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The Waratahs are in the top six with a 4-3 record, but a dreadful performance against the Force last Saturday means that doubts have surfaced about their playoff perigee. Can they beat the Bulls for the first time in eight years? Join The Roar for Live scores and coverage from 7:40pm (AEDT).
Both sides are desperate for a win. Only four points separates the 5th placed Waratahs from the 12th placed Reds. The Bulls are in 8th place on 18 points.
Despite losing two games on the road the Bulls are a settled team. Captain Flip van der Merwe has been named in the starting team after he passed a fitness test.
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Van der Merwe was in doubt after he was injured in last weekend’s bonus point loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin, but has recovered sufficiently from his arm injury to lead the team.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke named the same starting team that played in Dunedin, but made one change on the bench, where Rudy Paige will act as scrum-half cover.
The Bulls kick the ball more than any other team in the competition and statistically have one the best lineouts. They will attempt to suffocate the Waratahs who have only scored three tries in the last three games.
The Waratahs attack should be boosted by the return of Israel Folau, who was denied the chance to play last weekend by the ARU.
In four games this season Folau has run 408 metres, beaten 13 defenders and scored seven tries.
Michael Hooper’s stats are very good this season. He has made 68 tackles and carried the ball 56 times for a gain of 200 metres. However he was outplayed by the outstanding Matt Hodgson last Saturday and needs a big game to reassert himself as the top openside in Australia.
Hooper will mark Jacques du Plessis, the 20 year old, who has been one of the Bulls best this season. He has made 79 tackles and gained 161 metres with ball in hand.
A possession based team against a kick and chase based team. Two teams out of form seeking a return to form. It will be a good scrap!
Join The Roar for Live scores and coverage from 7:40pm (AEDT).
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.