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, 07:43 am
Actually Force could be Canes, but think Bulls will beat Brumbies
8 May 2008, 07:43 am
#48 Koos: My upset argument is based on Superbru predictions not competition outcome.
8 May 2008, 07:47 am
ok well cheers all
8 May 2008, 07:48 am
My winners are:
Canes 8
Brumbies 10
Blues 12
Crusaders 20
Sharks 17
Chiefs 18
Stormers 6+
8 May 2008, 07:49 am
Canes losing at home will be an upset…
8 May 2008, 07:52 am
#54 AB – Join RUGBY SUPPORTERS VOICE:
I go Bulls AB and your margin for the Sharks to big I think…
Cheers Coach, that was a quick visit!
8 May 2008, 07:56 am
#56 Koos: I think the Sharks got a wake up call and will play out of their skins for this one, from there the margin.
8 May 2008, 07:57 am
what’s with aussie leading the supabru??!
koos – rather a case of tahs were favourite’s to win and the bulls lifted their game
8 May 2008, 08:02 am
#57 AB – Join RUGBY SUPPORTERS VOICE:
Nah AB, they have had a number of such calls and nothing happened, why will this weekend be different?
#58 BuckT:
Tahs will be out on the sauce, who knows how they will pull up…
8 May 2008, 08:05 am
#59 Koos: I am going against my Bulls team on this one, FdP’s return is not going to lift the team, in my opinion he is a losing captain and with the coach responsible for our p!sspoor performance so far.
8 May 2008, 08:11 am
Good point AB, I thought after the signing of Matfield maybe things would have settled down a little.
8 May 2008, 08:11 am
#12 skopskiet:
If that is the case, we can almost count the Chiefs out. If they have to beat both the Lions AND the Sharks to go through, they might just fall against the Sharks. Basically (realistically) between Stormers, Canes, Tahs and Sharks for 2-4.
8 May 2008, 08:15 am
#62 Steph:
The Canes will drop the Blues and the Sharks will drop the Chief, this unfortunately does not automatically means qualification for the Sharks…
8 May 2008, 08:15 am
#61 Koos:
coming back to Big Vic, if he just stayed in Europe I would not have blamed him, he is just looking after his family and for financial security (although at this rate supersport will have a job for him real soon). But the fact that he came back to the Bulls proves he is not a sell-out. This man has some heart!
8 May 2008, 08:17 am
#63 Koos:
No, you are right, but it does eliminate one more team and widens the gap for the other contenders. Sharks need those BP’s
8 May 2008, 08:22 am
Darn.
Left my crystal ball at home.
8 May 2008, 08:24 am
I backed the Bulls for a big win, but that was before FdP was declared fit.
I was hoping Wickus would still captain because it seems like Fourie’s play has gone south with the captaincy burden.
Still hope they klap the Brumbies
8 May 2008, 08:28 am
#66 Dawn:
Kom nou Dawn, weet jy het hom verkoop vir drankgeld…
8 May 2008, 08:29 am
#68 Koos:
No need for that.
Grow up.
8 May 2008, 08:35 am
Hallo maatjies!
8 May 2008, 08:35 am
#60 AB – Join RUGBY SUPPORTERS VOICE: i think bulls will def win this one. i mean the brumbies are now out of contention for the semi’s and they are losing their coach. i think the team will be very demoralized and they will struggle to lift their game at loftus when they play a bulls who are a very proud team, and who have let us all down and are now trying to salvage what little digbity they have left from this tournament. plus if they play **** then they wont have support for the cc. cannot belive how empty their stadium was over the last few weeks.
8 May 2008, 08:39 am
Mornin All! Agree tith KEO except think Sharks will go higher By at least 12 – I’m worried about the Stormers front row and put their chances against the Tahs at 50/50 …I just have a feeling that the tide is turning against the Stormers!
Canes by 10
Bulls by 7
Blues by 20
Saders by 20
Sharks by 15 (put my thing on a block here 4 try bonus)
Lions by 3 (wishing for a miricle)
Tahs by 6
8 May 2008, 08:43 am
Stormers must beat the Tahs with 8 points or more and not let them get a bonus point! The Reds are their bogey team! Then if the Sharks do what they supposed to do they will be in the semis!
8 May 2008, 08:43 am
#72 Gr8ter: i think the stormers will do fine in the front row. i dont think they will dominate but i think they will manage. they know what they got riding on this game so if they truly want sa repect for the stormers again they will play like there is no tommorrow
8 May 2008, 08:44 am
#70 WP Till I Die (TM): Hoozit, been out of town in the Kruger for 7 days, was lekka. Girlfriend got her WP jersey for her birthday, **** man she nearly cried with delight, he he he
8 May 2008, 08:45 am
#75 eight ball:
Good stuff, I like it a lot!
8 May 2008, 08:46 am
#72 Gr8ter: It’s a test of character now, this is like a play off for the Stormers, but I have faith in my boys! So I hope you are wrong!
8 May 2008, 08:47 am
#69 Dawn:
Kom nou Dawn, since when mag mens nie ‘n grappie maak nie?
8 May 2008, 08:47 am
#74 Rugby_Fanatic: Hope your right mate – just got a feeling – no logic at all!
8 May 2008, 08:47 am
Going to buy tickets today to watch the Lions Stormers, as that’s the best us Joburg WP people can do. Hope they smash the Lions….
8 May 2008, 08:48 am
Hmmmm…average attendance at Newlands this Super 14 is at just about 44,500.
Six home games so far, and take an average ticket price of R60 each – you’re looking at just over R16 million in ticket sales.
Not too shabby. Expect some more purchases by Rassie soon.
8 May 2008, 08:48 am
Got to go earn my dosh guys – see you this afternoon.
8 May 2008, 08:49 am
#72 Gr8ter:
You’re obviously a Sharks supporter.
8 May 2008, 08:50 am
#81 WP Till I Die (TM): And who do you think would be top of his list??
Who would you buy?
8 May 2008, 08:54 am
#84 eight ball:
Heinke van der Merwe.
8 May 2008, 08:55 am
#79 Gr8ter: just nerves. i have had that feeling all week, but then again i had the same feeling during the week of the world cup final and we won that so lets hope the stormers can pull it out the bag. all we need is a 80 minute performance instead of a 40 minute one. if the stormers are trailing by half time then we will win, but if they go into the half winning then they will stop playing. its a known fact that they always do that and thats why they played so **** in the second half on sat.
8 May 2008, 08:59 am
#85 WP Till I Die (TM): Just the one purchase? Albeit a good choice but don’t you think we need cover else where?
8 May 2008, 09:00 am
test
8 May 2008, 09:01 am
another test
8 May 2008, 09:02 am
‘Tahs to take it, unfortunately.
8 May 2008, 09:04 am
#89 Dawn: Test approved
8 May 2008, 09:05 am
#89 Dawn: Don’t the tests only start after the super 14? 1st test, 2nd test – ag nee man
8 May 2008, 09:05 am
#16 skopskiet: That’s the way I see it too.
Just guessing bonus points for the remaining games, my prediction for the semis looks like this:
1. Crusaders (57)
2. Hurricanes (44)
3. Waratahs (43)
4. Stormers (43)
(not sure how Stormers’ points difference stacks up against Waratahs’, so 3 and 4 could swap round)
8 May 2008, 09:06 am
#81 WP Till I Die (TM): Iemand moet net die WP se skatkis dophou, anders raak die geld weer weg soos laas…
8 May 2008, 09:11 am
#94 Pietman: Hallo my maat! Ja nee dit help nie mens gooi geld in n stukkende emmer nie! Hoop julle gaan Nuweland behou!
8 May 2008, 09:12 am
#85 WP Till I Die (TM): Please leave Heinke where he is. Thank u!!!! U can buy back the Rose brothers and we’ll throw in Benjamin as a freebee.
8 May 2008, 09:13 am
#85 WP Till I Die (TM): Not for sale. Rassie knows this.
8 May 2008, 09:14 am
#96 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Hallo woef! Wanneer gaan buig ons weer n biertjie?
8 May 2008, 09:19 am
#95 AB – Join RUGBY SUPPORTERS VOICE:
Hello mater.
Ja, ek hoop hulle kan daai skuld aflos, daar is nie n manier dat hulle Nuweland kan verkwansel nie.
Dan kan hulle maar net sowel Tafelberg ook verkoop.
8 May 2008, 09:22 am
#99 Pietman: Ja die berg sal nogal mooi lyk hier langs die Voortrekker monument
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