Super 14 previews: Round 13
8 May 2008
Keo.co.za analyses the key match-ups and picks the winners at the weekend.
Kempo, the quintessential cult hero, is currently bushwhacking through the Amazon (or paddling across the Pacific on a lilo – I can’t remember which) but has sworn to make his round 13 calls as soon as he finds an internet connection.
HURRICANES vs FORCE, WELLINGTON, FRIDAY 09:35
JC’s call: They’re two unpredictable teams capable of beating any side in the competition, but it’s hard to see the Canes losing at home. The jury is still out on the use of Willie Ripia at flyhalf, and if Piri Weepu eats any more pies the Canes could consider themselves well covered at prop. Aside from the soft spot at halfback, the Canes possess a potent midfield and equally electric back three. The loose trio, led by Chris Masoe, will make their mark thanks to a thriving tight-five. Force flyhalf Matt Giteau is the obvious dangerman, but coach John Mitchell needs a team effort if any upset is to be achieved.
Hurricanes by 9.
Kempo’s call: JC, Kempo was skirmishing to find a front row!
The Force do have that unpredictability about them, and Nathan Sharpe is an outstanding leader. Matt Giteau is maybe worth a mention but Drew Mitchell will be more of a problem for the Canes. Disagree that flyhalf is a problem, for if it was Piri Weepu, who played last year’s NPC at flyhalf, he would just slot into the role. Besides, whats left of the backline is just short of world class. The Canes loose trio will win this one though, and with the bonus point.
Hurricanes by 12 or more.
Hurricanes - Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So’oialo, Scott Waldrom, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tim Fairbrother.
Subs: Hikawera Elliot, John Schwalger, Craig Clarke, Jerry Collins/Thomas Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Jimmy Gopperth, Shannon Paku.
Force – Cameron Shepherd, Dane Haylett-Petty, Josh Tatupu, James O’Connor, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, James Stannard, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), David Pusey, Troy Takiari, Tai McIsaac, Gareth Hardy.
Subs: Luke Holmes, Kieran Longbottom, Sitaleki Timani, Sam Wykes, Chris O’Young, Scott Daruda, Haig Sare.
BULLS vs BRUMBIES, PRETORIA, FRIDAY 19:10
JC’s call:The Bulls may have failed as defending champions, but are destined to finish this season on a high. Fourie du Preez’s tactical game will be instrumental in this victory with both Bulls halfbacks out-kicking their Aussie counterparts. The Bulls have the advantage up front, and the powerful Brumbies midfield will be significantly underdone given Stirling Mortlock’s stomach ailment earlier in the week.
Bulls by 7.
Kempo’s call: The Blou gals will blow these turkeys away! Stomach bug my ass. They were in Cape Town, the Mother City of all hangovers, so it’s more likely to be alcohol poisoning than any dodgy food. The ailment will have its effect, and the Bulle will convince them that these guys only became convicts after the Boer war!
Bulls by 14.
Bulls - Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez (c), Pierre Spies, Wikus van Heerden, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Subs: Bandise Maku, Rayno Gerber, Jaco Engels, Danie Rossouw, Francois Hougaard, Burton Francis, Pedrie Wannenburg.
Brumbies – 15. Mark Gerrard, 14. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Tyrone Smith, 11. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Josh Holmes, 8. Stephen Hoiles, 7. George Smith, 6. Mitchell Chapman, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Alister Campbell, 3. Guy Shepherdson, 2. John Ulugia, 1. Nic Henderson.
Subs: 16. Saia Faingaa, 17. Ben Alexander, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Adam Wallace-Harrison, 20. Julian Salvi, 21. Patrick Phibbs, 22. Matt Toomua.
HIGHLANDERS vs BLUES, DUNEDIN, SATURDAY 09:35
JC’s call:The Blues have won only two of their six games in Dunedin, but head into this match needing five log points. Nick Evans’s switch with Isa Nacewa has proved inspired in recent games, and scrumhalf Taniela Moa has also proved more effective on attack. The abrasive back row of the Blues should win the battle at the breakdown, while an All Blacks front row should hand the Landers contingent a free lesson. The South Islanders are no easy beats, but a desperate Blues team finding some late form should put them away comfortably.
Blues by 12.
Kempo’s call: That Highlanders side is better than one thinks. They have just travelled, but they are at the House of Pain! N v S derby’s in NZ are a bit like the Sharks-Stormers games of old. Expect a bit of rough and rumble, but I agree that the front five will be found wanting. The loose forward battle will be tight, and Nick Evans might just be the difference at the end of the day.
Blues by 5.
Highlanders - 15 Paul Williams, 14 Glen Horton, 13 Aaron Bancroft, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Craig Newby (captain), 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hoani MacDonald, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason MacDonald, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Subs: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Steven Setephano, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Daniel Bowden, 22 Niva Ta’auso.
Blues - 15 Nick Evans, 14 David Smith, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Isa Nacewa, 9 Taniela Moa; 8 Nick Williams, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Troy Flavell (c)/Kurtis Haiu, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock/Nick White.
Subs: 16 White/Tom McCartney, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Haiu/Bryn Evans, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Danny Lee, 21 Isaia Toeava, 22 Ben Atiga.
REDS vs CRUSADERS, BRISBANE, SATURDAY 11:40
JC’s call:The mismatch of the weekend. The Reds welcome back Chris Latham, but as a unit they just don’t have the class to compete with the Crusaders. Quade Cooper and Berrick Barnes have produced some good touches on attack, but they will be a soft target for the direct Saders inside backs and hard-running loosies. The Saders have the best pack in the competition, and their demolition of the Reds eight will set the platform for a comfortable win.
Crusaders by 20.
Kempo’s call: Just read the Crusaders team sheet, and you’ll find they’re resting players – it’s not that rotation crap coaches throw around. I agree with you JC, it will be a try-fest, although that’s if the snow doesn’t freeze the pitch. Chris Latham is class, the rest simply don’t cut it. The Reds will be dominated in the tight and loose exchanges, so it will be a comfy Crusade!
Crusaders by 20 or more.
Reds – Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, Berrick Barnes, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas, Leroy Houston, David Croft, Poutasi Luafutu, James Horwill (c), Van Humphries, Dayna Edwards, Stephen Moore, Ben Coutts.Subs: Sean Hardman, Ben Daley, Ed O’Donoghue, Scott Higginbotham, Will Genia, Charlie Fetoai, Digby Ioane.
Crusaders -15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i; 8 Mose Tuiali’i, 7 Richard McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crocket.
Subs: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Daniel Carter, 22 Caleb Ralph.
SHARKS vs CHEETAHS, DURBAN, SATURDAY 15:00
JC’s call:The Cheetahs are better than their log position suggests, but their second half failings could cost them yet another narrow win. The Cheetahs have the forwards to meet the Sharks challenge up front, and it will be interesting to see how two potentially potent backlines match up. The key to victory is at halfback. Falie Oelschig and Conrad Barnard have struggled with their consistency when it comes to decision-making. The combination of Rory Kockott and Ruan Pienaar is still new, but if they settle early on Saturday the Cheetahs could be trouble.
Sharks by 7.
Kempo’s call: Which Super 14 have you been watching, JC? If they were better than their log points suggest, are you backing the Lions to lift the trophy next year? Falie Oelshig has been a lone stand in an average backline with no direction. Jongi Nokwe would have had Bok ambitions, until these last two weeks. The loose trio of the Cheetahs is outstanding, and Juan Smith a dominant force. The Kockott and Pienaar combo is a weak link, and the Cheetahs loose trio will make things difficult for a Sharks side who’ve failed to show the magic of last year.
Sharks by 3 to 5.
Sharks – TBC
Cheetahs - 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Eddie Fredericks, 13 JW Jonker, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Conrad Barnard, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Duanne Vermeulen , 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Rory Duncan, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Subs: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Bees Roux, 18 David de Villiers, 19 Hendro Scholtz, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Bevin Fortuin, 22 Hendrik Meyer.
LIONS vs CHIEFS, JOHANNESBURG, SATURDAY 17:05
JC’s call:The Chiefs have too much firepower for the Lions and should pick up the bonus-point win. The hosts have Jaque Fourie back at centre, but one man won’t be enough to stop the Hamilton side running in four tries. The visitors will be boosted by the return of lock Jono Gibbs and big men like Sione Lauaki will test the competitive Lions loose trio. The Chiefs will relish a tight encounter and if the game opens up, Lelia Masaga and company will be in business.
Chiefs by 15.
Kempo’s call: The Lions have one problem! Thanks to Earl Rose they take the field 20 points in arrears every match, and have to spend the rest of the day playing catch up. That and the typical ‘moer hulle’ attitude of a juvenile pack will see the Chiefs having a whale of a time this Saturday. Too fast, too slick, and I back the Chiefs to comfortably win the physical fight too.
Chiefs by 15 or more.
Lions – Earl Rose, Louis Ludik, Jaque Fourie, Walter Venter, Rayno Benjamin, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Joe van Niekerk, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Gerhard Mostert, Dewald Senekal, JC van Rensburg, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe.
Subs: Ethienne Reynecke, Ross Geldenhuys, Franco van der Merwe, Wilhelm Koch, Chris Jonck, Jannie Boshoff, Dusty Noble.
Chiefs – 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Dwayen Sweeney, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitivini Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O’Neill, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Tom Willis, 1 Ben May.
Subs: 16 Aled De Malmanche, 17 Simon Lemalu, 18 Jono Gibbes, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 David Bason, 21 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 22 Sosene Anesi.
STORMERS vs WARATAHS, CAPE TOWN, SATURDAY 19:10
JC’s call:The pick of this weekend’s games. The loss of Schalk Burger is huge, and the Stormers loose trio of Luke Watson, Francois Louw and Robbie Diack will have their hands full with a Wallabies back row. This is why the performance of the tight five is so crucial. The Tahs have a world-class line-out jumper in Dan Vickerman, but the Stormers Andries Bekker is no slouch. The Stormers scrum was a problem against the Brumbies, but the Waratahs have lost Matt Dunning following the defeat to the Bulls. The Stormers are blessed with some experienced backs with five Springboks and a Fijian international in the run-on side. This could prove the difference at Newlands, but only if the Stormers pack provides Peter Grant and company with front-foot ball.
Stormers by 5.
Kempo’s call: It will be a humdinger. The back rows should match up, although there are not too many players in the world who match up to Phil Waugh. I back Andries Bekker to have the better of his fellow countryman Dan Vickerman. The Stormers front row is worry, but for what they lack in scrumming prowess they more than make up for it in the tight-loose. It’s a tight one, and one where experience will win the day. Conditioning will be a factor, and one hopes this is not that game too far for the Stormers. It will be a three-point swing either way, and my SA bias goes with the Stormers.
Stormers by 3.
Stormers - Conrad Jantjes, Wylie Human, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (c), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Enrico Januarie, Robbie Diack, Francois Louw, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brok Harris, Schalk Brits, Brian Mujati.
Subs: Deon Fourie, Schalk Ferreira, Ross Skeate, Pieter Myburgh, Bolla Conradie, Tony Brown, Dylan des Fountain.
Waratahs (likely) - B Robinson, T Polota-Nau, A Baxter, D Mumm, D Vickerman, R Elsom, P Waugh, W Palu, L Burgess, K Beale, M Carraro, T Carter, R Horne, L Turner, L Tuqiri.
Subs: A Freier, S Kepu, W Caldwell, D Lyons, S Norton-Knight, B Sheehan.
339 Comments
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8 May 2008, 03:39 am
highlander dragons to shock the blues
8 May 2008, 03:48 am
force
bulls
blues
saders
sharks
chiefs
stormers
8 May 2008, 03:51 am
Stormer-Tahs – a draw
8 May 2008, 03:56 am
Good calls all round. I think the Highlanders front row and the Reds pack are better than you give them credit for, but they will not be good enough to make much difference.
8 May 2008, 04:01 am
#3 quota:
Hey Ds Asyn, lewe jy nog?!
8 May 2008, 04:28 am
Kosie…lewe jy nog?
JC. I am still worrying about the Stormers scrum,the Tahs were edging the Bulls long before Dunning came on
8 May 2008, 04:34 am
Hi Koos,
How are you going. enjoying the nice sunny weather? I think this year in the Sup 14 is looking pretty good, great competition
8 May 2008, 04:46 am
Dagse boys!
yes Manly, lekker snotsiekte but still here. You very quiet of late, making to much money?
SAus, weather is great although the evenings are getting a little chilly! It is a good comp, so many still in the running with two games left. I just lloked at the log and games to come and it will come down to bonus points in the last two games and if no bonus points to actual points difference between a few teams.
It would have been much better if my team were not so kuk but them are the breaks…
8 May 2008, 04:52 am
Well Koos,you cannot fault us Stormers for showing some joy,its been a long time.Tough game this weekend though,is Elsom still out?
8 May 2008, 05:04 am
#9 Manlybok:
Sheesh Manly, I don’t but seeing headlines like ‘empire rising’ etc may be a little to much to early…You boys must not muck it up now!
8 May 2008, 05:05 am
Oh and I don’t know about Elsom…
8 May 2008, 05:24 am
Sharks need bonus point wins against Cheetahs and Chiefs to perhaps come through
Stormers have to beat Waratahs and Lions to go through
Hurricanes have to beat either Force or Blues to go through
If Waratahs lose to Stormers they have to beat Reds to go through
Chiefs have to beat Lions and Sharks with bonus points to go through
Still between Waratahs, Stormers, Hurricanes, Chiefs and Sharks to fight out for 2nd, 3rd and 4th, Blues have a very remote outside chance if they can get two bonus point wins and some other teams above lose without bonus points.
8 May 2008, 05:28 am
#12 skopskiet:
Ag vet Skop, can you draw me a picture please? Better still, just give me your top 4 and ranking…sorry, make that 2 to 4, even I can work out 1!
8 May 2008, 05:29 am
Nows the acid test for Stormers, they need to take Waratahs else its all over rover.
Same goes with Sharks/Cheetahs, Hurricanes/Force, Blues/Highlanders and Chiefs/Lions, still all manner of permutations down to last two rounds.
8 May 2008, 05:31 am
#14 skopskiet:
Of that, the Canes, Blues and Chiefs look certain for at least 4 points…
Next week we have the Sharks/Chiefs and Blues/Hurricanes to play…
8 May 2008, 05:35 am
I got same top 4 as you Koos, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Stormers, Waratahs,
But thats on condition Stormers win both games against Tahs and Lions, Tahs lose to Stormers and beat Reds, Hurricanes beat both Force and Blues, and Chiefs don’t get two bonus point wins against Lions and Sharks or Sharks don’t get two bonus point wins against Cheetahs and Chiefs.
You get the drift?
8 May 2008, 05:42 am
#15 Koos:
Yeah those two games can swing the competition, Blues can beat both Highlanders and Hurricanes with bonus to take them to 41 and an outside chance to qualify if one or other above still lose.
Also Sharks have to beat both Cheetahs and Chiefs with bonus points to give themselves a chance to go to 42 points and hope Stormers, Waratahs or Hurricanes lose enough not to get above 42.
Quite a few permutations still open yet.
8 May 2008, 05:55 am
Ehhh sure, got it! Only thing that can happen this weekend is for the Sharks and Stormers to lose which will put them out of the run. They win and everything moves on to next weekend.
8 May 2008, 06:21 am
I notice since the Princess don’t frequent this place these days, not that much is happening this time of the morning no more.
8 May 2008, 06:42 am
great article by keo on iol sport, no use complaining but its a fact we are hard done by in the super 14 comp with the traveling sa teams do.i agree we have made the kiwi and ozzy teams stronger by playing them so often, bring back the tours i say.
8 May 2008, 06:48 am
#19 skopskiet:
Had a number of things to do and was also sick, still around most mornings but not into talking to myself!
8 May 2008, 06:52 am
#19 skopskiet: Are you missing her?
#18 Koos: Morning! What happened to Princess?
8 May 2008, 07:04 am
I heard she ran off with Fern
8 May 2008, 07:06 am
#23 whatever: The only way she will go with Ferney is when he kidnaps her!
8 May 2008, 07:06 am
More AB!
Not sure, maybe she got another weepee tattoo and it went wrong…
8 May 2008, 07:07 am
I have not seen her since she honered her wine bet with me. Still need to say thanks………. Koos, any idea?
8 May 2008, 07:07 am
Howzit whatever, recovered from your weekend babelas?
8 May 2008, 07:08 am
Howzit Koos, ja, just in time to inflict the next one
8 May 2008, 07:09 am
#26 whatever:
I know there was a new job on offer, may have something to do with that.
8 May 2008, 07:11 am
I see Manly has poped in a few time recently. He was also vary scarce for awhile……….no idea what happenned to Bokinz…….maybe he got a job??
8 May 2008, 07:12 am
#28 whatever:
You think your liver can survive the Stormers reaching the final…let alone win it?
8 May 2008, 07:12 am
Ok boys, gotta run myself………cheers
8 May 2008, 07:12 am
Maybe he just gave up on you…
8 May 2008, 07:12 am
Hehe, Koos…….if they win it I’ll make a plan……… a big plan……cheers
8 May 2008, 07:13 am
#32 whatever:
Koebaai
8 May 2008, 07:25 am
are the sharks playing home or away? if it’s in bloem, i think they might struggle..
8 May 2008, 07:28 am
#35 Koos: Koos, dink jy daar gaan upsets wees die naweek?
8 May 2008, 07:28 am
Evening guys
8 May 2008, 07:29 am
#36 BuckT: At home
8 May 2008, 07:31 am
#38 CoachPete: Morning coach
8 May 2008, 07:32 am
I think the predictions mentioned on this thread are basically correct. I think the hardest and closest game maybe be tahs vs our stormers
8 May 2008, 07:35 am
#36 BuckT:
Homegame.
#37 AB – Join RUGBY SUPPORTERS VOICE:
Nee wat AB, dink nie so nie. Weet net nie wie van Stormers/Waratahs is veronderstel om te wen nie. Cheetahs sal ‘n goeie fight opsit maar soos die res van die seisoen weer aanjaag iewers
#38 CoachPete:
Howzit Coach.
8 May 2008, 07:35 am
#41 CoachPete: Its crunch time on Superbru and Grandslam points are crucial!
8 May 2008, 07:37 am
Hey Koos I see you guys were asking about Princess.
Strange she has not been on
8 May 2008, 07:38 am
Stormers and tahs maybe closer than 5.
8 May 2008, 07:39 am
#44 CoachPete:
As I said Coach, maybe the new job…or the new tattoo
8 May 2008, 07:40 am
Nope i am sure she would be on even just to say hi. Maybe her man is jealous
8 May 2008, 07:40 am
Also not sure if the Bulls beating the Brumbies should be classified as an upset…wat se die Bulle?
8 May 2008, 07:41 am
True Koos, a game that means nothing cant be an upset either way.
8 May 2008, 07:42 am
I am just unsure about the first two games,winners, Force and Bulls or will it be Canes and Brumbies???
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