A Stormers and Blue Bulls nightmare
By Tarryn Le Chat20 September 2006
The explosive and always entertaining Vodacom Super 14 challenge beginning at the end January next year, will see the Stormers and Blue Bulls facing the ‘All Star teams’ of Australia and New Zealand.
The cream of the crop is thought to be the Crusaders, Waratahs, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Highlanders in the first clashes for consecutive weeks.
The ‘swamped travel schedule’ will test the endurance and performance of both South African provincial teams. Bok coach Jake White will have a variety of choices to pick from for the Rugby World Cup squad in 2007.
The Sharks and Cheetahs will have a home advantage in the opening round, as will the Lions or Spears –which ever team the courts decide on — for inclusion in the Super 14.
The ever-ferocious Sharks endured a hectic travel schedule last year and performed well. They were out of the semi-finals, but only on a point-difference.
These clashes will see the Super 14 without 22 of the All Blacks in the New Zealand teams.
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