A little more intensity please, says Schalk

Schalk Burger has spent six weeks coming off the bench for Suntory Sun Goliath in Japan, so another Saturday on the wood in Stormers colours does not bother him at all.

Stormers vs Sharks

Burger has been hastily included in the 23-man squad to face the Sharks in the Super rugby clash at Newlands tomorrow.

A season-ending injury to Rynhardt Elstadt and a minor injury to Michael Rhodes ensured that Burger would not be eased back into competition, despite only having two training sessions with the team. But the decorated flank believes he will make the transition comfortably.

"It's great to be back," Burger said.

"Super rugby has a similar intensity to Test rugby in terms of the build-up during the week and the way the game is played. I'm fresh but also ready, and I'm not too worried about coming off the bench because I will get my chance and will start games over the season.

"But Japanese rugby has different challenges. The last Stormers game the ball was in play for 34 minutes, but in my last game in Japan it was in play for 45 minutes.

"So my challenge is to match the intensity that Super rugby brings."

Cheetahs vs Bulls

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That is how Bulls coach Frans Ludeke sees it as his side heads into battle against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein tomorrow afternoon.

After his team's 43-35 win victory the Sharks last week ended their winless streak in the competition, Ludeke has stuck with the same starting XV.

"The good result and the fact that there are no injuries have resulted in us sticking to the same selection," the coach said yesterday.

The only change in the match-day 23 squad for the Bulls is on the bench, where scrumhalf Piet van Zyl, a former Cheetahs player, replaces Travis Ismaiel.

Ludeke explained: "When we had the ball in hand a lot last week, we wore [Sharks] down. So it will be crucial to have Piet as backup, we need him to make that impact and keep the team fresh."

Some would have thought the likes of Akona Ndungane and Arno Botha, who have recovered from injuries, would make their return against Naka Drotske's Free State side.

Instead, the two Boks and Ismaiel will be doing duty for the Bulls' Vodacom Cup side that will be playing the Falcons today.

Blues vs Lions

The Lions have made the long trip to Auckland in search of their first win of the season.

Having led for the most of the game last week against the Stormers, the Johannesburg side let it slip in the end. It's not going to be any easier this week either.

All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu will establish a new Super rugby record for the Bluestomorrow.

It will be his 163rd appearance, beating the record set by former Reds, Force and Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe.

Super Rugby Fixtures

Today

Chiefs vs Highlanders (8.35am)

Brumbies vs Force (10.40am)

Tomorrow

Blues vs Lions (8.35am)

Reds vs Waratahs (10.40am)

Cheetahs vs Bulls (5.05pm)

Stormers vs Sharks (7.10pm)