Springbok View - Stormers v Lions

By Warren Gatchell

In only a day from now the Lions will play at the heart of South African rugby. Western Province, also known as the Stormers in the Super14, are the best attended side in the tournament with crowd figures averaging the 40,000 mark.

Newlands stadium, surrounded by the picturesque Table mountain, has to be one of the most scenic venues for rugby, perhaps this is why touring teams have had such success at Newlands against both the Boks and WP.

Often missing out on play-off spots in the last match of the pool stages or falling apart at home yet excelling abroad, Province continues to confuse yet entertain rugby supporters of the South African game.

The abbreviated WP has even been turned to a form of mockery; ‘Weer Probeer’ which translated from Afrikaans means... Try Again. The continuing weakness in the front row hasn't been rectified but the talent in the backs can completely obliterate opposition from anywhere in the field. If you think back to Leinster two years ago, Province are in a similar place now.

At times the perfect performance like the 56-18 hammering of the Golden Lions in March can be followed by a very poor performance and a loss at home. You have to think back to 2004 when they last appeared in a Super14 play-off spot but their Currie Cup record is much better over the last century. Edging the Blue Bulls’ 22 victories with a dominant 32 wins puts them at the top of overall table. However, winning the cup hasn't been reproduced since 2001 by the men from Cape Town, which is starting to look like a distant memory.

Province has no shortage of talent as some of the world's finest players like Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Bobby Skinstad and Percy Montgommery have all played there. The team selection for Saturday's game sees Luke Watson resume the role of captain. Watson, a controversial figure in South Africa for his anti Springbok comments well after being selected for the national side is loved in parts of Cape Town but often booed elsewhere.

The side selected for Saturday's game has been ravaged by injury with JC Kritzinger, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Francois Louw, Bolla Conradie, Nick Koster, Deon Fourie, Hilton Lobberts and Sireli Naqalevuki not being considered. Some of the injured players would have been able to play but coach Alistair Coetzee wants his squad fully rested for a shot at the 2009 Currie Cup which starts on the 11 July.

The last performance against the Sharks by the Lions showed a lot of character, for a team with so much possession, the unrelenting attacking at the fringes was impressive and it is these hard yards that won't suit Province, especially without he-man Schalk Burger. The Lions won't be fielding their first choice backs but the loose trio should gain ascendancy over Province even with the former Cheetah Duane Vermeulen in the mix.

The WP backs could hurt the Lions but without quick ball and a scrum that will be pushed backwards by Sheridan and captain Vickery I just can't see them winning this game. The match should be close for the first 30 but after that the Lions’ power game should strangle the hosts. For this reason I predict the Lions to win their final game against an established provincial powerhouse by 10 points or more. Don't be too surprised if they let in a few more tries than the Wednesday side in Durban though.

Western Province XV v The British and Irish Lions at Newlands, Saturday, 2.00pm:

15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Tonderai Chavanga, 13. Morgan Newman, 12. Peter Grant, 11. Gcobani Bobo, 10. Willem De Waal, 9 . Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 . Luke Watson, 7. Duane Vermeulen, 6. Pieter Louw, 4. Anton Van Zyl, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Wicus Blaauw.

Replacements: 16. Hanyani Shimange, 17. JD Moller, 18. De Kock Steenkamp, 19. Zandre Jorgaan, 20. Conrad Hoffman, 21. JJ Engelbecht, 22. Gio Aplon.

Warren Gatchell is a Springbok supporter who has lived in Ireland for three years.