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
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 7 » Show All
8 May 2008, 10:46 am
Ranger @ 144 – the Bloemfontein cabal grows alarmingly. Rassie, Ollie, Brendan Venter etc. When Gary Gold goes to the Boks, does anyone reckon Naka will surface in CT as the forwards coach?
Rassie – head coach
Naka – forwards coach
Brendan – backline coach
Ollie – conditioning coach
8 May 2008, 10:46 am
I’ll bet anyone on this “sight” ….
8 May 2008, 10:48 am
#145 Kempo:
i think landers/blues will be tight hoping for an away win, but i think this will be the suprise result of the w/e.
blues have been k@k, they looked good against the rubble reds, but hell Jeppes u13 would look good against them
8 May 2008, 10:48 am
#150 Kempo: hmmm, maybe so kempo. in the annual spur 5m dash he is the current record holder (and has been for the last 10 years) and squash is not a game for backline players. i find the heavier menbers of the team always manage to use gravity more effectively.
8 May 2008, 10:49 am
#150 Kempo: Ja, the only guy on this site who could possibly beat Ollie at squash is Jimmy Abbot (who calls himself greatest13gerber here).
Ollie would squash the rest of us in a heartbeat.
8 May 2008, 10:49 am
#142 Kempo: They have lost in the S14 against the Lions/Cats since 2001, what is so shocking
8 May 2008, 10:50 am
#156 JL1: Meant to say they (the Stormers) have not lost since 2001 against the Cats/Lions in S14
8 May 2008, 10:51 am
#149 rangerman:
i think 42 points will get you a semi, which means sharks have to win both games with bonus points – something they haven’t looked like doing all season
8 May 2008, 10:52 am
#158 Gaz: at the tank? anything is possible mate, i am keeping the faith.
8 May 2008, 10:54 am
Dawn @ 152 – I can SEE where Kempo is coming from though. Kempo, would you like to CITE something in support of that statement?
8 May 2008, 10:56 am
mroning all.
katman, Ollie played SA Schools squash and believe me, that barrel of a body is mobile on a court
8 May 2008, 10:59 am
out for a while.
8 May 2008, 11:00 am
#161 trupisero: I know. Just joking with the Oros Man. I used to play rugby against him in the laerskool – he was in Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys, the enemy. And even back then he was twice the size of most of us. And very mobile.
8 May 2008, 11:00 am
trupisero @ 160 – I doubt whether Katman didnt know that. He invented squash.
Did Ollie also not play SA Schools waterpolo? Tough game as well, but far too many boys in speedos grabing each other’s nuts for the beach walker’s liking.
8 May 2008, 11:01 am
#159 rangerman:
i hope you right ranger… but me thinks bonus points will come back to haunt them…
here is to hoping!
8 May 2008, 11:03 am
Morning Ladies
Farktup deurmekaar day for me today……….
Damn, I hope the Sharks & Stormers have a great weekend….
I cannot for the life of me see the Lions do an upset against the Chiefs…….. there’s just no way !
Bulls………. jury is out…. Du Preez is cappie again, to my dismay…….. but I recon the Bulls heads are more focused now, so I’m hoping for a win for the Bulls.
8 May 2008, 11:03 am
#83 WP Till I Die (TM): Oh yes! – I’m an imported Capetonian – but my rugger hart lives in Kings Park.
8 May 2008, 11:03 am
#164 Harry the beach walker: Not sure. Think he might have. Know Mark Andrews did.
8 May 2008, 11:04 am
#166 grootblousmile: More GBS! Elke dag is maar so vir jou
8 May 2008, 11:06 am
#86 Rugby_Fanatic: Probably right but I’ve had a really bad feeling about this!
8 May 2008, 11:06 am
#164 Harry the beach walker: LOL…I gave up waterpolo for that exact reason……and the fact that one must be a good swimmer
8 May 2008, 11:07 am
#171 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Seker opgehou omdat niemand aan jou balle wou vat nie…hehehe
8 May 2008, 11:08 am
#171 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Jy lieg, jy het daai gelike…
8 May 2008, 11:08 am
#169 trupisero: Neeeeeeeeeee Trupi, ek’s mos maar ‘n ewigdurende optimis jong……… die dinge van my pa se toestand het my dagboek erg deurmekaargekrap man…….. ek was al weer op voor “sparrow ****” vanoggend….. moes eintlik nog in Midrand ook uitgekom het vandag, maar dit sal maar moet wag vir more.
8 May 2008, 11:08 am
Oversight on my part!
8 May 2008, 11:08 am
Ranger @ 147 – nice work. The browns are a much better prospect than the rainbows. I’m planning on doing some shark fishing up at langebaan soon (no reference at all to your rugger team).
Stormers games on consecutive weekends are not helpful.
8 May 2008, 11:08 am
More GBS en Trupi
Watch maar die Lions die naweek. Wag al die hele jaar om Venter en JF langs mekaar te sien.
8 May 2008, 11:10 am
Aaa, hier is die Trupi ook, so wat is jou en K9 se tips vir die naweek se Superbru? Worry nie meer oor die andr donners nie, hulle is te ver agter.
Ek is baaaaaie lus en back die Force vir ‘n wen. Net jammer daai Riaan Cross speel nie.
8 May 2008, 11:10 am
#177 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Sal gereeld langs mekaar agter die pale staan.
8 May 2008, 11:10 am
#172 trupisero: Ekt aangebied om saam die girls te speel…….toe word ek geskors na die eerste oefening.
8 May 2008, 11:10 am
Waratahs need 6 points from their remaining 2 games…ow many are they going to take off the stormers.
me thinks at least 4…i have tipped the worrytahs.
My superbru success this weekend hangs on this game.
I need some points advantage going into next week as the last week games is going to be an absolute toughie.
8 May 2008, 11:10 am
#178 KingPaul: Sal maar moet sien. Picks klaar gemaak met 1 of 2 waagstukke.
8 May 2008, 11:11 am
#179 trupisero: KUK grap. Sit.
8 May 2008, 11:11 am
#180 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: hahaha. Jou rudder seker bly in die pad kom…
8 May 2008, 11:11 am
#177 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Ag ou K99 PlaasPoedel……….. die Lions sal nie eers ‘n wên kan KOOP teen die Chiefs nie………. hulle mag dalk naby trek innie 1 ste halfte maar daarna gaan die wiele weer afbliksem.
8 May 2008, 11:11 am
Jis jis GBS
Watse ge vroeg opstanery is dit met jou?? Nie goed vir ‘n ou se bloedsomloop nie.
8 May 2008, 11:13 am
#186 KingPaul: kateter sak was seker vol
8 May 2008, 11:13 am
#178 KingPaul: KP hier is vir jou ‘n tip. Leeus met 40.
8 May 2008, 11:13 am
#150 Kempo:
By the way what are the rules for squad announcement – can you change your side on the day without announcment for reasons other then injury?
8 May 2008, 11:14 am
#182 trupisero: Moenie so geheimsinnig wees nie….jy maak my senuwees klaar hehehehe
8 May 2008, 11:15 am
#185 grootblousmile: mmmmmm….kan sien hoekom party van ons so ver agter is op superbru…hehehehehe
8 May 2008, 11:16 am
can anyone confirm juan smith’s renewal of his cheetahs contract on a long-term basis? he’s the world’s best blindside at test level. why would he sell himself so short?
8 May 2008, 11:16 am
Bok announcements should always be after SA local derbies.
Only choose those who have survived the humdingers…what is it with saffa teams that they want Klap each other.
Is it to ensure Bok selection…take out your opponent for the jersey?
8 May 2008, 11:17 am
#192 viewer:
I can confirm………that I dont know!!
8 May 2008, 11:17 am
#188 K9_BaasPatrolliehond: Speel Earl Rose?
8 May 2008, 11:18 am
#195 KingPaul: Ja die BandAid Bandit speel Saterdag…….. heelagter
8 May 2008, 11:18 am
#192 viewer: As far as i know only renewed for a year.
8 May 2008, 11:19 am
#193 wallabie.: Jip….sort of trials for the players…..and local rivalry since the days Paul Kruger owned season tickets at Loftus.
8 May 2008, 11:19 am
#161 trupisero:
Also SA waterpolo.
8 May 2008, 11:19 am
#193 wallabie.: Thats true Wallabie. Thats also the reason why we love the CurrieCup so much. We hate each other!!
Pages: « 1 2 3 [4] 5 6 7 » Show All
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.