Super rugby tipping point

29 May 2015 - 02:23 By Craig Ray, Sbu Mjikeliso, Chumani Bambani and Khanyiso Tshwaku

It's squeaky-bum time in Super rugby's South African conference, with just three points separating the Stormers, the Bulls and the Lions and this weekend may finally give us the clearest picture yet on who will make the play-offs. Leaders Stormers have entrusted flank Nizaam Carr with leading the breakdown battle in the absence of Schalk Burger when they take on the Cheetahs at Newlands tomorrow.Carr has been elevated to the starting lineup with Burger being rested for the match as part of a deal with the SA Rugby Union.The Cheetahs are without breakdown lynchpin Heinrich Brüssow, but in flanks Tienie Burger and Boom Prinsloo they have an effective poaching duo.The Bulls have not beaten the Brumbies in eight years in Canberra, but add to that the fact that they have not won a tour match in Australasia in their last nine outings and you get a sense of the massive job on their hands today.The Bulls' last win over the Brumbies in Canberra came in 2007 with a 19-7 score. If Frans Ludeke's charges want to remain in the race for a play-off spot, they will need to repeat that feat.The Brumbies, who also require a win to keep their spot in the top six zone, have also been dealt an injury blow.Flyhalf Matt Toomua is not available after failing to recover from an ankle injury sustained against the Lions at Ellis Park in their last match a fortnight ago.Robbie Coleman takes his place.Waiting to pounce should the top two trip up are Johann Ackermann's Lions, who play the Waratahs at Ellis Park tomorrow.Lions captain Warren Whiteley said: "We haven't really spoken about play-off qualification."More important than our log position is the fact that this will probably be our last home game in Super rugby this year."We want to put a performance together that the fans will be proud of."Bismarck du Plessis will again have to play a critical role in the Sharks' breakdown effort in tonight's clash against the Rebels at King's Park.Du Plessis missed four weeks of the campaign through suspension after kicking out at the Chiefs No8 Michael Leitch in March...

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