Key matchups to watch for at Loftus on rugby’s Super Fan Day
The domestic rugby season kicks back into action on Saturday with Super Fan Day at Loftus. Though the match-day squads are not known yet, here are potentially some of the more interesting matchups.
Damian Willemse (Stormers) and Elton Jantjies (Lions)
Both may be Rugby World Cup gold medallists, but now is the time to shine. With Handré Pollard out injured‚ the Bok No 10 jersey is up for grabs‚ so there is plenty to play for.
Jantjies occupies the inside lane but Willemse has the ability to hit exceptionally high notes when on song. He underwhelmed at flyhalf in the early part of the season but the extended break has given him opportunity to reset.
Jantjies, too, possesses a bag of tricks and in a festival environment both should have a licence to thrill.
Duane Vermeulen (Bulls) and Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Sharks)
Notshe was undoubtedly one of the form forwards in Super Rugby earlier in 2020.
The former Stormer has revitalised his career with some energetic and impactful performances from the back of the scrum and he brings power, but he also has a deceptive deft offload game.
Vermeulen is the archetypal heavy-hitting‚ rock-hard No 8 who is not about to take a step back‚ not even in a festival match.
We will get the first glimpse of how the decorated Springbok will respond to playing under coaching guru Jake White.
Curwin Bosch (Sharks) and Morne Steyn (Bulls)
Thirteen years separate the Sharks and the Bulls pivots.
Steyn is an old dog who stays well inside his comfort zone. He knows what works for him and will be an integral part of providing the Bulls prime field position.
The adventurous Bosch has flourished under Sharks coach Sean Everitt this season.
He was one of the competition’s form players earlier this season and they will desperately hope the long break did not do him a disservice.
Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) and Ruan Dreyer (Lions)
Kitshoff is now undoubtedly the pre-eminent loose head prop in the country after Tendai Mtawarira’s retirement.
That reputation will be put to the test by the wily Dreyer who is back at the Lions after a stint at Gloucester.
While Kitshoff is unrelentingly consistent‚ Dreyer is prone to bouts of walkabout in the scrums.
On his day the tight head can be a handful, but too often he invites the scrutiny of the referee.
Juandre Kruger (Bulls) and Hyron Andrews (Sharks)
Journeyman Kruger is back for his third stint with the Bulls after a lengthy spell in France and the UK.
Apart from experience‚ he will bring vast line-out prowess to the Bulls but in Andrews he is likely to have a young and eager adversary.
Apart from being a reliable line-out option‚ Andrews increasingly throws his wiry frame around in the tight exchanges.
He impressed with his performances in the tight loose for the Sharks before Super Rugby came to a grinding halt.
He is also starting to blip stronger on the national radar.