Sharks v Bulls, preview

Sharks v Bulls, preview

May 18, 2007 - 5:58am
Story by: Sportal

Venue & time

Absa Stadium, Durban. Saturday May 19, 23:00 (AEST)

Head to head

Played 12: Bulls 5, Sharks 5, draws 2.

Last time

February 2, 2007 (Durban) Sharks 17-3 Bulls

Walking wounded & team changes

Dynamic winger JP Pietersen and reserve centre Adrian Jacobs were the only doubtful starters before the Sharks but both have been cleared to play with Pietersen starting on the wing and Jacobs on the bench.

The Bulls have made two changes with star scrumhalf Fourie du Preez back in the side, although it is acknowledged his injured shoulder isn't 100 per cent. Giant lock Bakkies Botha also returns to the starting line-up with scrumhalf Heini Adams and second-rower Danie Rossouw dropping back to the bench.

Form

Both the Sharks and the Bulls have been in outstanding form. The Sharks maintained their exciting style of play in their semi-final win over the Blues last week in Durban while the Bulls showed incredibly defence and fantastic forward play to pressure the Crusaders out of last week's other semi.

Who's hot

Once again, with the form these teams are showing nearly all the players could be considered 'hot'. Standouts for the Sharks include second-rower Johan Muller, who won the man-of-the-match award last start, loose trio AJ Venter, Jacques Botha and Ryan Kankowski and prop Deon Carstens. Scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar is one to watch as is Waylon Murray in the centres while teenage winger Francois Steyn is absolutely electric every time he gets the ball with his unpredictable nature a huge asset.

Bulls skipper Victor Matfield had an unbelievable game last week against the Crusaders. The lineout specialist led from the front in an attacking defence along with flankers Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden and No.8 Pierre Spies. Derrick Hougaard out kicked Daniel Carter last start which speaks volumes for the kind of form he is in with the boot. Winger Bryan Habana was called upon to perform a different role last week but he is at the top of his game so expect the Springboks flyer to press for tries in attack.

Teams

Sharks

1. Deon Carstens
2. John Smit (c),
3. BJ Botha,
4. Johan Ackermann,
5. Johann Muller,
6. Jacques Botes,
7. AJ Venter,
8. Ryan Kankowski,

9. Ruan Pienaar,
10. Butch James,
11. JP Pietersen,
12. Bradley Barritt
13. Waylon Murray,
14. Francois Steyn,
15. Percy Montgomery.

16. Bismarck du Plessis,
17. Tendai Mtawarira,
18. Albert van den Berg,
19. Warren Britz,
20. Bob Skinstad,
21. Rory Kockott,
22. Adrian Jacobs.

Bulls

1. Guthro Steenkamp,
2. Gary Botha,
3. Rayno Gerber,
4. Bakkies Botha,
5. Victor Matfield (c),
6. Pedrie Wannenburg,
7. Wikus van Heerden,
8. Pierre Spies,

9. Fourie du Preez,
10. Derick Hougaard,
11. Bryan Habana,
12. Wynand Olivier,
13. JP Nel,
14. Akona Ndungane,
15. Johan Roets.

16. Jaco Engels,
17. Danie Thiart,
18. Danie Rossouw,
19. Derrick Kuun,
20. Heini Adams,
21. Morne Steyn,
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

The only option you missed is a draw - imagine that - would be great to see all those enormous Sth Africans slooging it out and collapsing in a heap

Should be a cracker of a game which will be very much won or lost by the 2nd row

I had a Draw up originally however, I don't think that a Draw is a possible outcome for the Final.

Actually, it is (albeit unlikely). Courtesy of one of the referee sites:
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"And if the Super 14 final is tied?

There has not yet been a tied final in Super rugby, but a draw is always a possible result...The Sharks and the Bulls battle it out in the Durban heat and when Steve Walsh blows the final whistle the teams are tied. What happens then?

After a meagre break of one minute the two teams launch themselves back into battle with extra time of 20 minutes divided into two halves, again with just a minute's break. And if after slugging it out for 100 minutes the scores are still tied, what happens?

In that case the Sharks and the Bulls share the Super 14 Cup. That's it. They will make yet another piece of history.

An abandoned match is also possible. If the rain sheets down and the hail falls and lightning comes jagging down, the referee may well decide that it is too dangerous to play. What then?

If the match is abandoned at the end of the first half or during the second half, the score stands. What the score is at abandonment becomes the final score.

But if the match is abandoned in the first half, the result is declared a Draw and the Bulls and the Sharks share the trophy."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AndyS

Actually, it is (albeit unlikely).....

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I stand corrected, the Draw is re-instated ;)

It won't be a draw. Sharks have a more depth on the bench and have equal/better skills allround (except at lock).

Sharks to win 2007 Super 14 comfortably :) Force will win it in 2008.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AndyS

An abandoned match is also possible. If the rain sheets down and the hail falls and lightning comes jagging down, the referee may well decide that it is too dangerous to play. What then?

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I think the Sharks played in hail in Durbs just a few matches ago. Match continued throughout the hailstorm.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Goldmember

It won't be a draw. Sharks have a more depth on the bench and have equal/better skills allround (except at lock).

Sharks to win 2007 Super 14 comfortably :) Force will win it in 2008.



I think the Sharks played in hail in Durbs just a few matches ago. Match continued throughout the hailstorm.

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But then, considering the amount of vcash I have left, maybe I should just keep very quiet :verysad: