Can this game get more important for the Rebels?
A win here and they go 11 or 12 points clear of the Waratahs in the battle of the Australian conference before the first encounter of the two teams next week.
Form
The Rebels are coming off the back of two bonus point wins in Australia since returning from a tough tour of South Africa where they could only manage a losing bonus point.
The Stormers have had a horrible tour losing all 3 games on the road so far and failing to really make an impact in the last two games after a narrow defeat to the Canes 3 weeks ago. The Stormers have only managed 11 trys in the 7 matches so far this season which is the worst of all teams, and currently, sit bottom of the South African conference and 11th overall. However, the Rebels have managed to cross the line on 30 occasions this season and are sitting second overall for trys and on the table.
Line Ups
The Rebels have made four changes to the side that beat the Sunwolves last weekend, Sam Talakai, Robbie Abel and Ross Haylett-Petty all start this week and Richard Hardwick returns to the bench. The Rebels have rested Matt Phillip (bruised heel) Jack Maddox (tendonitis, knee) and Anaru Rangi (rolled ankle).
Looking forward to Semisi Tupou getting some game time, looks like a really promising winger in the few minutes he has had for the Rebels. Billy Meakes was also cleared to play after one of the worst sightings in recent Sanzar history.
Bill Meakes – survived the SANZAAR wheel of misfortune
The Stormers have been bombarded by injury this season and the compulsory resting of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi couldn’t come at a worse time for the tourist. They have made six changes from the side that faced the Reds last weekend. Loose head prop Steven Kitchoff starts this week and has been given the captain armband. While Bongi Mbonmbi and Wilco Louw start in the front row as part of the Stormers rotation policy.
Steven Kitshoff – the big red machine is skipper for this match
The real weakness at the moment is the Stormers second row who are completely testing the depth of their squad with Schickerling, Etzebeth and Du Toit all out injured at the moment. There has only been one change in the backs from the side that lost to the Reds, with Herschel Jantjies starting at scrum half, former South African 7’s speedster Seabelo Senatia has been added to the bench.
Key Match Ups
Who will we keep an eye on this week?
Cooper v Plessis
Cooper has been in fine form on Australian soil, his two games in South Africa were average and he will be stepping out onto AAMI park on Friday night with a point to prove, he has been playing some great rugby at times this year against the Australian sides but needs to carry on with that form against international opposition as well.
Quade Cooper – lighting up Melbourne
Plessis is battling to keep his spot in the Stormers side ahead of Damian Willemse and needs to step up after a disappointing tour so far. He will face one hell of a challenge against Cooper, arguably in his best for since 2011.
Jones v Van Rhyn
Jones form so far this season has a lot of fans wanting to see him in Wallabies gold this year, his work is not going unnoticed and has been a massive influence in the Rebels line out in 2019. Van Rhyn has been given the start this week because of line out ability and faces a massive task with Luke Jone stealing line outs for fun the last two weeks.
Chances are the experienced Jones will have a field date at lineout time, and push even harder for a spot in the RWC squad.
What to Expect
A clash of the opposites, the Rebels love to attach and will look to counter a lot. While the Stormers play a more structured discipline game plan and will patiently try to break down the Rebels.
Prediction
I am going with my heart for once, I think the long tour for the Stormers is going to get a lot longer. After a tight first half, the Rebels squad depth will be too much and they will run away with a bonus point win.
Rebels by 17
[one_half last=”no”]
Rebels
1.Tetera Faulkner
2.Robbie Abel
3.Sam Talakai
4.Ross Haylett-Petty
5.Adam Coleman
6.Luke Jones
7.Angus Cottrell ©
8.Isi Naisarani
9.Will Genia
10.Quade Cooper
11.Marika Koroibete
12.Billy Meakes
13.Tom English
14.Semisi Tupou
15.Reece Hodge
Replacements
16.Hugh Roach
17.Matt Gibbon
18.Jermaine Ainsley
19.Esei Ha’angana
20.Rob Leota
21.Michael Ruru
22.Richard Hardwick
23.Campbell Magnay
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Stormers
1. Steven Kitshoff
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Wilco Louw
4. Salmaan Moerat
5. Cobus Wiese
6. Ernst van Rhyn
7. Kobus van Dyk
8. Jaco Coetzee
9. Herschel Jantjies
10. Jean-Luc du Plessis
11. Dillyn Leyds
12. Damian de Allende
13. Ruhan Nei
14. Sergeal Petersen
15. Damian Willemse
Replacements
16. Scarra Ntubeni
17. Corne Fourie
18. Frans Malherbe
19. Johan du Toit
20. Juarno Augustus
21. Justin Phillips
22. Josh Stander
23. Seabelo Senatla
[/one_half]
