The Sunwolves will look to record a mammoth upset when they host a second-string Stormers side on Saturday.
The Sunwolves and Stormers will square off in Round 5 Super Rugby action this Saturday. The Stormers struggled out in Singapore last year and we’re held to a 17-17 draw. Robbie Fleck will be hoping for a better showing from his charges this time around.
Sunwolves v Stormers | Saturday 25 March | Singapore National Stadium | 12:55
To Win (80 Mins)
Sunwolves 8/1 | Draw 35/1 | Stormers 1/33
Handicap
Sunwolves (+24.5) 9/10 | Stormers (-24.5) 9/10
Sunwolves
With the Sunwolves seemingly safe from a Super Rugby axe, they will know that they have more time to build and transform their game over the coming seasons. Last weekend’s 13-point loss to the Bulls came off the back of a much-improved showing against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, and their steady improvement may be signs of them acclimatising to the demands of the season after some horrendous performances in the opening rounds.
They travel back home to Singapore for this one against the Stormers, and will desperately want to give their faithful supporters something to cheer about this weekend. Ed Quirk’s side did well to meet the Bulls’ physical advances last week, something they will have to repeat to match the Stormers this weekend. Despite this, they will still feel that they should have gotten more out of the game after Renaldo Bothma’s red card, and to not come away with (at least) a losing bonus-point will sting them. Nevertheless, the ‘Wolves did show some glimpses of good play, a few of which led to tries, and this will boost them in their quest to potentially pick-off an overconfident Stormers outfit.
Stormers
Robbie Fleck’s decision to rest his Bok trio of Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit may just come back to bite him this weekend. Although it is part of the Springbok’s management plan, history shows that underestimating ‘weaker’ opposition can certainly backfire (look no further than the Lions/Jaguares game). Nevertheless, the rest will ultimately benefit his squad, as the prolonged, gruelling season does eventually take its toll on players.
The Stormers attack-mindedness has been inspiring to watch this season, and they have certainly been the most promising SA side in the competition to date. They will back themselves to maintain their winning run this weekend against a spirited-but-struggling Sunwolves team who will battle to match the aggression and raw power of the Stormers pack (even without the aforementioned Bok trio).
A victory will set the Cape-side up well for their upcoming fixtures, which includes some bruising SA derbies as well as a visit from the Chiefs. A bonus-point win for them will be non-negotiable this weekend.
Verdict: Stormers (-24.5) 9/10
Even without their first-choice players, the Stormers should still take home a bonus-point win.
Written by Shaun Goosen for @Hollywoodbets.net!
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