Super 14 preview: Round 2
21 Feb 2008
Keo.co.za looks at the likely winners and key match-ups of the weekend.
HURRICANES vs REDS, WELLINGTON, FRIDAY 08:35.
No team can afford defeat to the Brisbane franchise, especially at home and for this particular encounter, the Canes back row holds the key. Chris Masoe is a clear cut above David Croft, while Rodney So’oialo will have a vital role to play from the back of the scrum. Jerry Collins will be huge from a ball-carrying perspective, especially with the increased number of free kicks. The Canes front row have also received a timely boost with Neemia Tialata picked to combat Greg Holmes in the scrums. This should ensure parity at the set-piece allowing Jimmy Gopperth the necessary platform to unleash the formidable Ma’a Nonu and elusive Hosea Gear. The Reds will stay in touch if the game remains tight, but if the Canes have it their own way, a looser game will see a home-team bonus point.
PREDICTION: Canes to win by 7.
Hurricanes – 15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tane Tu’ipulotu, 11 Ma’a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So’oialo (c), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Subs: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Shannon Paku.
Reds – 1. Greg Holmes, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Rodney Blake, 4. Van Humphries, 5. James Horwill, 6. Hugh McMeniman, 7. David Croft, 8. John Roe (c), 9. Sam Cordingley, 10. Berrick Barnes, 11. Clinton Schifcofske, 12. Chris Siale, 13. Morgan Turinui, 14. Digby Ioane, 15. Chris Latham
Subs: 16. Sean Hardman, 17. Dayna Edwards, 18. Ed O’Donoghue, 19. Leroy Houston, 20. Will Genia, 21. Peter Hynes, 22. Quade Cooper
CHEETAHS vs FORCE, BLOEMFONTEIN, FRIDAY 18:00
Both teams are hurting after their respective losses in round one, but the Force’s woes were compounded with the loss of Matt Henjak and Cameron Shepherd. Nathan Sharpe’s return should see the visitors remaining competitive at line-out time, but the scrums and tackle points should go the way of the Cheetahs. The Force are a threat from broken play, but if the Cheetahs can maintain their structure and improve on their sub-standard tactical kicking, they should win this one comfortably.
PREDICTION: Cheetahs to win by 7.
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 JW Jonker, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Gavin Passens, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Duanne Vermeulen, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Rory Duncan, 4 Barend Pieterse, 3 Kobus Calldo, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Subs: 16 Richard Strauss, 17 Bees Roux, 18 David de Villiers, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Tobie Botes, 21 Conrad Barnard, 22 Hendrik Meyer.
Force – 1. Pek Cowan, 2.Tai McIsaac, 3. Troy Takiari, 4.Tom Hockings, 5. Nathan Sharpe (c), 6. Sam Wykes, 7. David Pocock, 8. Richard Brown, 9. James Stannard, 10. Matt Giteau, 11. Nick Cummins, 12. Scott Daruda, 13. Scott Staniforth, 14. Ryan Cross, 15. Drew Mitchell
Subs: 16. Luke Holmes, 17. AJ Whalley, 18. David Pusey, 19. Tamaiti Horua, 20. Scott Fava, 21. Lachlan MacKay, 22. Josh Tatupu
BULLS vs CRUSADERS, PRETORIA, FRIDAY 20:00
The win in Cape Town was praised as great display from a champion team under pressure, but when measured against the Crusaders’ beating of the Brumbies, it was never in the same league. The Crusaders aren’t likely to smash the Bulls at home, but they should still walk away with the points. They have the forwards to match this Bulls in the tight, and Richie McCaw will have the better of Wikus van Heerden at the breakdown. Dan Carter will welcome back Andy Ellis, and while Fourie du Preez will be a force for the hosts with his accurate boot, the Crusaders halfbacks have the edge as a combination. The two backlines are chalk and cheese, and the Bulls will need to produce another great defensive effort if they’re going to keep the Saders from running them ragged.
PREDICTION: Crusaders to win by 10.
Bulls - Zane Kirchner, John Mametsa, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Marius Delport, Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez (c), Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Danie Rossouw, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuün, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: James vd Walt, Werner Kruger, Jaco Engels, Dewald Potgieter, Heini Adams, Morné Steyn, Danwell Demas.
Crusaders – 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Stephen Brett, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis; 8 Mose Tuiali’i, 7 Richard McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Ben Franks.
Subs: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Reuben Thorne, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Hamish Gard, 22 Caleb Ralph.
CHIEFS vs WARATAHS, HAMILTON, SATURDAY 08:35
A trip to Hamilton is never easy, and despite their recent performances the Chiefs remain one of the most underrated teams in the competition. Led by Jonno Gibbes, the Chiefs pack will try to keep it close and wear down the Tahs forwards. However, young Tanerau Latimer faces a significant challenge in Phil Waugh when the two compete for fetching honours. Both teams have exciting backlines, but the experience in the Chiefs’ back division could be the clincher on this occasion.
PREDICTION: Chiefs to win by 3.
Chiefs – 1. Simms Davison, 2. Tom Willis, 3. Ben Castle, 4. Jono Gibbes (c), 5. Kevin O’Neill, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Sione Lauaki, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Stephen Donald, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12. Callum Bruce, 13. Richard Kahui,14. Viliame Waqaseduadua, 15. Mils Muliaina
Subs:16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Ben May, 18. Toby Lynn, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Tom Harding,21. David Bason, 22. Lelia Masaga
Waratahs -15 Lachie Turner, 14 Timana Tahu, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Brett Sheehan; 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Dan Vickerman, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Matt Dunning.
Subs: 16 Benn Robinson, 17 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 Beau Robinson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Alfi Mafi.
BRUMBIES vs HIGHLANDERS, CANBERRA, SATURDAY 10:35
Forced to select an inexperienced backline, Laurie Fisher will know his side are the underdogs going into this fixture. The Kiwis boast a number of new combinations as well, and Jimmy Cowan’s synergy with Daniel Bowden will be crucial to an away win. Whether the Highlanders can keep the mobile Brumbies pack down to a modest pace is debatable given that the Canberra side possess the likes of George Smith and Stephen Hoiles in the back row. The Highlanders didn’t set the world alight in their first outing against the Reds, but they look to be the better organised of the two teams.
PREDICTION: Highlanders to win by 7 or less.
Brumbies - Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Tyrone Smith, Anthony Faingaa, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes; Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (c), Mitch Chapman, Al Campbell, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson.
Subs: Saia Faingaa, Salesi Maafu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Peter Playford, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Highlanders -15 James Wilson, 14 Paul Williams, 13 Niva Ta’auso, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan; 8 Steven Setephano/Ezra Taylor, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Macdonald (c), 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Subs: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Tim Boys/Ezra Taylor, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Brett Mather.
SHARKS vs STORMERS, DURBAN, SATURDAY 17:00
Conditions will dictate the flow at Kings Park, as the humidity could force a more conservative approach. This will see the Sharks kickers gaining the ascendancy, with Frans Steyn and Ruan Pienaar having the wood on their Stormers counterparts. The return of Conrad Jantjes will lend the Stormers more weight in this department, and the Springbok fullback will also form part of a dangerous counter-attacking unit in the visiting back three. Up front, BJ Botha should give the Sharks the edge, and much will depend on Brian Mujati’s performance against ‘The Beast’ if the Stormers are to limit the hosts. The breakdown battle between Schalk Burger and Jacques Botes is the match-up of the weekend, although both will depend heavily on their respective tight-fives to thrive. In this respect, the Sharks are once again favourites.
PREDICTION: Sharks to win by 10.
Sharks – Francois Steyn, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Brad Barritt, JP Pietersen, Frederic Michalak, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski, AJ Venter, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller, Johan Ackermann, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtwarira. Reserves: Craig Burden, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Ber, Keegan Daniel, Rory Kockott, Adrian Jacobs, Stefan Terblanche.
Stormers – Conrad Jantjes, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers, Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller.
Subs: Schalk Brits, Brok Harris, Ross Skeate, Francois van der Merwe, Bolla Conradie, Gio Aplon, Dylan des Fountain.
LIONS vs BLUES, JOHANNESBURG, SATURDAY 19:00
To keep writing Loffie Eloff’s Lions off seems dangerous, but it pays to remember they are always punching above their weight. The Blues are loaded with stars who all enjoy the expansive game and the loss of Luke McAlister is yet to be felt. Isaia Toeava’s impact in midfield will be significant, as will that of his opposite number Jaco Pretorius, who had a great pre-season and first game against the Cheetahs.
Flyhalves Nick Evans and Louis Strydom employ contrasting styles, with the All Blacks pivot favouring the running game. Strydom and Jano Vermaak’s kicking will be crucial in terms of accuracy, but it wouldn’t be wise to supply the likes of Joe Rokocoko with too much ball in space. It will be a tough match, but the Blues should break loose in the final quarter.
PREDICTION: Blues to win by 7.
Lions - Louis Ludik; Dusty Noble, Jaco Pretorius, Doppies la Grange, Rayno Benjamin; Louis Strydom, Jano Vermaak; Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Gerhard Mostert, Anton van Zyl, Ross Geldenhuys, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe.
Subs: Gavin Williamson, Gert Andries van der Merwe, Alten Hulme, Joe van Niekerk, Chris Jonck, Earl Rose, Jaco van Schalkwyk.
Blues - Isa Nacewa; Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko; Nick Evans, Danny Lee; Nick Williams, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell ©, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Subs: Tom McCartney, Nick White, Bryn Evans, Onosa’i Tololima-Auva’a, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Rudi Wulf.
By Jon Cardinelli

438 Comments
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21 Feb 2008, 13:44 pm
HURRICANES
CHEETAHS
CRUSADERS
WARATAHS
BRUMBIES
SHARKS
LIONS
21 Feb 2008, 13:44 pm
136
Hurricanes
Cheetahs
Crusaders
Chiefs
Highlanders
Sharks
Blues
21 Feb 2008, 13:44 pm
Is this the right place to put our predictions?? Or is Jonty just oo slck to post the blog?
It seems everyone is putting them here in any case, most without entry numbers!
Anyway just in case, heres mine:
Mistral #25
Hurricanes
Cheetahs
Crusaders
Waratahs
Brumbies
Sharks
Blues
21 Feb 2008, 13:44 pm
Cherio BokiNZ!!!!
21 Feb 2008, 13:46 pm
Leeu_loop – Bulls is all the ways for me. I ****** cannot stands the Stormers team people. Call me Stomers fan and then i hunt you withs my hunting knive.
21 Feb 2008, 13:48 pm
Bosluis,
I kill ya dead till you die…
21 Feb 2008, 13:48 pm
21 Feb 2008, 13:49 pm
299. – waa ha ha ha. Luke Whata-flop….
21 Feb 2008, 13:49 pm
Cuzzy,
Jy het nou in ‘n ondraagbare Diplomaat ontaard vandat jy beheersd moet post….. as gevolg van jou posisie in RSV…
Waar’s my ou pel, Cuzzy !!
21 Feb 2008, 13:49 pm
C4,
Bliksem, what a mouth full…
21 Feb 2008, 13:49 pm
Sorry they all did not work, s-]
21 Feb 2008, 13:50 pm
294 Definitely not Fluke Wazzup!!!!! are you psycho?
anyone is better than him
Cheers BokiNZ
21 Feb 2008, 13:50 pm
Boskobra, it’s people like you and 3E make me want to Bulls to lose, you guys are the cancer on SA rugby – the bulls admin bone heads tried to get Jake White fired before the world cup… bone head mentality. I lost what ever respect i have for the Bulls that day
21 Feb 2008, 13:51 pm
That can be a tool on the new website a button next to the comment with a insert for the emoticons for the site
21 Feb 2008, 13:51 pm
GBS,
Ek is nou bekeer… Moet my mooi gedra, eks nou pa for fark steaks…
21 Feb 2008, 13:52 pm
Ok, I’ off like a jewish foreskin!!!!
Praat later LLL’s en Vixe!!!!!!
21 Feb 2008, 13:53 pm
Ja Cuzzy,
Netnou lees klein Armadene hierdie posts van jou !!
Hahaha
21 Feb 2008, 13:54 pm
Ja manne!
21 Feb 2008, 13:54 pm
Cuzzy,
Gaan jy en kleinding eendag saam Graad 1 toe gaan….. saam klei speel en leer spel?
21 Feb 2008, 13:55 pm
Round Number two predictions:
#11 GirlShark
Hurricanes
Cheetahs
Crusaders (Hope the Bulls though)
Chiefs
Brumbies
Sharks
Blues
21 Feb 2008, 13:55 pm
313 and its people like you that just want to make me laugh my *** off, as if we supporters had anything to do with that!!!!! get some perspective dude!!!! if we dare say we support the bulls or the bulls are going to win we are ******** but you guys can say what you like!!!! I even told katman that I think that the lions are going to take the blues!!! cheez man catch a wake up……bloody pathetic
21 Feb 2008, 13:57 pm
And sorry thank you very much speartackle you saved my bacon this time!
21 Feb 2008, 13:57 pm
bye cuzzy!!!!! lekker speel met Armadene
21 Feb 2008, 13:58 pm
good luck Jonty sorting out this mess
21 Feb 2008, 14:00 pm
G13G
Ek dink Jonty het nie besef watter groot lat hy vir sy eie gat gepluk het nie.
IG lag seker sy gat af in stilte.
21 Feb 2008, 14:01 pm
324 all Jonty must sort out is my number!!!! Please Jonty ek smeeeeeeeeeek jou!!!! sallie weer grappies post nie….
21 Feb 2008, 14:01 pm
# 73 – here’s my predictions along with my number
Hurricanes
Cheetahs
Crusaders
Chiefs
Brumbies
Sharks
Blues
21 Feb 2008, 14:01 pm
Triple E ignore him he is not worth your time or effort! He sounds to me like a teen ager out for some kicks!
21 Feb 2008, 14:02 pm
Jonty is still lying in the lobotomy room at the Tudor (pay-by-the-hour) Hotel, his eyes rolled back in his head and dribbling gently from one corner of his mouth.
Takes about 2 hours to recover.
21 Feb 2008, 14:02 pm
Hope the weather is better for rugga this weekend, anybody there that can tell how it is at the moment $-)
21 Feb 2008, 14:02 pm
talking of John Smit…
Staright off the wire
STOFILE ANGRY WITH SMIT DECISION
Mike Stofile has told The Star newspaper that he is upset about the re-appointment of John Smit as national skipper, under new coach Peter de Villiers.
An angry Stofile told the paper, “I do not know who appointed John Smit as Springbok captain. Whoever made this appointment did it without the leadership of rugby being involved.”
He further promised to “get to the bottom of ‘this’”.
Stofile said it was not a matter of whether he agreed or disagreed with Smit’s appointment as captain. “The Super 14 has also just started, so it is too early to choose a captain now. If I was the coach, I would first assemble the squad and assess them. Once I have done that, I will pick the captain from there,” he said.
Smit is the most capped Springbok captain in South African rugby history.
MUST BE JONTY DAY OFF TODAY
21 Feb 2008, 14:03 pm
325 stem Isi, dink hy kom loer elke dag wat hier aangaan en is baaaaaie verlig!!! pleks dat hy ook kom post saam met ons!!!! wonner of hy vir my ‘n ou nommertjie sou gegee het, sug!!!!!
21 Feb 2008, 14:03 pm
75.
HURRICANES
CHEETAHS
CRUSADERS
WARATAHS
BRUMBIES
SHARKS
LIONS
Come on LIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21 Feb 2008, 14:05 pm
328 thanks GS, feel better after getting that off my ample chest hehehe, dont really care though!!!
21 Feb 2008, 14:05 pm
Dont know about my number or where you get a number Im a n00b Im afraid.
My predictions are:
Hurricanes
Force
Crusaders
Chiefs
Brumbies
Sharks
Blues
21 Feb 2008, 14:07 pm
Leeu slaat vir hiëna moer toe. Bobbejaan sit bo in die boom en kyk.
Na die fight vra hiëna verontwaardig: “F *kkit, hoekom help jy my nie, ek’s nou amper dood gebliksem!”
Bobbejaan:
“Jy giggel so ek dog jy wen ”
(jonty hope you do not also find this offensive
)
21 Feb 2008, 14:12 pm
why is there so much afrikaans on an english site!!
21 Feb 2008, 14:15 pm
Why are there so many men in women’s clothes?
21 Feb 2008, 14:17 pm
Katman, i would not talk you **** Boil
21 Feb 2008, 14:21 pm
Funny thing is, you are.
21 Feb 2008, 14:23 pm
Katman likes DragQueen. I think he wants to smooch DragQueen.
21 Feb 2008, 14:23 pm
Katman, be nice to the Lions fan!
21 Feb 2008, 14:23 pm
what is funny? you are the one who is a cat in a man’s body
21 Feb 2008, 14:26 pm
Slow down there, comedians.
21 Feb 2008, 14:27 pm
cheers everyone, gotta go……have a wonderful evening, yes even you leeu-loop
21 Feb 2008, 14:27 pm
where is this leeu loop character who chirps us ********? come out and show yourself!! there is always someone who messes these forums up
21 Feb 2008, 14:27 pm
Waar is leeu_loop nou?
21 Feb 2008, 14:29 pm
we must moer this leeu-loop character – the only good lion is a dead lion
21 Feb 2008, 14:30 pm
And besides, what kind of a bra is a Boskobra?
One guy dresses in women’s clothes (unless you’re a female street racing champ) and the other one is named after the bosko brassiere. This site isn’t what it used to be.
21 Feb 2008, 14:30 pm
#337 Want ons kan Panty sniffer!!!!!
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