Roar Guru
Join us here on The Roar for a rare Sunday afternoon treat, as the Waratahs host the Lions from South Africa at Allianz Stadium at 4.05pm (AEST).
The Waratahs are coming off the bye last round and are heavily favoured to win at home against a Lions team short on experience and low on form.
The Waratahs are currently sitting third in the Australian conference and will be looking for a bonus point win to keep pace with not only their own conference but also to force their way into a wildcard position on the overall standings.
The Lions are currently in third position in the South African conference and while not in a position to challenge for a playoff spot will want to continue on with a solid season, after regaining their position in Super Rugby having failed to feature in the 2013 competition.
History would suggest this is a bridge too far for the Lions, with the franchise having never recorded a win against the Waratahs in Australia and their last win against the men from NSW way back in 2001 at Ellis Park.
However to write the Lions off this afternoon would be foolish. Anyone who saw last weekend’s comeback against the Highlanders knows this Lions team has plenty of spirit and will scrap for every inch,.
The Waratahs are in for a fight this afternoon, despite what the bookies may tell you.
Key match-ups
Nick Phipps versus Francois de Klerk
Faf de Klerk is one of the form halfbacks of the competition and pushing for higher honours. The often-maligned Nick Phipps will be looking to show his form against the Hurricanes was not a one-off.
Wycliff Palu versus Warren Whiteley
These two impressive number eights will be keen to see their team get on the front foot. Palu will look to follow-up on his good performance against the Hurricanes after an injury-plagued season. Whiteley, the inspirational and workaholic Lions eight man, wants to secure a rare away win for his team.
Despite coming off the bye, when teams often struggle to find their best form, I expect the Waratahs will have too much in the tank for this Lions team. However I do not believe it will be as straight forward as many have predicted.
Before you tuck into your Sunday roast, join us on the live blog to discuss and dissect the action as it unfolds!
Tip: Waratahs by 20.