Saturday's clash between the Lions and the Stormers will be a game of contrasting styles, and both teams will be out to show they can either contain the others teams play or match it.
The Lions over the past seasons have moved away from the traditional South African rugby philosophy of kicking and using physicality to over power opponents. The team from the highveld adopted a more morden style of play with more flair and running with the ball and winging it wide. Success was brought by the system deployed as the Lions went on to play two Super Rugby finals in 2016 and 2017.
The Stormers on the other hand, play a more physical type of rugby, where its dependent on the forwards and the ex factor of their back trio, their style is similar to the one of the Springboks. Their physicality has resulted in them having a mean defense, John Dobson's side are yet to consider a point in the opening two rounds of the new Super Rugby season.
But going to Saturdays game at Ellis Park they want to play running rugby to match the Lions.
"In Ellis Park we can show what we are capable of doing with ball in hand. Ellis Park is a lot easier than Newlands, one of the things we have to do is to get the involvement of Sergal, we have seen a lot of him and Sabelo over the past weeks. We have got this electric back three and its frustrating to not have to play them. We just need to get through three or more phases," said Dobson.
The Stormers trio of Sergeal Petersen, Sabelo Senatla and Dylan Leyds have to tries amongst them this season and will look at improving that stat.
On the other hand the Lions want to go pound for pound with the Stormers forward pack, in their team for the weekend, on the bench they have six forwards including Willem Alberts. Cash is looking at the experience and physical game of Alberts to counter the Stormers pack lead by World Rugby Player of The Year Pieter Steph du Toit.
"They have a world class forward pack, a lot of world cup winning Springboks in their team. So I think the battle is going to start upfront. We looking forward to playing against their defensive system, they have a good system and we have identified areas where we can tackle, where we can play, so we looking forward to that.
Willem Alberts, I think his ex factor is his physicality, his a little bit of a calmer head. His played a lot of games like the one we have coming this weekend. He will also bring in some energy for us," said Ivan van Rooyen.
Lots of exciting match ups the game will bring, at fly half, where old head in the Super Rugby Elton Jantjies takes on the man still working on his craft Damian Willemse. Steven Kitshoff scrumming against Jannie du Plesisis is another one to look after.
Teams
Lions
1 Dylan Smith,2 Pieter Jansen,3 Jannie du Plessis,4 Ruben Schoeman,5 Marvin Orie ,6 Marnus Schoeman ,7 Vincent Tshituka,8 Len Massyn ,9 Morne van den Berg,10 Elton Jantjies (captain),11 Courtnall Skosan ,12 Dan Kriel ,13 Manuel Rass,14 Tyrone Green ,15 Andries Coetzee
Replacements:
16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Dillon Smit, 23 Wandisile Simelane
Stormers
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Seabelo Senatla, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Johan du Toit, 5 Chris van Zyl, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements:
16 Chad Solomon, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Cobus Wiese, 21 Ernst van Rhyn, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Jean-Luc du Plessis.
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