THE Stormers will look to inspirational lock Andries Bekker to again deliver a towering performance during their tough encounter against the Crusaders at Newlands on Saturday.
The Cape side have lost their last two home matches against the seven-time champions, both in 2011 (the second match was the semifinal), and as a consequence have built up significant mental scar tissue when it comes to facing the New Zealanders.
But after consecutive wins against the Chiefs and Brumbies, where Bekker played a prominent role, the Stormers are hoping to maintain the momentum they have gathered and take it into this clash.
The Crusaders are also fresh off two wins – against the Bulls and Kings – but are in SA without All Black legends Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. It undermines the tourists’ strength and if ever the Stormers were to pull one over the Crusaders, it would have to be this weekend.
And to do that Bekker’s superb lineout ability and athleticism across the park will play a massive role. Against the Brumbies last week he made two clean line breaks, to take his tally to four for the season. That’s on par with the likes of Digby Ioane, Julian Savea, Lelia Masaga and more than Robbie Fruean. Bekker’s in good company. The 2.08m tall lock has also scored three tries this season, while taking his own lineout ball with ease.
“Andries have been fantastic because he has been playing week in and out and you can see how his form has improved because of the momentum he’s built up,” Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said.
“Hopefully he can stay fit and we can get as much game time as possible from him. He is vital to our campaign.
“But I also have to acknowledge how well the pack has played as a unit and because the guys around Andries have all pulled their weight, it frees him up to run with the ball and get around the park. For that to happen a guy like De Kock Steenkamp needs to hit 20-30 rucks in a game and make a lot of tackles. Everyone is complementing each other at the moment.”
The Stormers also have injury problems though and the latest is hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who has been ruled out for a lengthy period with torn elbow ligaments.
The Cheetahs, after winning three of four tour matches, enjoy their second home outing of the season when they take on the Rebels in Bloemfontein.
On current form the Cheetahs should win comfortably but the only thing consistent about the Cheetahs over the years, has been their inconsistency.
To prove to everyone, including themselves, that they are genuine playoff contenders, they need to beat the lowly Rebels and secure a fourth straight win for only their second time in the franchise’s history.
The Bulls have given a start to current junior World Player of the Year Jan Serfontein after a strong 15-minute cameo off the bench against the Reds last week, for this weekend’s match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Serfontein replaces Francois Venter at centre as the Bulls look to secure their second win on tour after losses to the Crusaders and Reds.
The Kings’ road trip continues against the Hurricanes in Wellington following last week’s heavy defeat by the Crusaders.
Stormers put faith in Bekker to do damage at Newlands
The Cape side have lost their last two home matches against the seven-time champions, both in 2011 (the second match was the semifinal), and as a consequence have built up significant mental scar tissue when it comes to facing the New Zealanders.
But after consecutive wins against the Chiefs and Brumbies, where Bekker played a prominent role, the Stormers are hoping to maintain the momentum they have gathered and take it into this clash.
The Crusaders are also fresh off two wins – against the Bulls and Kings – but are in SA without All Black legends Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. It undermines the tourists’ strength and if ever the Stormers were to pull one over the Crusaders, it would have to be this weekend.
And to do that Bekker’s superb lineout ability and athleticism across the park will play a massive role. Against the Brumbies last week he made two clean line breaks, to take his tally to four for the season. That’s on par with the likes of Digby Ioane, Julian Savea, Lelia Masaga and more than Robbie Fruean. Bekker’s in good company. The 2.08m tall lock has also scored three tries this season, while taking his own lineout ball with ease.
“Andries have been fantastic because he has been playing week in and out and you can see how his form has improved because of the momentum he’s built up,” Stormers captain Jean de Villiers said.
“Hopefully he can stay fit and we can get as much game time as possible from him. He is vital to our campaign.
“But I also have to acknowledge how well the pack has played as a unit and because the guys around Andries have all pulled their weight, it frees him up to run with the ball and get around the park. For that to happen a guy like De Kock Steenkamp needs to hit 20-30 rucks in a game and make a lot of tackles. Everyone is complementing each other at the moment.”
The Stormers also have injury problems though and the latest is hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who has been ruled out for a lengthy period with torn elbow ligaments.
The Cheetahs, after winning three of four tour matches, enjoy their second home outing of the season when they take on the Rebels in Bloemfontein.
On current form the Cheetahs should win comfortably but the only thing consistent about the Cheetahs over the years, has been their inconsistency.
To prove to everyone, including themselves, that they are genuine playoff contenders, they need to beat the lowly Rebels and secure a fourth straight win for only their second time in the franchise’s history.
The Bulls have given a start to current junior World Player of the Year Jan Serfontein after a strong 15-minute cameo off the bench against the Reds last week, for this weekend’s match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Serfontein replaces Francois Venter at centre as the Bulls look to secure their second win on tour after losses to the Crusaders and Reds.
The Kings’ road trip continues against the Hurricanes in Wellington following last week’s heavy defeat by the Crusaders.
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