Beer & Banter

RWC REVIEW

⭐️ Player of the RWC - Kwagga Smith
👶 Breakthrough of the RWC - Will Jordan
📺 Try of the RWC - Eben vs France
📅 Match of the RWC - Final
🙎‍♂️ Coach of the RWC - Nienaber

Let’s hear your takes!

https://www.swellcast.com/t/STpeceuYTNVkQ7x

Back on the podcast. Go have a listen it’s only 5 minutes.

Talking about the Boks vs Scotland at the Rugby World Cup

Springboks Rugby World Cup review. Episode 1: The Scots never had a chance! A review of the Springboks first match at the 2023 RWC in France against Scotland.

And so here we are less than 24 hours until all rugby fanatics become incompetent in any other area of their lives except for watching their heroes running on the pitch.

Here are my thoughts on the Bok team for their clash vs Scotland.

Firstly our 🔥front row. I don't think anyone has complaints, only complaint from me is that we won't have Marx to demolish tired legs in the second part of the second half, but Bongi can be just as effective.

Enforcer Etzebeth, and work horse Mostert in the second row, gives me peace of mind and should put fear into any Scotsman who will see our South African Viking taking to the field in the second half.

On form, Vermeulen deserved the start, but we all know how hard Wiese can play. Captain Kolisi has brought 💪since his return to our forwards and will be looking to build on his form.

Moving on to the backs, it always amazes me when I see a guy like Reinach, who constantly delivers, constantly getting overlooked. Faf selected, let's hope he forgot his kicking boots and gets the ball out quickly.

DDA and Kriel, Oh the memories of 2013 when the Boks just could not stop scoring with these two laying the platform for our wings. Let's hope they can relive that form.

Our wings speak for themselves, will Duhan be a challenge in the air, surely but who better than our lightweight wings to bring the flair and make the Scots buy the Rapport on Sunday to see which side they passed them.

I would've gone with Willie at 15, but I am not the coach and I am sure he has a plan. At least Willie is there if the less consistent Willemse doesn't pitch up.

All in all, I think Nienaber went for a reliable starting lineup with big punching power of the bench. Boks to take it by 10+.

Let's GO BOKKE!

Yes ladies that’s right. For the next 6 weeks, we own the TV. Don’t ask me why I am watching the game again or watching a game between 2 minnow nations. It’s the World Cup. We miss nothing.

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Springbok fans have every right to be cautiously optimistic with the Rugby World Cup looming in 2 weeks.

Ever since talismanic captain, Siya Kolisi, returned, the Boks has looked like a completely different team, especially in the World Cup warm-up matches. With a 50-point haul vs a young Wales side followed by a solid, dominant display vs the All Blacks. Now a lot of people will say Wales was not at full strength, but the Boks still played an all-out game, the same can be said vs. NZ. Did they maybe sandbag? Could be. But the Boks came out of the blocks and never stopped applying pressure.

We were all extremely worried about Libbok's kicking after Wales, but this weekend he proved he can kick faultlessly and put his backline on the front foot.

With the World Cup a mere two weeks away, what are your predictions for our men in green and gold?

Any trophy except preseason is a major trophy. Conference League is major for the teams qualifying for it. Some teams will never qualify for UCL and this is a brilliant opportunity

Is the Conference League a MAJOR trophy? 🏆 #westham #conferenceleague #ecl #europa #championsleague #champions #mancity #sevilla #europaleague #soccer #football #uefa #worldcup #roma #laliga #premierleague #westhamunited #hammers

“It’s like something out if a movie!!!”

Messi’s debut for Inter Miami in a few words.

Came on in the second half. Ran rings around the defenders but always lacking that support runner. 90+1 minute: gets fouled a few meters outside the goal box. Lines up the free kick and the rest was history. 🔥 🔥 🔥

Well as a Springbok fan that was quite the disappointment after last week's absolutely brilliant performance. After reading many fans' comments during the week, I once again asked the same question, when did we go from respecting the All Blacks as rivals to just expecting the Boks to pitch and beat them in their own backyard. Honestly, some fans need to check themselves. I will always have the utmost respect for the Springbok rivals because it is the only other team that can go with us toe-to-toe every single game.

We were completely outplayed, whether it was sandbagging as claimed by NZ journalist, Ben White, or we actually fell asleep those first few minutes remain to be seen. We have a week of rest to go back to the drawing board and go guns blazing when Argentina arrives in Johannesburg. All Springbok fans will expect a massive send-off pre-World Cup.

In the other game unsurprisingly, the Aussies absolute poor run of games continued. A rugby powerhouse down the drain. Serves them right for banning Folau for having an opinion.

Springbok fans don't forget the Baby Boks once again reminded England that we have their number on the big stage by taking 3rd place in the u20 World Championship. 👏 👏 👏

Have a good one!

🚨 BUCKLE UP, RUGBY FANS! THIS WEEKEND'S GONNA BE EXPLOSIVE! 🚨

Forget your Rugby World Cup finals, folks. When the Springboks and the All Blacks come face-to-face, it's like witnessing two Titans clashing in the Colosseum! It's the kind of battle that makes every rugby heart skip a beat. Some might say it's the clash of the year - the only match that truly matters! So, let's peek into the crystal ball: 🏉💓🔮

All Blacks vs Springboks
Our Bokke is itching to dole out some payback to our friends from the Land of the Long White Cloud, and right on their home turf too! Last year, the All Blacks gave us a bit of a walloping at home, so a bit of retribution is in order. But given last week's results, we're going to need to bring our A-game! The last Kiwi outing saw us leaving with our pride intact, but alas, no victory (19 - 17 to the ABs). But hey, with Rassie and Jacques in our corner, we've seen a few green and gold glimmers of hope. Plus, we're not playing at the dreaded Eden Park - so, small mercies! 🙏

My two cents? This one's as tough to call as a mule in a beauty contest! Both teams have had to pack their suitcases and hit the road - the All Blacks from Argentina and the Bokke from home. But my green and gold heart is pumping for our boys to sn**ch the victory by 6 or less. 💚💛

Australia vs Argentina
Last weekend, the Wallabies and the Pumas looked about as lively as a pair of disco zombies. Both teams were more punching bags than pugilists against South Africa and New Zealand respectively. Now, both will need to pull up their socks and dust off their playbooks. But never underestimate the cunning Eddie Jones - expect some Wallabies magic after last weekend's fiasco. And who knows? The Pumas might just find their roar. However, I reckon the home team will have just enough gas left in the tank to see off Los Pumas. 🇦🇺🐆

Superbru pool update
Shoutout to Gloster for his bold Bokke prediction that rocketed him into the lead. But alas, his risky Argentine gamble cost him the yellow cap. Smooth operator Hennie92 played it cool, clinching Round 1's top spot with a solid 3 points. 🎩💰

Yes, it might be one of the shortest Predictor tournaments, but there's still plenty of rugby razzmatazz to come! So, keep your eyes on the prize, enjoy the ruggas, and drop me your predictions below! 🍿🏉👇

A world cup final is exciting and all but have you ever watched the All Blacks vs Springboks 👀

Ladies and gents, buckle up, because last weekend's rugby razzmatazz was an absolute treat, making the anticipation for next weekend's clashes even more mouthwatering! 🍿🏉🎉

Over at fortress Loftus, we sent the Wallabies hopping back home, as the Boks mauled them 43 - 12. The boys were on top form, with Kurt-Lee Arendse running rings around as well as holes through the Aussies and popping out a hat-trick like he was pulling bunnies from a hat. Andre Esterhuizen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Manie Libbok, and Marco van Staden added their own stellar performances, turning the match into a veritable Springbok spectacle! 🎩🐇🎪

And who could forget our prodigal son, Lukhanyo Am, and our new clover-turned-protea, Jean Kleyn? Their comebacks were as sizzling as a boerewors on a braai! 🔥🌭

Meanwhile, the All Blacks were blitzing Argentina, racking up a whopping 31-0 lead by halftime, eventually wrapping up the game 41-12. Their backline was running amok, churning out a performance hotter than a vindaloo curry! 🔥🍛

So, we've had our warm-up, and what a spectacle it was! Now, the real drama unfolds - Springboks vs All Blacks in the land of the Kiwis, and Wallabies vs Pumas down under. If this weekend's anything to go by, we're in for an absolute rugby feast! Get your jerseys on and brace yourselves for a thrilling ride! 🇿🇦🇳🇿🦘🐆

Buckle up, rugby ruffians! The much-awaited international rugby window is blasting back onto our screens this weekend, and it's going to be as epic as a battle between Godzilla and King Kong! Get ready to witness the Southern Hemisphere's finest go head-to-head in the opening round of The Rugby Championship. 📺🏉

Remember, we're in a Rugby World Cup year, so it's a shortened comp and every single match is as crucial as the last slice of pizza at a party. One slip-up and your title hopes might evaporate faster than a drop of water in the Sahara. ☀️

We kick off Round 1 with the Wallabies packing their bags and hopping over to our turf, South Africa, to face the mighty Springboks at Fortress Loftus. 🏟️

It seems both the Boks and Wallabies have developed quite a fondness for each other's backyards, often getting lost in the landscape and forgetting the real reason they're there! But let's not forget the Wallabies managed to sneak away with a narrow win last time they were on our soil. Are they about to break the curse? Let's wait and see! 🇿🇦🇦🇺

Here's my hot take: I predict a game as scrappy as a dogfight over a bone for this season opener. It's likely to be a snorefest in the first half, but I reckon the Wallabies will fizzle out in the second half and the Boks will squeak a narrow win. 📣

Then we jet off to Mendoza, Argentina where Los Pumas are itching to pull off a repeat performance of the one they showed in Kiwi land about a year ago. 🇦🇷

Unfortunately for our Argentine amigos, the international rugby scene has been as messy as a toddler's birthday party ever since they lost their Super Rugby team. With only four wins in their last nine matches, it's been a rough ride.

On the flip side, the Kiwis have been on a hot streak ever since their shock defeat against Los Pumas, undefeated in their last seven matches. While other teams are stressing about their flyhalf options, New Zealand is spoilt for choice with Mo'unga, Barrett, and Mackenzie causing selection headaches. It's like trying to pick your favorite pizza topping! 🍕

Here's my crystal ball prediction: The Kiwis are gonna come charging out of the gate like a runaway train and steamroll over Argentina. 🚂

Thanks to Rugby World Magazine for the teamsheets. Drop your predictions below👇

📣 Blow the vuvuzelas, folks! The Rugby Championship 2023 is charging at us faster than a Springbok on steroids and the opening showdown is none other than our beloved Boks squaring up against those rambunctious Wallabies! 🏉

Ladies and Gents, the Springbok lineup has been dropped and just like in 2019, Rassie and Nienaber have basically shoved their cards onto the table like they're playing a high-stakes poker game. It's all in, baby! 🃏

Some of our Bok-bros are jetting off to New Zealand to get into that Kiwi mindset for next week's tussle, while the remaining rugga-warriors are anchoring the fort here in SA to take on the Aussie and the Argentinian might later in the month. 🌍

Big news - Duane Vermeulen is donning the captain's armband for this rumble. All us SA fans know he's as big of a leader as lion is the king of the jungle. Whether he's still got that roarsome magic, we'll just have to see. He's been off our turf for a bit, but seems to have sprinkled enough of his fairy dust in Ulster to bag the leadership role! 🦁

And let's not forget, a hearty 'welcome back, bro!' to RG "The Viking" Snyman. Trust me, the cheers welcoming him on Saturday will be louder than a metal concert. 🎸

Hot Take: This team's as electrifying as a bolt of lightning. Libbok finally gets his day in the sun after outshining every flyhalf in SA last year (still stings, fellow Bulls fans). The squad's a cocktail of fiery youth and wise, old owls. I reckon we'll have the Aussies hopping back home with their kangaroo tails firmly tucked in! 🏆

NB: To all my fellow Springbok devotees, let's not forget this is the season opener. Don't expect a perfect symphony straight off the bat. Remember, the crème de la crème of rugby comes later in the year, and right now we're just tuning the orchestra for that grand performance. 🎵

What in the 7 realms of Premier League happened this weekend?

Wolves 1 - 0 Spurs

A difficult result once again for Spurs, who failed to hit the target despite having more possession but also only shooting on target 6 out of 21 times. Questionable defending from Conte’s men with only 5 tackles being made, that’s 3 times less than Wolves. Hats off to Wolves and Jose Sa for defending their fortress and keeping a clean sheet with the Wolves keeper making 6 shots to claim main of the match.

Chelsea 1 – 0 Leeds

Another dis ... oh wait Chelsea actually won this weekend and scored a goal! Potter’s men should be careful they don’t overwork themselves. Having only registered one goal in their previous 5 outings in the Premier League. A massive defensive battle with both teams making more than 20 tackles throughout the game. Wesley Fofana claiming man of the match, the goal and a yellow card in the 90 + thriller at Stamford Bridge.

Brighton 4 – 0 West Ham

Hammers being hammered was the theme at Amex Stadium with the Seagulls putting 4 past the East Londoners. Once again, this season, Mitoma pulled the strings for Brighton netting a goal plus making life very difficult for David Moyes’ charges. Moyes appears to have outlived his time at West Ham, fans surely asking for the sack after another inconsistent display following their win at home vs Forrest last week. West Ham now unsuccessful vs Brighton since 2017 in the Premier League.

Aston Villa 1 – 0 Crystal Palace

A flattering score for Crystal Palace although they lost (due to an OG), they managed to keep Villa out with only 10 men. Cheick Doucoure getting sent off after his second yellow with 28 minutes left in the match.

Arsenal 3 – 2 Bournemouth

Once again controversial decisions by VAR nearly derailing the Gooners title chances. Will anyone be able to stop them? If they do go on to win the league, that Reiss Nelson goal will be remembered for years to come. It seems like the Gunners feed their reserves something because just like Nketiah appeared out of the blue with that string of great performances, so has Nelson put his hand up. Gabriel Jesus might be back, and this should help the Gunners take the final step towards glory for the first time in almost 2 decades. Hats off to relegation-battling Bournemouth for pushing the team at the top right to the end.

Man City 2 – 0 Newcastle

Has the Magpies run out of steam after their surprising 22/23 first half of the season? Surely looks like it if you look at their last 5 games (3 D and 2 L) after this weekend’s result away to City. Not sure what is Eddie Howe needs to do to get them back to the form which took them to the League Cup final and into European qualification contention. Haaland contributed with an assist to add to his 30+ goal involvements for the season. Anyone want to take a bet on how many he will finish on? City looks to be finishing the season strong and peaking at about the right time. They will have Arsenal looking over their shoulder every game week.

Nottingham Forest 2 – 2 Everton

It seems like this Everton can’t be saved not even by Dyche – ball. Having started his tenure with a dominant victory at Goodison park over Arsenal one would have thought they will be bouncing back out of relegation but have once again let their fans down even more (whether that’s possible, I have no idea) after a draw vs Forest a team that looks ready to stay in the PL. Brennan Johnson once again proving he deserves a big move during the summer transfer window with 2 goals and a man of the match performance. Do you think Everton have what it takes to stay up? Or will they finally be relegated from the Premier League?

Southampton 1 – 0 Leicester

It can only be Leicester who will put 4 past Spurs and then couple of game weeks later get beaten by relegation – bound Southampton. Leicester’s up and down form continued again on Sunday losing to Southampton. Carlos Alcaraz’ first half goal proving to be enough to try and get his team out of the bottom 3 in the Premier League. Still a lot needs to be done by Southampton to salvage their season and Leicester now within touching distance of relegation.

Liverpool 7 – 0 Manchester United

The one I truly dreaded to write about. But the show must go on. Yes, Manchester United is back, but Liverpool showed on Sunday that Anfield still belongs to them and that one does not simply pitch up and take points from Anfield. First half was okayish for United, but second half they fell asleep. I have never seen Martinez and Varane getting torn to shreds the way they did on Sunday. As a United supporter it was truly a sad sight, luckily, I never woke up to watch it. Liverpool’s front 3 finally showing us what we knew they had in them. Are they also peaking at the right time? Can you see Liverpool securing European football again this season and Klopp actually surviving a 7th season at a club? Would be foolish to bet against them.

Brentford 3 – 2 Fulham

The two Cinderella stories of 22/23 came up against each other and it was the Bees who took back the 3 points they gave Fulham at the start of the season. Fulham dominating the possession but just could not get the result over the line even scoring a goal in the 9th minute of extra time. At this stage, Ivan Toney is making himself impossible to ignore and it’s no longer a matter of if but rather of when he gets a big money move. The question now on both these teams’ fans’ lips will be: Is Europe only a dream or can it become our reality?

That’s my game week 26 review over and done with.

Let me know what you think will happen in next weekend’s matches.

Guess who's back?

Yeah, the banter boys. High time to give the fans what they want. Revamp is underway, but why not treat you with a preview of round 1 of F1 2023.

Let us know your thoughts and predictions for the season below 👇

Is the Spanish GOAT back 🐐or was it pure (beginner’s) luck? (No pun intended)

Fernando Alonso, for some he is just a 2-time world champion but anybody who really follows F1 will know he is the greatest driver after Schumacher and Hamilton. Having won championships competing against the 2 GOATs of F1 plus a Sebastian Vettel who was perhaps the best young driver F1 will have ever seen, he has narrowly missed out on 2 championships by less than 5 points. On the opening weekend he reminded us once again of his greatness in an Aston Martin who nobody would’ve have thought would pull off a podium after their horrible first season back in F1. Alonso claimed Aston Martin’s maiden podium since their return to F1. Is he back or has Aston Martin finally built an F1 car to be proud of?

Of course, we have to take our hats off to current champions, Red Bull and Verstappen, who, as expected, kicked dust into all other constructors in Bahrain. A dominant weekend starting on the front row as well as finishing on top of the podium. One has to think will it be worthwhile watching this season or will it be a one constructor show like in the days of Merc dominance? I think stay tuned as we know our boy Max, is bound to cause a stir up when he is asked to yield to his teammate at some point in the season.

Ferrari and their reliability issues continue to plague, their star driver LeClerc. I don’t know how many times I have stayed up to watch Ferrari come good only for reliability issues to mess it up for LeClerc. At least Sainz could salvage points for the red stallions. Will they continue on their impressive 2022 or are we in for yet another year where the red stallions are nothing but a few tractors on jet fuel?

Mercedes will have a lot of questions after being outdone by their own Power Unit in another manufacturer. Finishing nearly a minute behind Verstappen, they seem like the team who has had the most issues dealing with the changes in regulations. If they are to put up a title challenge, surely something drastically has to change, or Russell will be wondering why he ever left Williams.

My Premier League season preview. Click on your team's logo to read what I think their season will look like.

Let me know down below what do you think your team will do this season.

Premier League Fantasy Gameweek 1 deadline approaching quickly.

Here are my two draft sides and my fantasy lineup made up of only transfers.

Drop yours below ⬇️ 👀

Reaction on the Springboks squad to face All Blacks:

I feel pretty happy with this team. Look we will never be 100% satisfied but I have learned over the past few years the current coaching team barely gets it wrong when it comes to team selection.

I would’ve loved to see Marx coming off the bench once again because he is such a menace when all others are tired. But it was a given for him to start regarding his 50th test cap. Congratulations Malcolm, make us proud.

Kurt-Lee Arendse comes in for Cheslin Kolbe, in an injury-enforced change. I am glad Nienaber showed faith in selecting the youngster and didn’t fall back on okes who ride the experience train more than anything else.

I would’ve liked to see Louw over Moerat but Moerat is also very talented and that might just be my Blue Bulls goggles talking 😂

The big one for me is Faf over Jaden, unfortunately the Boks play with a very specific game plan and against the All Blacks we cannot afford a slip up in said game plan. I like what I have seen from Jaden but Faf executes the game plan better. Unlucky Jaden but I know you are bringing the 🔥 in second half.

Overall I think this is our strongest squad and wr can look forward to a hard physical battle with our arch rivals.

Who do you think we are missing and what are your predictions?

I heard the Premier League is the real farmers league 😂

FT’| Leicester City 2-7 Stellenbosch FC

are the CHAMPIONS!

🏉 What a sporting weekend lies ahead of us!! ⚽️

The biggest football, yes that’s what we call it, league in the world kicks off on Friday night.

But the real battle will happen on Saturday! 🏉

Arguably the biggest rivalry in not only rugby but world sports, the age old arch rivals, our boytjies, Springboks vs All Blacks, will go hammer and nails at it on Saturday night 💪

Now I don’t care what some phony journalists say, the All Blacks will never be out of it and I can see them bringing all the fire they missed out on against Ireland and giving us a run for our money.

What is your take on the match and who would you like to see facing the haka on Saturday?

One thing that grinds my gears about some SA rugby journalists is that they are showing disrespect to our great arch-rivals New Zealand, and not all of them but one particular fella by the name of Mark Keohane. Now, most real rugby fans will know this old "ballie" talks absolute bo****ks every time he grabs a pen and paper.

And most of the time it comes back to bite him and the rest of the Bok supporters in the ass for a lack of a better word. If you can remember correctly he also infamously called the Wallabies wimps right before they trumped our mighty Springboks.

So please, rest of the world, please forgive the delusional writing of such journalists, as this is not the view of most Springbok supporters. We have the utmost respect for the All Blacks and every game against them should be taken seriously as there has never been a "weak" All Blacks side.

I will be "bankvas" behind our boytjies but in a respectful way, cause rugby is a hooligan's game played by gentlemen.

Anyone surprised by the amount of sand still left in the Bahrain desert with Toto filling his bags

Make sure to follow us on Twitter. We plan on doing our podcast on Twitter Spaces from now on. We will meet you there: https://twitter.com/beerandbanter1/status/1504818077044994048?s=21

Beer & Banter on Twitter “Finally back on my Twitter account. What are your predictions for the this weekend?”

Round 4 of the Currie Cup Review

Griquas 22 - 20 WP

A few years ago, one would've said this was an upset but the Griquas now hold an unbeaten 3 match win streak over their Capetonian counterparts with the dominance in the Cape moving North it seems. It pains me to say but all Currie Cup teams need to look at their discipline, every weekend the fans have to see their teams get yellows and reds for sometimes unforced errors. Is the game becoming too regulated or are the players playing irresponsibly? This game was anything but spectacular, but someone had to win it and the Griquas made sure they were the team to take the spoils and reign supreme in the Cape derby.

Pumas 17 - 28 Cheetahs

Ruan Pienaar reminded the whole South Africa of his kicking boot after slotting a 50m penalty. It was the Cheetahs who reigned supreme in a very hot and humid Nelspruit. They now sit 2nd behind the Sharks after missing out on what could be a crucial bonus point come the end of the competition. The Cheetahs could've made life much less difficult for themselves if only their discipline could hold up. But they got the win and remain unbeaten in the Currie Cup

Lions 31 - 45 Sharks

The Lions Sharks match went pretty much according to the formbook. With the ongoing URC, it is a struggle for any team to put two outfits together simultaneously that can mount up a stiff challenge in both competitions. The Sharks are starting to show the true value of squad depth. The fact that third choice scrummie Cameron Wright can make such a devastating difference is testament to the depth of quality available in Durban. The Lions showed good heart and made the scoreboard look a lot less one-sided simply by refusing to accept defeat. Had the Sharks not been so far ahead, that late flurry could have swayed the game in the Lions favour. The game was entertaining and both teams mixed up their attacks well. The scrum battle was intense and the Lions held their own for the most part, except for that tighthead that led to Wright ghosting down the blind side to score. Special mention must be made to Gumede and Hugo who not only did exceptional lineout work but also were tireless in open play. The Lions youthful backline outplayed expectations and there is hope for what is being built in Johannesburg. Overall a solid win for the Sharks that ticked most boxes and ensured healthy competition for individual first team places remains alive and well.

Superbru:
The WP-Griquas clash was always going to determine the yellow cap in round 4 and 50% of our pool had the courage to predict a win for the men from Kimberley. However, the yellow cap winner of round 4 was only 2 points out from getting every score right for the weekend. Blouforever claimed his second yellow cap of the season, kicking absolute dust in the eyes of his opponents, taking it by a massive 3 points. The wooden spoon found a new owner, Arries. Blouforever now sits 4 points adrift from the rest of the pack, but we still have more than half of the competition to go. Still a lot can happen. Like Naas said the Currie Cup is not won in February.

What was your standout moment of the weekend?

🏉 Currie Cup Round 4 is here 🏉

18 February 19:00 SAST 19 February 02:00 KST

Griquas vs WP

An early Saturday kickoff for our Korean viewers for the Cape derby between these two old foes. Both having only won once in the Currie Cup have work to do in order to stake their claim for the coveted trophy. The Stormers performance in the URC clearly shows where their attention lies. Griquas have a golden opportunity to make it 5 wins in a row vs their Western neighbors. My Prediction: The WP has gone for youth over experience and the Griquas showed in their victory over the Pumas they can be clinical. Griquas by 3.

19 February 15:30 SAST 21:30 KST

Pumas vs Cheetahs

The Pumas win vs the Lions seems to have been a stroke of luck as they have not really performed well in their other matches. Most recently losing by 21 points vs the Griquas. The Cheetahs on the other hand has once again proven that they are serious contenders, laying second on the table a point adrift from the Bulls (bye) with a game in hand. My Prediction: Bar the game vs the Lions, the Pumas haven't really proven a threat to any other teams whereas the Cheetahs have been playing clinical rugby. This one is only going one way. Cheetahs by at least 12

19 February 17:00 SAST 20 February 00:00 KST

Lions vs Sharks

Off all the SA URC teams the Lions seem to be struggling the most getting the right balance between their two teams. Their struggles are bound to continue against the undefeated Sharks side, who have gone for a mixture of youth and experience in their team. The Sharks like the Cheetahs are still unbeaten and only 2 points off the top of the table with a game in hand. They will look to build on their decent start to the season following a narrow 1 point win over the Griquas and then a 15 point win vs the WP. My Prediction: Like the above-mentioned fixture I can only see this going one way. Sharks by 15.

Superbru:

Merv took the yellow cap in the previous round and will be looking to add another good performance in order to climb the table while it is still all guns blazing at the top. Johandre van Tonder will be looking to relinquish that wooden spoon as soon as possible.

I hope everyone has a cracker of a sporting weekend and may we see a better second innings from the Proteas Down Under.

Let us know in the comments what you will be watching!

Enjoy!