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Two sides in red hot form face off when the Stormers host the Chiefs at Newlands in Cape Town. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 12:00am (AEDT) on Sunday morning for live scores and coverage.
Today’s winner will enjoy the result of a spotless five in a row season record as well as bragging rights as one of the form teams in the competition. T
Last week, the Stormers snuffed out all hope of territory gains from the Sharks by dominating the scrum.
There was at least two clear tighthead wins over the traditional set piece bullies. The Capetonians will target the Chiefs scrum which was bested for the most by the Brumbies.
Redheaded 120kg loosehead prop Steven Kitshoff will face off with 130kg tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna, who has been seen sporting his own red hairdo lately.
If the Stormers repeat last week’s performance, the Chiefs will not have the possession they need to win, in particular the midfield.
As demonstrated by both teams last week, size does count especially in the centres.
Centres like Charlie Ngatai and Sonny Bill Williams, weighting over 210kg in total, have railroaded through most teams, including stoic defenders such as the Brumbies.
Conversely, diminutive centres like Juan de Jongh may only be 88kg. But he uses his compact stature to deliver powerful elusive runs, creating opportunities from which the Stormers score points.
His centre partner, 23 year old Damian de Allende, is miles ahead of the Chiefs in terms of tackle busts, whilst Williams is one of the highest offloaders in the competition so far, tied with the Waratahs’ Israel Folau and the Blues’ Patrick Tuipulotu.
There is a strong chance that premier Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will not play, due to a shoulder knock. However, if he is able to play, we can expect an epic battle of the titans in the second row. The other titan, captain Duane Vermeulen will welcome Eben’s participation.
The Stormers have the best defence in the tournament, conceding the fewest metres and clean breaks this season. They will be tested by the Chiefs who has captain Liam Messam who will be ready to tear apart any defensive structures, working with playmakers such as All Black flyhalf Aaaron Cruden – who will kick, run and place his attackers into point making space.
Though uncapped at the national level, Nick Groom and Demetri Catrakilis have proven to be deadly attackers, which the Chiefs will be wary of. To date, Catrakilis has scored 20 more points than Cruden.
Prediction
It is anyone’s game. If the Chiefs are able to hold up their scrum, and respect possession (unlike the Highlanders game), they may come away with a famous win.
The man in the middle is one of the best in the world, Jaco Peyper. So we should expect a fast, flowing game. Hang on to your hats!
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.