Reds v Stormers - SR Round 9, 2012

I would assume it will look something like the starting 15 that tore the Sharks a new one - before the injuries. I would wager Lane will be on the bench but Lucas at 10 & Harris at 12.

As long as the Reds don't try too many long loopy passes with Habana ready to pounce, I think the can test the Stormers backline defense.

Has Habana played much at 13? I can't remember it?

Courier mail today is reporting that Lane was training at 10. They are suggesting the possibility of Lucas on the bench.

Link referred, understandably, to concerns about bringing players like Harris and Lucas right back to starting positions after many injury weeks off.

He started his senior career for the Lions at 13, but was quickly shifted to the wing. He has played the odd game at 13 over the years, but never consistently. He played there in one of the Stormers' trial games this year and started at 13 in the first game of the season against the Hurricanes while Juan de Jongh was injured. He is certainly stronger on the wing though.

As much as Habana is playing well this year, he can ruch up a bit too much in defense, so they may be some space behind him to exploit.

And Aplon, as good as he can be, was picked on a bit last year by the Reds and Crusaders so the option could be to kick to his wing / the back and try to mug him with a good chase.

assuming the Reds can mount a good kick-chase

I just want Aidan Toua to get a run in the back 3, he acquitted himself well at 13 last week but no fireworks. He has more to offer (particularly at fullback). He's like Aplon somewhat i.e eye for space and the footwork to exploit it particularly on counterattack. That said he''s probably 12-15kgs heavier, at least as fast and a savage defender given the opportunity. Morahan has been mostly pretty poor this season, bench him or put him on the wing.

Hopefully Link see's it this way aswell. Defensivley Toua is better then Davies and Morahan, and offers more in attack then Morahan and is more agile and smart attacking wise then Davies. He's also a specialist 15, unlike those two.

yeah, Toua was good, would love to see him get some more time on the park, but it seems they're reluctant to drop wither Davies or Morahan

The team will have to be announced today won't it? Considering its a Friday game..

Morahan is just too hot and cold this season for my liking. Everytime he has a fairly average game he does well to bounce back the following week and improve but can't seem to play well week in week out. With the backs being near fully stocked this week I think Morahan becomes expendible and should allow for Toua to play at 15, hopefully.

de Jongh is the one I worry about. He runs great lines. We all know the battle up front is going to be massive but I think it is the backs where the points are going to come from this week and we'll need to be able to shut down a bloke like de Jongh.

We are always the last Australian side to announce out weekly line-up, it annoys me.

tl12, understand, but I reckon Link would have altered some plans after seeing the Stormers' final team, and confirmed injuries there, etc. It's a challenging situation, as Harris and Lucas and Toua are game-light, Lane is raw, huge to throw him up against a team far superior/bigger/harder than the Brumbies, Morahan a roulette wheel of what you might get from him, etc, etc. Lots of complex trade-offs, yes?

Look like the Reds is the Sharks of Aus rugby. Dont show much confidense if they wait this long to announce their team. Reds by 50.

One thing that I do know PB: what with all your multiple 'hot and cold' statements about the Reds this year, you are totally fascinated by them. We receive the compliment in the way we know it's intended.

No problem broer, I have been with the Reds when they were down and out in 2010, on their lowest of lowest times. A lot have happened since then. Feeling confidense for friday Boet? I know you looking forward to this one.

Really looking forward mate! Love the way Stormers 2012 are really breaking through with an excellent running attack not always there before when you had great kickers and the famous Great Wall of Defence, but other bits were lacking. Now the whole dinner is being served in one sitting, and it's very impressive.

Not big confidence as Reds are playing well below 2011 (so far) and injuries to 3 10s especially QC have made that much worse. But now Stormers injuries are balancing the card up, aren't they?

Suncorp w-l % record for Reds gives me confidence; as Bb said today, SA hardly ever leaves there happy! But I love this match up, I think it will be very close for all of 80 and 44 near dead players at 81. Reds by 2.

Agreed, great to see the Stormers looking dangerous with the ball.

I think this match will be decided in the tight / backrow / halves / backs

Hopefully will be a great match, probably with a Stormers win, but would be so freakin' happy if the Reds get over the line by any margin