Three standout match-ups are on the cards in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, with a blockbuster clash looming in Cape Town.
Damian Willemse vs Louis Rees-Zammit
The aerial battle between the Springbok fullback and Wales star will be key when the Stormers and Bristol Bears meet in the Mother City on Saturday.
Returning from Bok duty alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach, Willemse slotted straight back in at 15 last weekend, helping power the Stormers to a convincing URC win over the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
Rees-Zammit is a proven try-scorer and is equally at home at fullback or on the wing, and Bears boss Pat Lam considers him an important cog in a backline that enjoys giving the ball some air.
Bristol have happy memories from their last visit to South Africa, after they won a 110-point thriller at the Bulls last season (61-49).
While Rees-Zammit boasts loads of speed, Willemse is no slouch either. His powerful, pacy strides are a feature of his game, and the pair look evenly matched for speed.
If both start in the back three, the Cape Town crowd could be in for a treat.
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Jac Morgan vs Tom Willis
Round one kicks off on Friday night, when Gloucester host holders Bordeaux Bègles, with powerful back-rowers Jac Morgan and Tom Willis going head-to-head.
Both are new signings who have already lifted their sides’ scrums, carrying and attack.
Willis, who has scored five tries in the Top 14 and become a fan-favourite within weeks, would be making his first trip back across the Channel.
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Tommaso Menoncello vs Henry Slade
On Sunday, Toulouse welcome the Exeter Chiefs, with youth against experience at centre.
Toulouse newcomer Tommaso Menoncello has impressed with his carrying and a debut try since joining in the off-season, while the Chiefs’ Henry Slade has been as reliable as ever from the tee.
If both play, it will be a head-to-head between two versatile internationals.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Three standout match-ups are on the cards in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup, with a blockbuster clash looming in Cape Town.
The post Gaza-LRZ duel headlines round one appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
