Roar Guru
The Reds have not won in South Africa for the last two seasons, and they are meeting the in-form South African team, the Sharks at Kingspark. Join us for live updates from 2:05am (AEDT).
The Reds are the most successful Australian franchise against teams from South Africa and New Zealand, in fact they are not only the best Australian team against teams from South Africa and New Zealand, they rival the Crusaders as the most successful team over the past three seasons of Super Rugby, with 17 wins out of 24 matches.
This season, the Sharks are three from three, the Reds are two from three. The Sharks thus far have not looked in trouble and have managed to secure try bonus points in two of their matches, while the Reds were soundly beaten by the Waratahs, but did manage to put the Cheetahs away in an exemplary display of attacking rugby.
Their defensive system however will be an area of concern, while the Sharks have been well structured in defence.
JP Pietersen will return for the Sharks from Japan and replace Paul Jordaan, who will be out for three weeks after a bump on the knee.
Patrick Lambie has recovered from a virus, hence Frans Steyn will return to inside centre, with Lambie filling his usual position at 10.
One would argue the Sharks should have an advantage in the pack – they have experience and size and their set piece has been running smoothly.
At the breakdown, Liam Gill will need Eddie Quirk and Jake Schatz to be on the ball, as this Sharks outfit’s strength thus far has been hitting the rucks with force and in numbers.
Where the Reds were able to get ball out wide against the Cheetahs and found it uncannily easy to put players into space on the inside, it is doubtful the Sharks will be found wanting in this area.
Quade Cooper’s tactical kicking will definitely come in handy to put pressure on the Sharks and play their attacking game in the right areas of the field.
Will Genia’s tactical kicking this past weekend was woefull, the Cheetahs defence nullified his ‘drift’ well and stopped him finding any gaps in midfield, expect the Sharks to do the same.
It will therefore be vital for Genia to have crisp service at the back and allow Cooper the decision making role.
The back three of the Reds showed some real pace against the Cheetahs and would hope to find space as the Sharks without Jordaan will lack in that area.
The last time an away win was accomplished between these two teams was in 2007, when the Sharks thrashed the Reds 16-59.
My tip
Sharks by a few.
The Reds have it all to do – the Brumbies shut them down completely, their breakdown has been inconsistent and they cannot afford to lack in that area against the Sharks.
Join us in the early morning hours (2am AEDT) for the live blog.