Brand-new ‘heavy’ Jonker is up against it
THE Lions will be looking to make it three in a row in Australia tomorrow when they come up against the Brumbies in Canberra (kickoff 11:45am). Johan Ackermann’s men have already got the better of the Force and the Rebels, with bonus points, but this will be their toughest test by far. Here rugby writer looks at some of the key clashes that could spice up this Super Rugby match Henry Speight v Courtnall Skosan
It’s the big match-up on the wing where the Wallaby power-runner is up against the aspirant Springbok. Skosan doesn’t have the weight or experience Speight possesses, but he has the pace, desire and eye for the tryline that sets him apart from many other wingers. There’s not much between the two men, with Speight having scored six tries and Skosan seven this season. The Aussie has made 12 line-breaks, to Skosan’s 15, an indication both men involve themselves in the action. The Lions man though is the more clinical of the two, making just 12 handling errors, to Speight’s 31. It promises to be a thrilling duel out wide. Tevita Kuridrani v Lionel Mapoe
Both men have played a few Test matches for their countries and will be hoping to be involved again this June so they have everything to play for. Kuridrani has been a real star for his team in recent seasons, but then Mapoe, too, for the Lions. Kuridrani’s power-runs have netted him four tries, while the Lions man has crossed the whitewash twice this year. The Brumbies man prefers hanging onto the ball and having a go himself – he’s made just five good passes and four offloads in 71 ball carries – while Mapoe is more a playmaker; he’s made 32 good passes and seven offloads in 56 ball carries. Different styles, but an intriguing match-up. Sam Carter v Franco Mostert
The Brumbies captain has a wealth of experience, while Mostert is still trying to become a permanent member of the Springbok team. That said, Mostert has been one of the stars of the competition this year and will be relishing the battle with Carter, who’s crossed for a quite astonishing five tries so far. There’s again no much to choose between the No 5 locks; both are mobile and enjoy carrying the ball and both seemingly pull off several tackles per game. Mostert though, with seven lineout steals to Carter’s nil, appears to be the better lineout man. Who’ll dominate this contest?