Super 14: South African Snapshot, Week One

We see two solid quality local derbies; and the possible re-emergence of one of the powerhouses of Southern Hemisphere domestic rugby.

Early days of course, but there was a lot to like about the look of the 2007 champions, especially with their big name players putting a poor last year behind them.

Lions 34 V Cheetahs 28 @ Ellis Park

The two lowest ranked teams from 2008 put in a remarkable high quality encounter, in which saw the expected physical ferocity and strong forward play that we see from South African teams.

The Lions will be happy to notch an early win considering their wooden spoon from last year.  They showed enough facets to show that they will not roll over; and will aim for a position higher than 11th, where they have finished at or lower since 2002.

The manner in which they galloped out to a handy lead and notched their four tries and bonus point showed the attacking armoury evident in this team.  There is enough talent in their forward and back divisions that they will compete especially with the attacking pivots of Earl Rose and Andre Pretorius.

However, they did reveal a glaring weakness in their line outs, losing an atrocious eleven of their own throw.

The Cheetahs will now embark on a five match horror road trip, but will take heart in the manner in which they came back at the Lions winning the second half 17-10. 

However, lack of genuine attacking class may cost the team against the flagship teams of the competition.  In Juan Smith they have a mighty captain and outstanding flanker, and he will be ably served by his back row shock troops Frans Viljoen and Heinrich Brussow.

Their five match tour starts with the Force in Perth, and ends with the Highlanders in Dunedin.  If they could make history and win their first Australasian match, six straight home games late in the season could see them make a surprising mid table appearance.

Shark 20 V Stormers 15 @ Cape Town

Said by many to be the key teams spearheading South Africa’s title hopes, the match certainly lived up to its billing as the two heavyweights smashed into each other with gusto.

The Sharks are worthy of their status as South Africa’s premier team, finishing in the semi finals last year and being current Currie Cup champions.  While they took a while to get into the game, to come back against a team of the class of the Stormers will give them confidence this early in the season.

John Smit was inspirational in the pack and his return this year will count for much as the season progress.  The playmaking combination of Ruan Pienaar and Francois Steyn looked promising, but the former will want to ensure he tightens his kicking boots as the season progresses.

The Stormers will hope Jean De Villiers is not out for too long, for their midfield and scramble defence lacked when he was stretchered off the field.  However, their backline looked impressive especially with the luxury of having veteran Percy Montgomery come off the bench.

After a “close but no cigar” season last year, where the franchise were brilliant away from home, they will be disappointed to have been overrun by the Sharks. 

They will target this week’s game as must win combating the Reds followed by the Blues at home.  Unlike 2008, early season wins are crucial, before they embark on a horrendous road trip featuring the Crusaders, Waratahs, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Highlanders.

Still, both teams showed enough complete game nous and power to threaten the top half of the competition table.

Bulls 33 V Reds 20 @ Pretoria

The Bulls showed a different shade than the disappointing team that struggled through the 2008 season.  While put under early pressure by the Reds, they eventually imposed themselves on the young Queensland side.

However, the early advantage they gave to the Reds will not want to be completed, against more powerful sides in the competition they may not be able to come back so strong.

Most pleasing to the Blue blooded faithful, will be the form of their marquee players.

Victor Matfield, who was injured and will not feature against the incoming Blues, was a tower in the pack and was well supported by his loose forwards.  Pierre Spies had an immense game and will lead the typically abrasive Bulls back row.

The 2007 champions also showed flashes within their back division.  Fourie Du Preez showed glimpse of the class that had him regarded as the premier scrum half in the world, and the IRB 2007 World player of the year Bryan Habana looked hungry.

For a team not talked up preseason, they could be an ominous proposition this year.

South Africa team of the week

15 – Conrad Jantjes, 14 – Henno Mentz, 13 – Adi Jacobs, 12 – Wynand Olivier, 11 – Bryan Habana

10 – Ruan Piennar, 9 – Fourie Du Preez, 8 – Ryan Kankowski, 7- Juan Smith, 6 – Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 – Victor Matfield, 4 – Adriaan Fondse, 3, Jannie Du Plessis, 2 – John Smit, 1 – Heinke van der Merwe