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Almost 650 kilometers separate Bloemfontein from Durban … however, in terms of rugby, you might have an excuse to think that they are much closer than that.
For a long time there has been an abundant “transfer traffic” between cheetahs and sharks, and more commonly en route to the coast.
The phenomenon is clearly demonstrated when examining some of the biggest singles matchups for Friday night’s tremendous fight (7pm) at Super Rugby Unlocked, where the loser will likely be left out of the title fight.
In short, a “crossover” theme between franchises is readily apparent.
Here are some of the positional contests to observe with an eagle eye …
Marius Louw (sharks) v Frans Steyn (cheetahs)
The planet could have been shaken even more if the battle inside the center had pitted Steyn against a former giant of the Paper Sharks: Andre Esterhuizen.
But the last named player is now on the Harlequin books in England … and we still get a healthy puff of gunpowder at number 12 anyway.
In the visitors’ corner will be one of South Africa’s most distinguished and recognizable rugby figures, as Steyn, 1.91m, approximately 110kg, double World Cup champion (2007 and 2019), makes a moving but certainly still extremely combative. intentional return to Kings Park.
The 33-year-old has had two solid previous spells in his books, of course, but he’s back in the colors of the province of his birth, and here he meets a fellow former student (albeit a few years later) from the legendary Gray College of Bloemfontein.
Louw, 25, also plays with natural frankness and physical delight, doesn’t reveal much to Steyn physically at 1.82m and 96kg, and was in good shape in all respects in last week’s beating against the Pumas at the Mbombela stadium.
He ran some smart lines and slick dumps en route to the 42-19 result to go with his most renowned credentials.
Aside from the complicated task of keeping an eye on Steyn, who is enormously smart on the streets, the Sharks will be even more interested in Louw coming out again, as they are not in midfield their headline Bok No. 13 and the captain Lukhanyo Am for an untimely injury.
Madosh Tambwe (Sharks) v Malcolm Jaer (Cheetahs)
The home team may be lamenting at the moment the absence of three backup teachers Aphelele Fassie and S’bu Nkosi (injured) and Makazole Mapimpi (“sabbatical” in Japan) … but someone like Tambwe more than maintains a factor of excitement in that area of the park.
He had a couple of devastating attacking forays into Nelspruit a few days ago, including a delightful attempt after great footwork and a bolt of speed, and his former Lions coach, Swys de Bruin, in a television review this week. , he touted as “the stallion … a great player.”
Tasked with keeping the song at bay, Kinshasa-born Tambwe is Cheetah’s right wing Jaer, a pocket rocket who also loves to be up front whenever possible.
He provided the Pumas nightmares in the first round of the competition when he racked up a hat-trick of attempts, including two in the first 12 minutes.
Henco Venter (sharks) v Junior Pokomela (cheetahs)
Both men are acting captains of their respective franchises and are on duty in the blind flank position at Kings Park.
So not only will your own battle be important, but how well you pull the tactical and motivational strings could also be a key determinant of the outcome in a high-stakes match.
Yes, Venter is another one of those members of the Shark ranks born in Bloemfontein and brought up in Gray after his change earlier this year; he is able to mix it up closely, but also exploits his mobility to stand out in open play.
The same applies to Pokomela, although he has slightly larger physical dimensions and may have an authority advantage at the back of the lineout.
Born in Port Elizabeth, the former SA Schools and U20 star has been in the Cheetahs books for about four seasons and will know Venter’s game very well.
Pokomela has also been fitting superbly on the flank thus far with Andisa Ntsila equally dynamic, prowling and quick on the breakout.
Ox Nche (sharks) v Luan de Bruin (cheetahs)
How often could these two have fought each other in training?
There’s no chance of any “unknown factors” here as Sharks loosehead Nche take on the Cheetahs’ No. 3 De Bruin on the set piece.
For several years, whether at the youth or professional level, these two were squadmates at Free State Stadium until the former packed his bags for Durban at the end of last season.
Currently a Springbok with a cap but playing with a commitment that suggests serious additional ambitions, the low-rise Nche has quickly become a new favorite in the Durban ranks following the retirement of Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, a servant of landowners. .
Already known for his big hits and drives, Nche has paid close attention to his scrum recently, and taking on the burly 27-year-old De Bruin (still young enough to realistically seek greater honors) is another opportunity to score a box. on that crucial front.
That desire, mind, can be mutual …
Equipment:
Sharks
15 Manie Libbok, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter (captain), 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van more, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Werner Kok
Cheetahs
15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Malcolm Jaer, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer, 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Junior Pokomela (captain), 6 Andisa Ntsila, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Carl Wegner, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Charles Marais
Substitutes: 16 Jacques du Toit, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Oupa Mohoje, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Ruben de Haas, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 Chris Smit
* Follow our editor-in-chief on Twitter: @RobHouwing
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