THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

Warathas v Stormers, Allianz Stadium, 11 40 CAT

THE BATTLE OF THE GIANTS

The Stormers will once again be able to boast two giants of the second row for this clash against the high-riding Waratahs. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as they will be desperate clinch a season defining win here in Sydney. If the Stormers can win the battle of the set-pieces, especially the line-outs, it will go a long way to upsetting the Aussies in their back yard. The Waratahs, having just returned home to Sydney on the back of a fresh drubbing of the woeful Kings, will look to assert physical dominance up front, with their bruising pack. Riding the crest of an ever-improving wave, they will be full of confidence with their dangerous back line eager to take on the Stormers’ much vaunted D.

Players to watch:

 The home side will rely on their heavies to bash the Stormers early on, with the likes of Cliffy Palu and colossus Sitaleki Timani doing most of the damage up front. They’ll look for another inspired performance from serial convert Israel Folau when the ball goes wide. For the Stormers, skipper JDV will need another courageous performance in the middle of the park and the pack will need to front up to the Waratahs’ physicality. Look for Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermuelen to have strong games with ball in hand.

Prediction: The head says Tahs but the heart says Stormers…Stormers to squeak it.

TVA