Coleman vs Pollard

The two young flyhalves will have game-shaping roles to play for their respective teams in Saturday's grudge match at Newlands, writes JON CARDINELLI.

At 24, Kurt Coleman is hardly a youngster by today's standards. However, he is relatively inexperienced at this level and has often had to play second fiddle to the likes of Peter Grant and Demetri Catrakilis over the past few seasons.

The Stormers' coaches intend to stick with Coleman in the final two rounds of this year's Super Rugby competition. The flyhalf needs to repay that faith with a couple of good performances, and will be expected to produce an accurate all-round display against the old enemy this weekend.

Coleman should benefit from the platform provided by his pack. The Stormers have the heavies to dominate the collisions, and if Coleman receives quick ball, the Stormers backline will come into play.

Coleman's opposite number won't have that luxury. The Bulls have been hit hard by injuries, particularly in the forwards, and so flyhalf Handré Pollard may spend much of the game on the back foot.

Pollard was excellent in his debut for the Springboks last Saturday. He kicked six from eight goal attempts, kicked well out of hand, and took good options when running the ball. However, the 20-year-old will be in for a sterner examination this Saturday, as the Stormers will limit his attacking space.

Photos: Marty Mellville/Luke Walker/Getty Images/Gallo Images

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