The SA teams once again crowd the lower half of the table. The Sharks site at a lowly number 8th - and are 2nd in the SA table.
The only consolation is that many of the overseas games are completed. What I expect is that most SA teams will get stronger as the tournament progresses. With fewer teams, there is more depth in both the backs and forwards.
The Stormers are the only team to have played 8 games, but what a joke they are. They disappointing Jaguars are the Stormers only hope of not finishing at the bottom of the SA table.
I expect the Australian teams forward packs may struggle in SA when things get physical, and they could be a potential points cash cow. Even the best New Zealand teams have at times struggled this season, so the depth of the tournament appears to have taken a big step up from the loser18 format of last year. The long tours have that SA teams have has to some extent been evened out with the Jaguars a 2nd destination for the OZ/NewZealand teams.
- The Lions seem to be unearthing new players all the time, especially on the wing and could pick up momentum. They might need to consider converting bigger wingers to outside centre to make spaces for new players. Need a backup for Jantjies.
- The Bulls seem to have got back the traditional game plan, mixed with the recent expansive play. They should get better at mixing and matching options by playing the right mix of 10 and 15 man rugby. Still short of talent in certain positions, like number 8, and prop.
- The Sharks need to see if they can continue the good form. At one stage things were bleak, but a glimmer of hope remains. The return on Bosch seems to have given them an extra dimension, just like it did last year when Bosch started playing. They have some good ball carriers and can dominate collisions if they get quick ball. Philip Van Dervalt has a Frankenstein colossal presence around the fringes.
- The Stormers are lost and appear to be the whipping boys of the tournament. Willemse has been outplayed by Pollard and Jantjies in consecutive weeks, but it will be a good experience for him. Willemse could also be co nsidered at 15 for the Boks in addition to being third choice flyhalf. Like Bosch, as a small player can be introduced at 15.
1. The Jaquara Pumas are terrible. Their forwards do not seem to be able to compete in the faster tempo of Super Rugby. It does not help that they have more travelling than any other team
