Rugby
John Goliath, Special to ESPN 6y

Super Rugby scouting report: South African Conference

Rugby, Super Rugby

Super Rugby gets underway on Saturday afternoon with derbies in the Republic. KweséESPN looks at how the teams in the South African Conference shape up ahead of the new, revamped competition.

BULLS

After a nightmare 2017 the Bulls will be hoping that John Mitchell can get them back to the glory days of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Mitchell takes over from Nollis Marais, who steered the Bulls to 15th place on the combined log and last in the South African Conference.

There is a youthful look about the Bulls, as Mitchell is trying to refresh the team with young talented players. However, the Bulls do have experience in the likes of Lood de Jager and Adriaan Strauss. This is also a massive campaign for flyhalf Handré Pollard.

Big in: Embrose Papier. The young scrumhalf has got a lot of potential and has been tipped as a future Springbok.

Big out: Jan Serfontein. The centre is going to leave a massive hole in the Bulls' midfield after deciding to pursue a career in France.

JAGUARES

Despite boasting a squad full of internationals, the Jaguares have struggled to get going in this competition. They make far to many errors, while their discipline has cost them many matches.

They have largely the same squad, but it's going to be important for them to get up to speed with the pace of the matches. They will again look at their experienced players to lead the way.

Big in: Thomas Cubelli. The experienced scrumhalf is a great addition because of his decision-making. He should also bring a calming influence on the team.

Big out: Santiago Cordero. The little speedster is going to missed. His try-scoring ability and vision were key for the Jaguares last season.

SHARKS

The Sharks have bolstered their squad with plenty of quality after they narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot last year. Coach Robert du Preez has got good depth in the decision-making positions.

Former Stormers man Rob du Preez, the coach's son, will be fighting it out with Curwin Bosch for that flyhalf berth, while there is also a lot of competition at scrumhalf and fullback.

Big in: Makazole Mapimpi. The former Cheetahs man set the PRO14 alight with some wonderful tries. It's a big year for the East London flyer.

Big out: Pat Lambie. The versatile Lambie's experience and talent are going to be missed, as the Sharks go into the campaign with many inexperienced inside backs.

LIONS

The Lions have been South Africa's best team over the last few years, making the final on the last two occasions. However, they have stuttered in those finals, and will be looking to go one better this year.

The Joburg team hasn't made a lot of signings for this year, but has managed to keep most of the best players. There are also a few promising youngsters coming through the ranks.

Big in: Marnus Schoeman. The former Pumas flanker will add depth to the Lions' forward stocks and another openside option.

Big out: Ruan Ackermann. The Lions are certainly going to miss the big bruiser. Ackermann brought a lot of physicality as a ball-carrier and big hitter.

STORMERS

The perennial Super Rugby quarter-finalists will be looking to get over their playoffs bogey in 2018. But they face a tough start to the competition, with a number of their key players fighting to be fit for Saturday's opening match against the Jaguares at Newlands.

The Cape Town outfit has lost the experience of Juan de Jongh in midfield, but managed to acquire the services of a few seasoned backline players in Raymond Rhule and Sergeal Petersen. However, they haven't adequately replaced flyhalf Robert du Preez, who have moved to the Sharks in the off-season.

Big in: Steven Kitshoff. The loosehead prop was one of the few Springboks who came out of 2017 with his reputation intact. His powerful scrumming and all-round ability will be invaluable.

Big out: Juan de Jongh. The Stormers did not only lose a dangerous runner and defender in midfield, but also a true leader. Wasps' gain is the Stormers' loss.

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