Breakdown boss Brussow gives Cheetahs claws

The Sharks expect to face a determined and more dangerous Cheetahs side at Kings Park this weekend now that Heinrich Brussow is back from injury.

Sharks vs Cheetahs

The Sharks expect to face a determined and more dangerous Cheetahs side at Kings Park this weekend now that Heinrich Brussow is back from injury.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske wasted no time in putting the little maestro into the starting lineup after he proved his fitness in a Vodacom Cup game last weekend, and Lappies Labuschagne pulled out with a groin strain.

Before falling out of national team favour and taking his talents to Japan last year, Brussow was one of the most feared breakdown exponents in the country - a fact acknowledged by Sharks loose forward Jean Deysel.

"The breakdown has become so important in Super rugby. That's where guys slow down the opposition ball and where you can contest for turnovers," said Deysel.

"[Brussow] is a brilliant player and if the guys know he's in the team their spirits will be lifted, so his return is great for them." - Sbu Mjikeliso

Stormers vs Lions

Peter Grant will start his first ever Super rugby match at fullback when the Stormers take on the Lions at Newlands on Saturday.

It's a selection that could either be viewed as a tactical masterstroke or an embodiment of the uncertainty that pervades the Stormers set-up after six defeats in their first seven matches of the campaign.

Grant's form at flyhalf this season has been poor and his goal-kicking has been substandard. Asking him to play out of position is a brave decision by coach Allister Coetzee.

If it works and the Grant experiment is a success, Coetzee will be hailed as a visionary.

If not, the coach can expect a further backlash. - Craig Ray

Waratahs vs Bulls

Both coach and captain believe the Bulls are on the verge of a breakthrough with a win Down Under eminent, and Frans Ludeke has kept an unchanged side to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday morning.

From the two matches they have played so far - against the Hurricanes and Highlanders of New Zealand - the Bulls have only narrowly suffered defeat .

"The process is ready for us to have a big win on tour," Bulls captain Flip van der Merwe said.

He added: "Everything is in place since we have played some good rugby. We are still desperate to go out and play the perfect game. That's what we are striving for." - Chumani Bambani