Stormers vs Bulls: Super Rugby live scores, blog

Coming off a clinical 27-0 win against the Hurricanes, the Stormers will look to continue their good start to Super Rugby against the Bulls. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 2:15am (AEDT).

You couldn’t ask for much more from the Stormers in week one; holding the Hurricanes scoreless, taking their opportunities and claiming the bonus-point win. A well-rounded performance that physically puts them into the top four while establishing themselves as one of the teams to beat.

The Bulls lost to the Sharks, but held their own for much of the game, however without nabbing a losing bonus point. Morne Steyn’s kicking game restricted them throughout the game, and their forward pack didn’t stand out up front. Today’s game begins a key stretch of matches for Pote Human’s men.

After this fixture, they return home for three games before embarking on their Trans-Tasman tour.

Over the next five games, the Stormers play all four of their conference neighbours, having beaten all of them last year. This game is important in terms of momentum.

While these teams shared the honours last season, the Bulls will take confidence from their 40-3 win early, with the Stormers only sneaking home 24-23.

In team news, two major losses for the Stormers, who will be without hooker Bongi Mbonambi and World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi. Scarra Ntubeni comes into the front row for Mbonambi, who had a good game last week, where he’ll join new captain Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, who plays his 100th game.

Johan du Toit comes into the back row where he’ll join his brother. They’ve got four changes to the bench: Cobus Wiese, Juarno Agustus, Jean-Luc du Plessis and Chad Solomon come onto the pine.

For the Bulls, only one change to the starting XV, as Trevor Nyakane slots in for Wiehahn Herbst, who drops back to the bench.

Prediction
The Stormers simply have a better, stronger team, both up front and in the backs. If the Bulls want to compete, they’ll need to start fast, and not be playing from behind.

Discipline could also play a part – last week the Hurricanes were severely hamstrung by multiple yellow cards and a lopsided penalty count.

The Stormers will win it at home and continue their fast start. Keep an eye on Hershel Jantjies, who stood out in last weekend’s victory.

Stormers by 16.

Game information

Time: 2:15pm (AEDT)
Venue: DHL Newlands
TV: Fox Sports
Last five meetings: Stormers 24-23, Bulls 40-3, Stormers 29-17, Bulls 33-23, Stormers 41-33.
Referee: Marius van Westhuizen

Squads

Stormers
Steven Kitshoff (c), Scala Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Chris van Zyl, Jaco Coetzee, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Johan du Toit, Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Jamie Roberts, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Dillyn Leyds.

Reserves: Chad Solomon Ali Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Ernst van Rhyn, Juarno Augustus, Godlen Masimla, Jean-Luc du Plessis.

Bulls
Lizo Gqoboka, Jaco Visagie, Trevor Nyakane, Andries Ferreira, Juandre Kruger, Jeandre Rudolph, Abongile Nonkontwana, Josh Strauss, Ivan van Zyl, Morne Steyn, Rosko Specman, Burger Odendaal (c), Johnny Kotze, Cornal Hendricks, Warrick Gelant.

Reserves: Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenkamp, Wiehahn Herbst, Ruan Nortje, Wian Vosloo, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Divan Rossouw.