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    Choose your fighter: Stormers versus Bulls

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    See how the Probable XVs line up for the blockbuster URC match between the Stormers and Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday and pick the winner of this North-South derby!

    BACK THREE
    Warrick Gelant, Ben Loader and Leolin Zas promise a blend of flair and finishing prowess for the Stormers. The mercurial Gelant’s vision and counter-attacking skills at fullback can exploit defensive gaps, while Englishman Loader's efficiency and edge complements fellow winger Zas' speed and agility, making them a potent triple threat.

    For the Bulls, the seasoned Devon Williams offers stability and experience in the No 15 jersey. Speedsters Sebastian de Klerk and Sergeal Petersen, the latter instrumental in the Stormers’ 2022 URC final win over his current employers, bring pace and elusiveness.

    READ: Bulls expect anything from 'sharp' Stormers

    CENTRES
    The Stormers’ midfield options combine dynamism and youthful exuberance. Wandisile Simelane’s game-breaking ability can unlock defences while rookie Jonathan Roche, preparing for his first experience of this derby, adds unpredictability.
    However, the Bulls can counter with Springbok world champion Canan Moodie, capable of slotting in at wing or outside centre, and incisive former Blitzbok star Stedman Gans. The versatile David Kriel and dependable Harold Vorster provide options at inside centre.

    MORE: Stormers wary of versatile Willie

    HALFBACKS
    Bok playmaker Manie Libbok's knee injury has opened the door at No 10 for Jurie Matthee, whose composure will be tested in this high-stakes encounter. Scrumhalf Paul de Wet, linked with a move to the Bulls next season, offers experience and quick service alongside the 24-year-old flyhalf.
    In the absence of the injured Johan Goosen, Bulls boss Jake White is expected to introduce two-time World Cup-winning fullback Willie le Roux at flyhalf, a role he adeptly handled off the bench against the Lions recently, steering the team to victory. Bok Embrose Papier’s sniping runs and swift distribution from the base of the ruck or scrum will complement Le Roux’s playmaking and game management.

    ALSO: Stormers suffer lock blow

    BACK ROW
    No 8 Evan Roos, blindside flank Ben-Jason Dixon and veteran ball-hawk Deon Fourie combine power, endurance and breakdown expertise in an all-Springbok loose trio for the Stormers. Fourie’s poaching skills will be pivotal against the Bulls’ physicality, especially going nose to nose with rising star Cameron Hanekom.

    The 22-year-old back-row bruiser, who made his Bok debut in November, will be flanked by former Stormers utility forward Cobus Wiese and opensider Marcell Coetzee, who is set to lead the Herd with Ruan Nortje sidelined.
    A match-day 23 inclusion of Mpilo Gumede, a 2024 Currie Cup standout, could also offset the loss of Elrigh Louw to a long-term knee injury.

    PLUS: Stormers, Bulls gear up for North-South IX

    TIGHT FIVE
    The Stormers engine room features locks Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden, stepping up due to JD Schickerling‘s shoulder injury. An immense presence at the lineouts and loose play in his first season back for the Stormers, Schickerling leaves big boots to fill at No 5. But Van Heerden, one of the URC's leading performers for minutes on the field last season, is a workhorse who will relish the opportunity to run out and tackle the old foe. Up front, Bok scrum anchor Frans Malherbe and loosehead prop Ali Vermaak, alongside hooker Joseph Dweba, form a formidable Stormers front row.

    The energy of former Junior Bok skyscraper Reinhardt Ludwig, also tasked with calling the Bulls lineouts, will dovetail with the uncompromising Ruan Vermaak at No 4. Props Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp pack down in an all-Springbok front row with hooker Johan Grobbelaar. It sets up a bruising set-piece battle as well as tasty sub-plot, with Louw the incumbent Bok No 3 after Malherbe missed out on the end-of-year tour.

    Based on the Probables XVs, predict the result of the North-South derby!

    Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

    The post Choose your fighter: Stormers versus Bulls appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

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