GAME ON!

Mike Greenaway

Five head-to-head exchanges that could influence the outcome of the final.

WHILE rugby is very much a team game, there are always mini-battles that can decide the course of the war. Here are the soldiers that will contest it…

DEON FOURIE V PETER O’MAHONY

WHAT a pair of wily campaigners these two are. Fourie and O’Mahony are 36 and 33 years of age respectively and they wear the scars of countless campaigns. They roll up their sleeves and go head first into the rucks to win the ball, with scant regard for life or limb. The Munster forwards follow O’Mahony’s example and if Fourie can keep the 94-cap Ireland international quiet, it will help the Stormers’ cause significantly.

Ruben Van Heerden V Tadgh Beirne

LIKE Manie Libbok, Van Heerden has morphed into a worldclass prospect since leaving the Sharks Tank and swimming in the fresher waters of the Cape, even if he took a detour via the Exeter Chiefs in England for a few months. The lineout battle is always key to a game and Van Heerden is up against the very experienced Beirne, a current Ireland team member who locals will remember for the two Tests he played for the British and Irish Lions against the Boks in 2021.

Leolin Zas V Keith Earles

THE 35-year-old Earles is synonymous with the Munster rugby team. It is unlikely that there has been a more popular Munster man than this 35-year-old who only a few weeks ago notched up his 200th appearance for the club. Needless to say, he is vastly experienced and his duel with Zas will be fascinating. Zas was the URC’s top try scorer last year but only returned from a long-term injury in the quarter-final against the Bulls. This would be the perfect time for him to fire.

Damian Willemse V Mike Haley

THE Springbok fullback at his mercurial best is one of the biggest threats in rugby. When he gets the ball DHL Stadium holds its breath. Opposite Willemse is the rock-solid Haley. He played 107 times for the Sale Sharks in England before moving to Munster where he is sitting on 96 caps. He will be keeping his eyes glued on the slippery Willemse.

Herschel Jantjies V Conor Murray

THE scrumhalf showdown is always significant. Jantjies’ form is on an upward trajectory as the World Cup approaches. He knows he is facing fierce competition from emerging talent such as Grant Williams of the Sharks and he was very slick in the quarter-final. Murray will be back after missing the quarter-finals and Jantjies will have his hands full against a 34-year-old who has played 109 times for his country and 176 times for Munster.

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