The 2010 Super 14 final is almost upon us. It’s an all South African affair this year, and will most likely be played in the style of a true North/South derby grudge match.

Both teams have been exceptional throughout this year’s competition, and both have a fair share of Springboks within their squads, balanced with a good amount of young talent.

The Stormers are having to travel, not to Loftus, but to altitude non the less, at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, where the Bulls disposed of the Crusaders a week ago.

Going into the game, if you’re a betting man, smart money would have to be on the Bulls. Having been in this situation before, and taking home the silverware, they are definitely the favourite for this weekend’s clash of the South African titans.

By no means write the Stormers off though. If anyone can unseat the mighty Bulls, it’s them. For year’s having boxed above their weight category with an inferior tight game, the Stormers now have the players to match any tight five, and have seemingly come to realise that this season, with every player in their team standing up to be counted.Couple the new found confidence of their tight five, with the best loose trio in the competition, and they are all set for a monumental battle up front.

Both teams have a decent backline. The Bulls have arguably the best player in world rugby in Fourie du Preez, coupled with the longstanding partnership of himself and Morne “the boot” Steyn, the will be looking to control the tempo of the game.

The Stormers have the outside backs. With Jaque Fourie being the best #13 in the business, and Springbok flyer and intercept king, Bryan Habana outside of him, bringing experience to the overall flair between themselves and the likes of Joe Pietersen and Gio Aplon.

Be ready for a final, the likes of which have never been seen in South Africa before.

Head to Head:

• Victor Matfield VS Andries Bekker: In all probability, this will be the biggest head to head battle on the day.Victor Matfield has ruled the #5 berth, worldwide, for year’s now, but Andries Bekker has, all season long, been looking to de-throne him, and in the process making the strongest statement to be voted player of the tournament.
• Loosies VS Loosies: Piere Spies is an absolute machine. He is the definition of athleticism. Dewald Potgieter is in the mould of Corne Krige, a player who will rather die on the field than give up. Stegman on the other hand is a liability. Whilst he is exceptional, at times, at the breakdown, he is a penalty machine, and may very well be the Bulls undoing on the night. The Stormers have dominated loose play all season. They have Springbok stalwart, Schalk Burger, and deserved Springbok debutant, Francois Louw on the sides of the scrum, with perhaps the unluckiest man of all to have missed out on Bok selection, Duane Vermeulen at the back. I pip the Stormers loosies to take it, based on Stegamans liability factor.
• Scrummy VS Scrummy: Fourie du Preez is the best player ion world rugby. It’s as simple as that. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game, get his forwards going, and deliver clean ball when it counts. Dewald Duvenage is a relative new comer on the block (when compared to du Preez), but has the ball skills and the ability to get under his opposite number’s skin. He will be looking to disrupt the Bull’s service wherever he can. Whether he gets it right or not remains to be seen.
• Centres VS Centres: Wyanand Olivier is always superb at this level, standing out at number 12 for a few seasons now, but hasn’t been used as effectively in the last few weeks. He does however have the ability to cross the gain line at almost every turn. He will be facing up against De Jongh, who is also a relative new comer, but also a deserved Springbok debutant, who has been making waves and sticking his hand up to be counted at #12 all Season. Should be a great battle between the two #12′s In almost a complete opposite of the #12 situation, the Stormers have the upper hand at #13, with Jaque Fourie far outweighing Jaco Pretoris, who has been a mixed bag all season, when not injured that is.
• Joe Pietersen VS Zane Kirchner: Zane Kirchner seems to be a favourite with Springbok coach, PDV, but Joe Pietersen has been in outstanding form for two seasons now, and is another player who is extremely unlucky to have missed out on Springbok selection. Some rate Kirchner highly, I on the other hand am not a great fan. I think he is average at best, and has been erratic all season.

How they have been looking through the week: [Sport24]

The Bulls have looked strong in the lead up to Saturday’s game. These shots were taken at training throughout the week.

Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images

The Stormers on the other hand, in true Cape Town style, have been looking quite chilaxed throughout the week. They are looking confident, and have been training well, with the only worry being Habana sitting out a day or two with a slight cold.

BSR’s Prediction:

It’s a tough one to call chaps. I feel the Stormers have the superior defense, and can run the Bulls ragged, but where the telling tale will come in, is whether or not they, or any team for that matter, can keep up with the Bulls during the last 20 minutes, at altitude. The smart money is on the Bulls, but as I said, the Stormers have the players, the game, and the belief to do it. Being from  Cape Town, I put down Stormers 23 – 18 Bulls. Only time will tell though