Stormers v Reds, preview

[Burgs]

Stormers v Reds, preview

April 27, 2007 - 10:13am
Story by: Sportal

Venue & time:

Newlands, Cape Town. Sunday April 21, 1:05 AEST

Head to head:

Played 10: Stormers 5, Reds 5

Last time:

April 21, 2006 (Brisbane). Stormers 24-20 Reds

Walking wounded & team changes:

Stormers No.8 Justin Melck is out injured but is replaced by near-fit Springbok Joe Van Niekirk. Prop JD Moller had a rest last week but is back in the starting line-up for Schalk Ferreira while Eddie Andrews is only other change to the squad.

Reds winger Peter Hynes has succumbed to a nagging ankle injury and is replaced by young speedster Brando Va'aulu. Ed O'Donoghue comes into the starting XV for injured lock Hugh McMeniman, who was unable to tour because of a twisted ankle. Cam Treloar is the reserve lock and Henari Veratau the new reserve back. David Croft and Tom McVerry have been bracketed together at flanker. Croft will start if conditions are wet, while McVerry will get the nod if it is dry.

Form:

The Reds scored a well-deserved win over the Cheetahs last week in Brisbane to send off retiring back Ben Tune in style. The victory will have lifted the spirits of the young Queensland outfit, many of whom hadn't played in a winning Super 14 team until last start. They have the potential to score plenty of points but have been lacking confidence and know-how, but maybe they have turned that around now.

The Stormers continue to have an up and down season. They flogged the Lions three weeks ago, were then trounced by the Bulls before upstaging one of the title favourites in the Blues last weekend. It all goes to prove that they have the ability to be much higher up the table - so we can confidently say - expect the unexpected this Saturday night.

Who's hot:

Veteran Red Ben Tune put in a huge effort in his last home match against the Cheetahs while Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes again showed they have heaps of potential. Clinton Schifcofske had a good game, particularly in defence, while skipper John Roe put in his usual inspirational performance.

Flankers Luke Watson and Schalk Burger had huge games against the Blues while Ross Skeate and Schalk Ferreira also starred in a match dominated by strong forward play. Peter Grant and Jean de Villiers were also impressive.

Teams:

Stormers:

1. JD Moller,
2. Tiaan Liebenberg,
3. Brok Harris,
4. Gerrie Britz,
5. Ross Skeate,
6. Luke Watson (c),
7. Schalk Burger,
8. Joe van Niekerk,

9. JP Joubert,
10. Peter Grant,
11. Brent Russell,
12. De Wet Barry,
13. Jean de Villiers,
14. Breyton Paulse,
15. Conrad Jantjes.

16. Schalk Brits,
17. Schalk Ferreira,
18. Eddie Andrews,
19. Francois van der Merwe,
20. Bolla Conradie,
21. Naas Olivier,
22. Corne Uys.

Reds:

1. Tama Tuirirangi,
2. Stephen Moore,
3. David Te Moana,
4. Ed O'Donoghue,
5. James Horwill,
6. Mitch Chapman,
7. David Croft / Tom McVerry,
8. John Roe (c),

9. Nic Berry,
10. Quade Cooper,
11. Brando Va'aulu,
12. Berrick Barnes,
13. Ben Tune,
14. Andrew Walker,
15. Clinton Schifcofske.

16. Sean Hardman,
17. Herman Hunt,
18. Cam Treloar,
19. Tom McVerry / David Croft,
20. Will Genia,
21. Andrew Brown,
22. Henari Veratau.

[Thequeerone]

Reds - Stormers won last week so they will lose this week - besides with they will think the Reds are a pushover and just fluff it on the night