JEREMY PROOME looks ahead to the massive battle that’s set to ensue between Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi and Lions hardman Derick Minnie.

DERICK MINNIE

Minnie couldn’t have asked for a better start to his 2014 Vodacom Super Rugby campaign. He had a powerful performance against the Cheetahs, fronting up against the hard Bloemfontein pack and putting in some driving tackles that uplifted the Lions. Minnie may not be the flashiest and loudest loose forward on the field, but his statements are made with the way he plays and the hard work he puts in. Minnie’s sheer power and ball-carrying ability, along with his combination play with the impressive Jaco Kriel and Warren Whiteley, were key factors in the win over the Cheetahs and should be once again against the Stormers in Johannesburg.

SIYA KOLISI

Kolisi always makes his presence known, and with the 22-year-old looking to make a big impact in his third Super Rugby season, he’ll have to put it all on the line in Johannesburg. Kolisi’s experience with the Springboks throughout 2013 and some impressive performances for the Cape side’s warm-up games should give him the necessary motivation to stake his claim (and his jersey) in the competition. The Stormers’ loose trio of Kolisi, Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Burger is arguably the most well-rounded of the South African franchises, and Kolisi’s exuberance and youth will be required to ignite that back-row force going head-first into a hungry and confident Lions pack on Saturday.

Photos: Chris Ricco/Allan James Lipp/BackpagePix