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.
Common Sense
Guest
The Blues game was a farce.
Haha, and if they don't like the answer, then they tell you what you must answer, topic specific.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
biltong, it seems you're victim of your own success! Now ppl 'demand' the answer that they would like to hear from you and also want you to always tip correctly! tough life mate! :)
Billy bob, I gave you a full explanation on the other article that discusses the post match review. You're welcome to read that, and as for my answer, you get what you get.
felix
Guest
Why must Biltong crack he's head trying just so you can feel better about yourself,its like you are telling him how you want your question answered,ask the question and await a FAIR answer which doesnt favour either party,hypocrete!!.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Sorry Sharks actually won in 2010. Reds last won in Durban in 2004 with Latham having a cracker. I remember that game.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Yes I agree guys, Sharks need to sort out the "flu" they catch between 50 and 70 mins. It's happened in all four games this year so far where the opposition has bounced back and pressurized them during this period. And then they bounce back in the last 10mins and score a try. But taking a win against a good Reds team without playing that well is sufficient :-) They will have better games and hit better form when combinations really start to gel. Great to have JPP back. The best winger on defense in the world, and not shabby on attack either.
Charging Rhino
Roar Guru
Redsfan1 - as BB said I think you're letting your bias and emotion cloud your judgement. My wife is a passionate Reds fan (from Brisbane), she was at the game and even she could see that the Reds were beaten at the contact area and breakdown, and completely outmuscled in the scrums by a more dominant pack. And therefore her team lost. Simple as that. And since when does the team that looks to have "the more ambitious backline" ever win a rugby game?? It's always won up front in the forwards first. This is a good Reds team and I support them 2nd, but it was always a very tall ask for the Reds to pull off a win. Very tall against this Sharks team. In recent times I can actually only recall them losing once to the Reds in Durban, in 2010. And before that?? I don't know maybe 2004 or something?? With Chris Latham running in a try or two? And next time South Africans moan about the ref in Australia or NZ, you're not allowed to criticize them or say a thing mate!!! Just think back to what you've said here and your moans, and then reverse it and put yourself in their position. (It makes you change your opinion and think very carefully!!) Anyway have a good week. Maybe you can work on becoming more balanced, or better yet book a trip to South Africa, come and visit and see what the people and country is really like, you'll change your opinion fast!! Everybody wants a fair game.
Harry Jones
Guest
Reds: catch the ball; render the ref irrelevant.
Billy Bob
Guest
Biltong, you have struck me as a fair observer of rugby. Have you had a second viewing of this Sharks game? Does it honestly sit well with you as a fair contest? Please do not comment on SA teams in Australia, nor NZ. Does this referee performance strike you as just 'unlucky' for the Reds. Please respond without reference to any other game, in other countries, if you can.
R.E.A.P.E.R.
Guest
Still early days: but nothing sweeter than watching the Sharks trounce another foriegn opponent!
R.E.A.P.E.R.
Guest
Sharks showing early dominance. Don't know why all the concern over reffing suddenly; sa teams had to deal with iffy decisions since the inception, and New Zealand won a Rugby World Cup with a cheating ref...enjoy your medicine!
strupper2003
Guest
Ignore those bogans Biltongbek. Congrats to Sharks
Yeah well, we do what we can.
Buzzard
Guest
Nothings changed in the last 50 years. Used to cheat against my beloved All Blacks on the great tours and the cheating continues.
DCNZ
Guest
The Shorks are a good team, lets see how they fare away. Same applies to Chiefs, Tahs, other early leaders...
Xiedazhou
Guest
Innocuous high tackle by Horwill. Penalty to Sharks. fair enough. Shortly thereafter, Reds in possession, head high tackle on Gill, infringement ignored, Gill goes to ground, not released by tackler, infringement ignored, tackler plays ball whilst not supporting his weight, infringement ignored, Gill penalised for holding on...... Disgraceful.
handles
Guest
I suggest a quick trip to spelling school.
LikesRugby
Guest
Aidan toua needs to learn hot to kick properly, and hold on to the ball!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
That's something i questioned right at the start. imo he is better just getting back into position and boiling over who he is going to destroy next, having him talking to the reff instead is imo not getting the best value from such a weapon.