Friday 8 July 2016 23:42, UK
Ahead of this weekend's remaining Super Rugby clashes we take a look at some of the key battles including Michael Hooper v Ardie Savea.
Faf de Klerk v James Hall
Fresh from making his Test debut in the series against Ireland, scrum-half Faf de Klerk will be looking to continue his run of fine form as he comes up against South Africa's U20 counterpart James Hall when the Lions meet the Kings on Friday evening.
The 24-year-old caught the eye in the series win against Ireland, shooting out of the defence two metres out from his own line to tackle Keith Earls man-and-ball, helping his side to win the decisive penalty and secure the series.
However, hot on his heels is pacey Baby Boks No 9, James Hall. The 20-year-old appeared in all of his country's World Championship matches in Manchester helping them to the semi-final stages. Already a regular in the Kings set-up, Hall will be looking to stake his claim for further honours against the impressive De Klerk in a rivalry that could be the start of many battles to come.
David Havili v Reece Hodge
It is a meeting of the rising stars as Crusaders meet the Rebels, with David Havili going head-to-head with Reece Hodge.
Since making his Super Rugby debut against the Lions in 2015, Havili, 21, has made 11 appearances for the Crusaders as well as representing his country at U20 level in the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship in his home country. Havili comes into the side at 12 for the clash, with All Blacks inside centre Ryan Crotty switching to 13 to accommodate the youngster.
Havili comes up against Rebels centre Reece Hodge. He scored twice on his debut for the Rebels earlier this year, and was called up as an injury replacement into Michael Cheika's 36-man squad for the series against England. The 21-year-old was left waiting for his first-cap as the Wallabies slipped to a whitewash, but it surely won't be long before he is capped by Australia.
With both young stars just beginning their rugby careers, could this be the start of a fierce rivalry for both club and country for years to come?
Michael Hooper v Ardie Savea
There is a back row battle of seismic proportions as the Waratahs' Michael Hooper clashes with the Hurricanes' Ardie Savea on Saturday morning.
In recent times, Savea has ramped up the pressure on Sam Cane in his quest for the No 7 jersey with a string of strong performances, with many in New Zealand calling for Cane to make way for the 22-year-old.
Up against him will be Michael Hooper, who comes into the match struggling to find his usually imperious form. He was largely ineffective against England despite Eddie Jones' lack of a scavenging openside and was eclipsed by the performances of opposite man James Haskell.
Write Hooper off at your peril - his performances last year forced David Pocock into a positional switch - but the 24-year-old now faces the challenge of holding onto his own shirt. Expect fireworks in Sydney.
Eben Etzebeth v Ross Haylett-Petty
Eben Etzebeth has been struggling for form this campaign, not quite having the same impact that saw him earmarked as the successor of Bakkies Botha as the Springbok enforcer.
The Stormers' lineout hasn't been their strongest attribute this year and the 2013 World player of the year nominee will be looking to rectify this against the Force.
Ross Haylett-Petty is the younger brother of new Wallaby outside back Dane. He will be keen to impose himself at this level and what better way to do that than against Etzebeth.
Haylett-Petty will not be one to back down from the challenge that faces him, ensuring a heavy battle between the two South African-born second rowers.
Adriaan Strauss v Takeshi Kizu
Adriaan Strauss was named Springbok captain ahead of the Ireland series, but there is already pressure on him to keep his place.
There are many calls for Bismarck du Plessis to return to the Bok fold from France, but coach Allister Coetzee has said he will look closer to home for players before picking from abroad.
Strauss needs to string together some good performances ahead of the Rugby Championship and show to his doubters just why he was given the role of leading his country.
The man facing him is Takeshi Kizu. The hooker has struggled to make the Japan and Sunwolves No 2 jersey his own, regularly playing the supporting role behind Shota Horie. A strong performance against Strauss and the Bulls could be his chance to prove his worth in the front row as a regular starter.
Jean-Luc du Preez v Oupa Mahoje
Oupa Mahoje has been unlucky to not add to his eight Springbok caps, mostly due to the abundance of loose forward talent South Africa boasts.
More recently, Mahoje has been showcasing his leadership skills as captain of the South African 'A' side that fell to a two-match defeat at the hands of the England Saxons, and will want to use this game to show he has the ability and desire to achieve more on the international stage
Jean-Luc du Preez, along with twin brother and fellow Sharks flanker Daniel, is a rising star of South African rugby. After an impressive performance off the bench for South Africa 'A' against the Saxons he started the second match of the series, scoring a try in the 26-29 defeat.
At just 20-years-old he is still young and still has plenty to prove, but he is incredibly, big, strong and brimming with talent. His match-up against Mahoje will provide the loose forward with the chance to test himself against a man of international calibre.
Martin Landajo v Aaron Smith
It is a battle of international standard at scrum-half as the Highlanders welcome back Aaron Smith. He was rested for last weekend's win over the Kings after playing his part in New Zealand's three-test victory over Wales.
Smith was world class against Warren Gatland's men, steering the ship with ease and showcasing his talent. The man he faces this weekend will attempt to halt that form - Martin Landajo of Argentina and the Jaguares.
Landajo's brace of tries in the Jaguares' Super Rugby debut back in February ensured it was a dream start for his side, helping them to a 34-33 comeback victory over the Cheetahs. He also helped his country to first-Test success over France in the summer.
The duo are likely to do battle in the Rugby Championship this year and this match will provide the perfect warm-up.
