The Stormers will play host to the Chiefs in a massive clash in Cape Town as both sides look to keep their undefeated streaks alive in 2017. Catch all the live scores on The Roar from 1:15am (AEST).
The last time these two met, the Chiefs rolled over the Stormers in Cape Town in the first week of the finals, completing a 60-21 demolition job to sink the South African’s title hopes.
The Stormers hadn’t played a New Zealand side all season leading into that final, as is the format of the draw, and come into today’s game under the same circumstances.
The Chiefs were undefeated coming over for the short two-game tour of South Africa, and remained so after pushing past the Bulls last week. 28-12.
The Stormers also overcame a South African side, cruising over a hapless Cheetahs side, piling on eight tries to one to win 53-10.
Both sides share nine wins each from their 18 games played against each other, but the Chiefs have won four of the last five, dominating the last few years.
Team News
The Stormers have made two changes to the side that beat the Cheetahs last week, including the return of Wilco Louw who has overcome a sternum injury.
After one week off, Louw will move into the front row at tighthead.
Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has been ruled out of the game thanks to a concussion he suffered last week, being replaced by Dewaldt Duvenage.
For the Chiefs, coach Dave Rennie has made a number of alterations to his side that got the job done last week.
Both Sam Cane and Nepo Laulau have been ruled out with concussion troubles, allowing Lachlan Boshier and Atu Moli to replace them at openside flanker and tighthead respectively.
Moli will be joined by loosehead Kane Hames who has been shuffled into the starting line up.
In the backline, the Chiefs will be without a suspended Johnny Fa’auli. Stephen Donald will take up the role at inside centre in his stead.
The final change will be the return of winger Toni Pulu, who has overcome a hamstring strain to make the side. Shaun Stevenson has been moved back to the bench to make way for Pulu.
Prediction
They both may be undefeated, but the Stormers are yet to face a New Zealand side this season, a conference that is usually regarded as the benchmark in Super Rugby.
No doubt the Stormers are a top side and will most likely be in the finals equation at the end of the season, but they might just hit a road bump this week against a Chiefs side that are quickly looking like one of premiership favourites.
Chiefs to win by 14
Catch all the live scores on The Roar from 1:15am (AEST).
davSA
Guest
Watched the game at my local. Even our die hard one sided ( and drunk) supporters were cheering the try through.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Mate, you guys have always had the players ... and you know it ... but I think the guy who should take the credit is Johan Ackerman, not Fleck or even Paul Feeney. Ackerman in 2016 showed the SA teams that to play winning rugby a more all round game is needed .... Those who don't evolve will be left behind. No we will need to see if Coetzee has heeded the changes needed, if not then surely his ship will have sailed...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Sorry NV/davSA my mistake .. it was Macca at the back who fielded the ball and after 8 passes Toni Pulu scored the try .... Macca twice, Lowe three times, Messam twice ALB once Pulu .... to score.... amazing! Then in the second half Leyds pass behind his back from on the ground to Marias ....really amazing skills! ... best match of the weekend! ... hats off to both teams ...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I need to watch a replay but I thought it was Lowe who started the move. shifted ball to Macca, who reconnected with Lowe again ...ALB was on it too as was Messam then I think Lowe was was in the movement for a third time as well but regardless it was great to watch ...
Joe King
Guest
Yep, you might be right. It certainly was a great try! But they'll need to take the 14 men into account when choosing the best try at the end of the season.
davSA
Guest
Yes NV it was McKenzie who also had an immense game overall imo.
davSA
Guest
The big difference between this years Stormers and last years is not Flekkie .
davSA
Guest
I had to take a slice of humble pie from my fridge and consume it for dissing your pre match prediction.Harry but did so with relish. This was one heck of a rugby spectacle.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Yes, they had guy in the bin, but in my book that try still stands as the try of season so far.
Joe King
Guest
The Chiefs first try was a beauty!! Did the Stormers only have 14 men at that stage?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Was it not McKenzie that started the move RT?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
To score that try (started by Lowe), they travelled 100 metres and how many sets of hands did it got through!
Old Bugger
Guest
Bugger....!!
taylorman
Guest
Great match, a couple of stunning tries.
Harry Jones
Expert
I give 80% credit to the Kiwi , mate Feeeeeeeney Presentment at ruck Support lines Speed at realignment Handling
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yes they are ahead of the Crusaders on points differential at the moment
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep and to be fair Robbie Fleck did not play his strongest side in Singapore.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
????
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Stormers are more or less already through to the playoffs. Who is gonna catch them in Africa 1? And home field advantage look very possible. Congrats Harry!
JMB
Guest
Even though it's got issues to sort out no comp in Northern Hemisphere gets anywhere near the quality and entertainment of that game.