Who we’d pay to watch...

Independent Media rugby writers ready to fork out the price of a ticket for these guys ...

JAGUARES V BULLS (Buenos Aires, 11.40pm SA time today) OCKERT DE VILLIERS

CORNAL Hendricks’ return to professional rugby has all the elements of a good Hollywood drama with our hero overcoming resounding odds and personal challenges to seize the prize.

Hendricks, above, has not only endured physical tests but undoubtedly had to battle some serious inner demons. He had to knock on many doors for an opportunity to play rugby again.

A heart condition temporarily stunted his career at the beginning of 2016 with rugby clubs understandably unwilling to risk taking him on despite Hendricks’ pleas.

That is until the Bulls signed him for this year’s Super Rugby campaign and this weekend he will play in his first game in the tournament since 2015.

It will be an emotional return for Hendricks but there will be little time for nostalgia as he looks to reward coach Pote Human for throwing him a lifeline.

Human said he believed the hunger that has driven the former Springbok flier to make his comeback would be channelled into a good performance against the South Americans.

“He must bank on his experience from four years ago; he is very hungry and very positive. When I told him he was going to play he was really excited,” Human said. “He told me: ‘Coach, I won’t let you down’ and I am very happy for him.”

My prediction: Bulls by 6

STORMERS V LIONS (Cape Town, 5.15pm today) ZAAHIER ADAMS

NOT ONLY have the Lions been the most successful South African Super Rugby franchise for the past few years, but they have also been the most entertaining to watch.

They play a brand of rugby that is pleasing to the eye, boasting a host of players such as Elton Jantjies and Co that simply ooze X-Factor.

My first choice would be Springbok flier Aphiwe Dyantyi, but with the speedster resting on the bench for the Newlands showdown, my ticket entry is worth the class of Kwagga Smith, above, alone.

The former Blitzbok adds a different dimension to the Lions as he is not only the perfect link between backs and forwards, but he is the ultimate sniffer dog – picking up everything off the ground and turning it over into possession for the Lions.

After last week’s dismal outing at Loftus Versfeld, the Stormers will need to find some form of inspiration to lift them and the electrifying Sergeal Petersen on debut may just provide that spark, just like Rosco Specman did for the Bulls.

As Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said: “He has definitely got X-Factor. He brings something special to our backs. He sees space well and hopefully he can expose that well.”

My prediction: Stormers by 2

SHARKS V BLUES (Durban, 3.05pm today) DARRYN POLLOCK

THE BLUES, as a rugby side, have been a real frustration to their fans in recent times.

They have at their disposal some of the most exciting New Zealand players in the world, but are unable to achieve the results they should hope to expect with that kind personnel.

In saying that, for this game at Kings Park the price of the ticket alone would be covered just by watching Sonny Bill Williams, above, up close and personal.

Williams almost single-handedly transformed rugby and its off-loading game, having a pass unofficially named after him.

More so, the Blues also have Rieko Ioane on the wing and to witnesses him in full flight should be with a few rands.

On the black and white front, Sbu Nkosi is an outstandingly talented player, and probably currently underrated.

I maintain that his star would be bigger than even golden boy Aphiwe Dyantyi had injuries not curtailed his time in the Springbok jersey.

Nkosi is all-action; he is fast, powerful, smart and devastating in defence as well. His childhood nickname of ‘Lomu’ quite often rings true when he goes head to head with defenders.

My prediction: Sharks by 11