HABANA’S KEY BATTLES
IT IS the Six Nations champions against the Rugby Championship champions. South Africa adapted their gameplan for Japan last week and set out to physically impose themselves on the opposition. That involved a lot of driving mauls and forward domination. Today, Wales will also try to impose themselves and the side that do it better will probably win. We’ve got two juggernaut packs coming up against one another but, as a winger, I’m just as excited about the battle out wide. Here are my key match-ups:
MAK MAPIMPI v GEORGE NORTH
ALL four wingers on the pitch are excellent athletes. They work off their wings incredibly well and try to get their hands on the ball as much as possible. George North (left) can bash through the forwards and score out wide. It’s incredible that North is 27 and already has 90 caps. Josh Adams has been exceptional under Biggar’s high balls and Mapimpi’s support lines are wonderful. In previous World Cups, we’ve had little guys like Shane Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Jason Robinson light up the tournament. This year we’ve seen Adams, Kenki Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushima and Cheslin Kolbe, who unfortunately is injured.
FAF DE KLERK v GARETH DAVIES
FAF’S golden locks make him stand out a little bit but his play has been equally eye-catching. He was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2018 and he brings so much energy. If Faf’s playing well, South Africa play well. Both sets of half-backs are very similar. They like to speed up the tempo and they aren’t shy of contact. Faf (right) and Gareth Davies have scored some good tries and they’ve got fly-halves outside them who like to attack the gain line. They’re both very tactically orientated in terms of making sure they play in the right areas.
DUANE VERMEULEN v JUSTIN TIPURIC
THEY have different numbers on their shirt but they are two of the world’s classiest back-row forwards. Duane is pure grunt, South Africa’s very own Thor. If you’re tackled by him, you know about it. He’s a threat in attack and defence and so hard to get off the ball. Wales will be disappointed to lose Josh Navidi but Tipuric is strong enough to lead that loose trio. I’m a massive fan of his running skills. With his silky hands, he does things you don’t expect from a loose forward. He can have several game-changing moments in a match, whether it’s the breakdown or his link play.