Local rugby unlocked
It has been six months since we last saw the four local Super Rugby teams in action. But they will be back at it this weekend in a festival of rugby at Loftus Versfeld when the Lions take on the Stormers and the Bulls host the Sharks. Rudolph Jacobs takes a look at everything you need to know about your favourite team; from the sort of form they were in before the Covid-19 suspension, to what they were up to during lockdown, to who their key players are likely to be.
Who will be the key man: Undoubtedly that “title” will belong to Bok star and eighthman Duane Vermeulen (above), who has been entrusted by Jake White to lead the drive in a new direction. Vermeulen had re-signed with the Bulls even before White took charge, and his loyalty to the Bulls cause cannot be questioned, even if he does get called up to play for the Boks at a later stage. Veterans, Gio Aplon and Arno Botha are strong backup leaders.
What they did right before the break: The Bulls started their Super Rugby campaign with two away losses to the Sharks and the Stormers but still showed promising signs with veteran Bok flyhalf Morne Steyn calling the shots behind a solid pack. While they had to wait until their fourth match against the Highlanders to get a win, there were signs that the Bulls were getting back on track.
What wasn’t up to scratch before the break: Having suffered three straight loses before they recorded their first win, it was obvious everything wasn’t so rosy in the Bulls kraal. Match-winner Rosko Specman, received very little ball to attack with while the defence in the midfield, and especially in the the wider channels, was found wanting. What’s changed in the last six months: New coach Jake White released a host of players which included captain Burger Odendaal to the Lions but also went on a strong recruitment drive which netted the likes of Gio Aplon and Arno Botha.
Who will be the key man:
They’ve always been a team where the collective is bigger than the individual, but one can’t help but think that the one player who can provide the spark is captain Elton Jantjies (below). When he is firing the Lions have always done well. He will, however, rely heavily on a strong set-piece and the support from senior players like Jaco Kriel, Ruan Dreyer, Willem Alberts, Courtnall Skosan and Ross Cronje to drive the new focus.
What they did right before the break: Starting with a big away loss to the Jaguares, they showed some great attacking intent with coach Cash van Rooyen introducing some exciting youngsters. like scrumhalf Krappies van der Berg, while the midfield combination of Dan Kriel and Duncan Matthews was a work in progress. There were positive signs when they beat the Reds 27-20 at home and also pushed the Stormers very close.
What wasn’t up to scratch before the break: The Lions enjoyed a poor Super Rugby campaign where they managed just one win in six matches. They were especially poor in defence, while they lacked the required grunt in their pack.
What’s changed in the last six months: The Lions went on a pro-active recruitment drive and brought in several new (and former) players like Jaco Kriel, props Wiehahn Herbst and Ruan Dreyer, Burger Odendaal, utility back EW Viljoen, and wing Rabz Maxwane.
Who will be the key man: Since the appointment of centre Lukhanyo Am (above) as captain, the Bok midfielder has built on his superb showing at last year’s World Cup. His leadership style must have something to do with the Sharks’ success story so far, so he will remain a key figure going forward. Am’s midfield partnership with Jeremy Ward or Marius Louw has also been impressive following the departure of Andre Esterhuizen to England.
What they did right before the break: Under new coach Sean Everitt, who took over from Rob du Preez, the Sharks played delightful rugby and not only announced themselves as the top local team but also led the combined Super Rugby log. They enjoyed a successful tour to Australasia where they suffered just one defeat. With the input of attack coach Brent Janse van Rensburg, the Sharks could again be the team to beat.
What wasn’t up to scratch before the break: There wasn’t all that much to moan about, and coach Everitt wouldn’t have been least happy with the suspension of teh game. The Sharks were on a good run and had built up some nice momentum.
What’s changed in the last six months: They have only recently returned to contact training and have to dig deep with fullback Aphelele Fassi and star wings Makazole Mapimpi, S’bu Nkosi and Madosh Tambwe not available, while there is also doubt over hooker Kerron van Vuuren.
Who will be the key man: On most occasions one would have pointed to Bok star Pieter-Steph du Toit, but now that he is only set to return in the later stages of Super Rugby Unlocked, one has to lean towards scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies (below). He had a dream 2019 debut season for the Boks, scoring twice on debut against the Wallabies, while also scoring the decider against the All Blacks on Kiwi soil.
What they did right before the break: The Stormers appointed a new coach in John Dobson, who took over from Robbie Fleck. Initially there were very positive signs and they won their first four matches on the trot, including keeping the Hurricanes and Bulls scoreless. They also won a humdinger against the Lions, with Ruan Nel scoring the match-winner.
What wasn’t up to scratch before the break: After their promising start they went of fthe boil, losing their next two, against the Blues and the Sharks and exposing potential weaknesses in their defensive structures. They also suffered some key injury setbacks to the likes of Siya Kolisi, Du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi and Jantjies.
What’s changed in the last six months: Their financial woes are well documented, but they managed to hold on to their World Cup winners and senior players, barring Wilco Louw and Cobus Wiese. With the exception of Du Toit, there has been a high recovery rate by injured players.