It’s a lining-up of two great sides

Who will stand tall after 80 minutes? Rugby writer matches up the Cheetahs and Bulls teams ahead of tomorrow’s Currie Cup final in Bloemfontein and finds that the home team, unbeaten in nine matches in the competition, just edge their opponents from Pret

CHEETAHS

BACK THREE They’re fast, they’re powerful and they’re try-hungry. Just last week Sergeal Petersen scored a hat-trick against the Lions, and let’s not write off the attacking threat posed by fullback Clayton Blommetjies and left wing Raymond Rhule. If there is a weakness, it’s Blommetjies trying to do the extraordinary.

Score: 8

One of the main reasons why the home team have been so devastating with ball in hand is because Nico Lee has enjoyed a fabulous two months. Together with his skipper, Francois Venter, they’ve carved up all comers this season. Workhorses and wonderful distributors of the ball.

Score: 8 HALFBACKS

Shaun Venter and Niel Marais are now the heartbeat of their team. Marais, especially, is a smart operator who makes good decisions; his biggest test tomorrow will be knocking over the kicks at goal.

Score: 8 LOOSE TRIO

From No 8 Niell Jordaan, through blindside flank Uzair Cassiem, to openside Paul Schoeman, it’s a back-row to be taken very seriously. Cassiem especially has been a revelation.

Score: 8 TIGHT FIVE

You know there’s something special happening in the Cheetahs pack when they’re able to disrupt the Lions. None of the heavies are household names but they will be soon. Sadly, Ox Nche (leg injury) shifts to the bench with Charles Marais coming in.

Score: 7 MIDFIELD BLOEMFONTEIN TEAMS

BENCH It’s a dynamic and very mobile bench, and Tian Meyer, Fred Zeilinga and Rayno Benjamin give their team plenty of zip when they’re called upon.

Score: 6 BACK THREE

Like their opponents, a trio of seriously formidable men, who love nothing more than to run with the ball. You’re not going to see much kicking from Ulrich Beyers, Travis Ismaiel and Jamba Ulengo, who has scored seven tries to be joint top try-scorer. Defensively, they’re not to be sniffed at so expect the two sets of wings to keep each other on their toes.

Score: 8 BULLS MIDFIELD

Burger Odendaal and Dries Swanepoel waited a long time for their chance at the big time and it’s come in the last few weeks; the pair are producing scintillating rugby in the midfield. Both are powerful strike runners, but they also know how to put the men on their sides into gaps. We’re in for a stunning battle between the centres.

Score: 7 HALFBACKS

Flyhalf Tian Schoeman sits comfortably at the top of the competition points scorers’ list with 137, including two tries, and he’ll be the man his teammates look to provide the spark. But more will depend on the nippy and hugely experienced Rudy Paige, a player who simply isn’t regarded highly enough.

Score: 7 LOOSE TRIO

Captain and No 8 Arno Botha hasn’t quite reached the heights of a few years ago, but he’s still a formidable player, but it’s Jannes Kirsten, with his strong runs and linking play, who has caught the attention. And Roelof Smit, too, has been a real find … they’re a trio who have settled nicely.

Score: 7 TIGHT FIVE

They’re going to miss lock RG Snyman, but Jason Jenkins is a more than capable replacement, while Marvin Orie has been excellent. And no-one will like coming up against Jacobie Adriaanse, Jaco Visagie and Lizo Gqoboka at scrum-time. It’s going to be a sensational scrum battle, with the Bulls edging their opponents in the line-outs.

Score: 7

It’s a mixture of youth and experience, but in Bandise Maku and Hanro Liebenberg they have players who can lift the tempo, while for rookies Ivan van Zyl (a hero a week ago) and Joshua Stander this will be their biggest moment on a rugby field. Bjorn Basson could play a key role.

Score: 7 BENCH