The game breakers

The Bulls and Stormers are set to battle it out in front of 50 000 spectators in a URC clash at Loftus Versfeld at 5.05pm today. The stakes will be high with bragging rights as well as vital URC log points on offer. Plenty of talent will be on display, including nine Rugby World Cup winners. Athenkosi Tsotsi looks at six players, three from the Bulls and three from the Stormers, that we expect to play a telling role in the match.

Wilco Louw

The big prop has been a hit since joining the Bulls, playing a key part in the team’s scrum becoming a real factor in all competitions. Given how the Bulls have had a young crop in the front row, Louw’s experience and knowledge has helped the Pretoria-based team move into the top part of the log. Louw, a former Stormers man, will relish the prospect of going up against his ex employers and his battle with Sti Sithole should be a key tussle. If Louw gets the edge up front, expect the Bulls to dominate the scrums.

Hacjivah Dayimani

The dynamic loose forward always shows up in big games, and they don’t get much bigger than this North-South derby at Loftus. Dayimani will be key for the Stormers, with his ball skills and running prowess important in open play. His awareness and game intelligence, especially late in the second half, make him a dangerous operator. If the Bulls aren’t switched on in defence, he is sure to punish them in open play. Dayimani could be tested physically against a big Bulls pack but he’s shown he’s up for anything and won’t stand back.

Embrose Papier

Scrum-half Embrose Papier is one of the in-form players in the URC. He has won back-to-back Player-of-the-Match awards and proved to be a good game manager with his distribution and kicking skills. Papier also has the ability to break defensive lines with his fast pace and is sure to be a man the Stormers will have to keep an eye on. A number of teams have struggled to get a hold of him once he gets going. His battle with Herschel Jantjies will be an important one, with both men having missed out on a Bok alignment camp call-up.

Manie Libbok

Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok is a prolific performer in the URC. When the big pressure moments come in a big game, he usually stands out. And he’s back this week after a resting period. Some of Libbok’s most memorable games in the URC have been against the Bulls, his former employers, so we could be in for another cracker-jack showing. Libbok has shown that he can control games and dictate the tempo to suit his side. He has also proved to be someone who can be trusted when the game comes down to the last kick.

Akker van der Merwe

Akker van der Merwe will come off the bench for the Bulls and they will hope he can make a big impact.

Every time the “angry warthog” has been used as a substitute, he has done well, bringing stability to the side with his wealth of experience.

The hooker is the second leading tryscorer in the URC with eight tries so far this season, so he knows his way to the tryline. He has a rare ability to score when the Bulls need it most or when they want to pull away in a game.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The exciting youngster will be a major asset for the Stormers coming off the bench as he provides cover right across the backline and can play at 10, 12, and 15. He would even be comfortable on the wing. This could be a big moment in his development and growth as a rugby player as playing in front of a full-house at Loftus can be pretty daunting. However, Feinberg-Mngomezulu has shown he has nerves of steel and plays with a maturity beyond his age. The 22-year-old also brings his long-distance kicking ability to the Stormers mix.