The Tahs return home from a largely unexpected win against the Stormers at Newlands to face a Cheetahs team all too familiar with winning down under.
After beating the Force and Stormers in two consecutive weeks on the road, the Tahs’ confidence is up and expectations of a third straight win would have to be high.
But the Cheetahs have won three of their last four matches against the Tahs, although in two of those wins, the difference was a single point. Also, the Tahs have lost their last three games on home soil this season, all by less than a converted try.
If history is any guide, we can expect a close match, with the winner likely to be the team with the most gas left in the tank in the final 20. While the Tahs showed great stamina last weekend and have more firepower in the backs, they would be more travel weary than this week’s opponents.
TEAM NEWS
Waratahs
- In the only change to the line-up, Tatafu Polota-Nau returns to the starting 15 for the first time since round two, with Hugh Roach joining the replacements.
- Israel Folau missed Thursday’s training because of a bug picked up in SA and will be given until the 11th hour to prove he’s recovered.
- This week, Bernard Foley will join Daniel Halangahu as the equal highest Super Rugby-capped flyhalf for the Waratahs, with 59 matches.
- While the Waratahs are now locked in a three-way battle for top spot in the Australian Conference, they have only one more point than the lowest ranked Kiwi side, the Auckland Blues.
Cheetahs
- The Cheetahs have made several changes to the team that lost to the Reds in Brisbane last week 17 – 30.
- In the forwards, Ox Nche, Elandre Huggett, Luan de Bruin, Francois Uys, Willie Britz and Oupa Mohoje are all included in the starting line-up, while Torsten van Jaarsveld, Charles Marais, Maks van Dyk, Lood de Jager and Uzair Cassiem move to the bench.
- In the backs, Tian Meyer and Shaun Venter switch places at scrumhalf, with Venter going to bench. Also, Francois Venter (Captain) is back at inside centre, with Michael van der Spuy joining the replacements.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Kurtley Beale v Francois Venter
The clash of the two No 12s will be worth the price of admission alone. Beale and Venter both play key roles in attack for their respective sides and are ranked 2 and 4 in the comp for most offloads, with 16 and 15 each. Beale will need to be at his best if he is to continue to push for the Wallabies inside centre spot against England. Venter’s speed off the mark, running angles and uncompromising defence make him one of the toughest opponents in Super Rugby.
Francois Uys v entire Tahs pack
Cheetahs lock, Francois Uys, leads the comp for most line-out takes (52). The Tahs don’t have any jumpers in the top ten and their line-out form has been mixed. A big improvement will be needed to gain parity in this important set piece.
Tom Robertson (3) v OX Nche (1)
These two front rowers are showing that you can compete strongly in the tight in top flight rugby in your early 20s. Age 21 and 20 respectively, they have both made six appearances for their team this season, with three each in the starting line up.
FEARLESS PREDICTION
The Tahs will overcome a tenatious opposition and gruelling travel schedule to provide their fans with the first home victory since the match against the Reds in Round 1.
Tahs to win by 5.
THE TEAMS
[one_half last=”no”]
Waratahs
1. Paddy Ryan
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Tom Robertson
4. David Dennis (VC)
5. Will Skelton
6. Dean Mumm
7. Michael Hooper (C)
8. Jed Holloway
9. Nick Phipps
10. Bernard Foley
11. Rob Horne
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Israel Folau
14. Reece Robinson
15. Andrew Kellaway
Replacements
16. Hugh Roach
17. Jeremy Tilse
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Sam Lousi
20. Wycliff Palu
21. Matt Lucas
22. David Horwitz
23. Matt Carraro
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Cheetahs
1. Ox Nche
2. Elandre Huggett
3. Luan de Bruin
4. Carl Wegner
5. Francois Uys (vc)
6. Willie Britz
7. Oupa Mohoje
8. Henco Venter
9. Tian Meyer
10. Fred Zeilinga
11. Raymond Rhule
12. Francois Venter (C)
13. Nico Lee
14. Sergeal Petersen
15. Clayton Blommetjies
Replacements
16. Torsten van Jaarsveld
17. Charles Marais
18. Maks van Dyk
19. Lodewyk de Jager
20. Uzair Cassiem
21. Shaun Venter
22. Niel Marais
23. Michael van der Spuy
[/one_half]
THE DETAILS
Date: Saturday, 7 May 2016
Time: 7.45pm (local time and AEST)
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Referee: Nic Berry
AR: Andrew Lees and Graham Cooper
TMO: George Ayoub
Statistics courtesy of Opta Sports
