by a backline that boasts skill and pace like the Sharks team
boast Du Preezs can create some fine opportunities for the hosts.
Damian de Allende can create some fine opportunities for the Stormers.Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Andre Esterhuizen
When it comes to this Bok centre, his stopping power on
defence will often be one of the skills that sit higher up on his rugby resume.
He's also added a few touches with the left boot to aid the Sharks' exits this
season. We've in recent years also seen more of an offloading dimension added
to Esterhuizen's big physique...but given the team that's visiting Cape Town
this weekend, those offloads are nothing unique. Still, Esterhuizen's frame and
those mitts could be a big factor.
Jaco Coetzee
It's quite common to hear coaches mention that injuries to
star players provide opportunities for younger guys, but looking at Coetzee,
he's the perfect example of how exactly a player should use that chance.
If there's one thing that the Stormers' injury curse has
brought, it's the proper game time Coetzee has enjoyed.
His Man-of-the-Match performance against the Sunwolves was
quite something, but what's even more impressive is how his massive ball
carries and tackle busts, tackle success and breakdown intelligence and
physicality has consistently impressed. It's like you just can't get used to
it.
Daniel du Preez
At times this season, Du Preez has given fans more reason to
use the words "power play" than a Varsity Cup final. We all know he's
physically imposing, but his carries and, and this is impressive, his try
scoring has also been noteworthy in 2019.
The Sharks certainly do have an impressive backline, but
dominate them physically and that black and white vehicle slows down. And
stopping Dan du Preez is crucial to taking away that power.
@WynonaLouw
Cape Times