When two bulls fight only grass suffers

By Anele Siwa
07 May 2008

The Round 13 match of the 2008 Super 14 between the Stormers and the Waratahs, will take place at Newlands in Cape Town at 19h10 on Saturday.

“Both teams are well placed to secure semi-final places, the hosts currently lying fourth in the standings and the visitors in second place just two points ahead with two rounds of matches to play”, says Rayaan Adriaanse South African Rugby Union Media Officer.

The winners of Saturday’s match could secure home in the playoffs. Both Stormers and Waratahs have been in good form over the past month.

“The Stormers hold the upper-hand in terms of the history of meetings between them in Super Rugby history. They have won six of the previous ten, which includes three wins out of five at Newlands, the last being a 27-23 victory in 2004", says Adriaanse.

“The Waratahs won 32-26 on their last visit to Cape Town in 2006 and they also won 26-25 at the famous stadium in 2002. Last season’s clash between them in Sydney was won 16-10 by the Stormers”, he explained.

Rassie Erasmus, the Stormers coach is reportedly saying he is looking for an 80-minute effort from his team.

Adriaanse elaborates that the Waratahs, who appear to get stronger as the game goes on and have put in some strong second-half performances in recent weeks, will arrive in the Mother City in a confident mood despite last week’s defeat and the home side will have to work hard for every point.

“The Hurricanes are third on the log a point ahead of the Stormers and the Force is ninth and seemingly out of contention”, he added.