Ahhh, it’s good to see seven full Super 14 matches from this weekend onwards again, the “bye” weekends now a thing of the past for all teams. It certainly is getting congested on the Log now at the top and one thing is for sure, there are no easy games left for those with aspirations to take the title.

The games for the weekend are as follows, with 3 games this Friday and 4 games on Saturday:

23	Chiefs	v	Vodacom Cheetahs	Hamilton	09:35
23	Reds	v	Vodacom Stormers	Brisbane	11:40
23	Western Force	v	Crusaders	Perth	13:45
24	Highlanders	v	Hurricanes	Dunedin	09:35
24	Waratahs	v	Brumbies	Sydney	11:40
24	Vodacom Bulls	v	Auto & General Lions	Loftus Versfeld	15:00
24	The Sharks	v	Blues	The Absa Stadium Durban	17:05

Friday 23 April 2010:

Chiefs vs Cheetahs:

The Chiefs host the Cheetahs in Hamilton at 09:35 SA Time.

The Chiefs, probably the biggest disapointment side in the Super 14, in No 10 spot on the log has a mathematical chance to reach the semi’s but one would think that they have virually no chance to make the semi’s. They have won only 4 games and lost 5 already.

Injuries have ravished them and they have just come off 2 serious losses against the Bulls and the Stormers at home.

The Cheetahs, now already down to 13th spot has also been rocked by injuries and personal problems and we have cleary seen that depth has been a major problem this season. They have inspirational captain, Juan Smith, back after Juan’s dad sadly passed away.

The Cheetahs one big problem lies at flyhalf, where Naas Olivier has shown that he is mediocre, to say the least. In addition not much has come from the pre-season hype about how strong the Cheetahs forwards pack would be.

If there is one game the Cheetahs could possibly win overseas however, one senses that this could be it.

I predict a home win for the Chiefs though…. Chiefs by 12.

 

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Chiefs won 28-10 (Kimberley)
2008: Chiefs won 22-20 (Hamilton)
2007: Chiefs and Cheetahs drew 22-22 (Bloemfontein)
2006: Chiefs won 33-32 (Hamilton)

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14  Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 James McGougan, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Richard Kahui, 22 Jason Hona.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Corné Uys, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Juan Smith (captain), 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Nico Breedt, 19 Philip van der Walt, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Robert Ebersohn.

Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zeland)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Shane McDermott  (New Zealand)
TMO: Josh Noonan (New Zealand)

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Reds vs Stormers:

Crunch Time, as the Reds host the Stormers at the Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 11:40 SA Time.

The Reds, the surprise package of the Super 14, have already successfully dealt with 2 of the 3 teams above them on the Log (The Crusaders and the Bulls) and now focus on the only other team above them on the Log, the Stormers.

Ewen McKenzie must surely now be regarded as one of the best coaches in the Super 14, after having only joined a disjointed outfit at the end of last season… they were known as the Rubble Reds… and now they are knocking on the door of the finals.

A team of youngsters and previously unknowns have opened our eyes to some astute play and beautiful execution of the game. They are now in mighty 4th spot on the Log, with 6 wins and 3 losses.

Enough has been said already about Will Genia and Quade Cooper, their 2 fantastic play makers.

The Stormers, in No 3 spot on the Log have just come off a magnificent performance against a weak Chiefs side, but the way in which they dismantled the Chiefs gives one goose bumps.

Hailed as the best defensive side so far, their defence will surely be tested, but this side is brim full of guts and motivation and some senior players here have stepped up a few gears in 2010.

This game is one of those difficult to predict games where enough ball possession and the clever use of the right game plan only will ensure a win!

Both teams are desperate for this win…. and I predict the Stormers to win, only because of their excellent defensive structures… Stormers by 7.

 

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Stormers won 27-24 (Cape Town)
2008: Stormers won 34-16 (Brisbane)
2007: Stormers won 37-24 (Cape Town)           
2006: Stormers won 24-20 (Brisbane)

Teams:

Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Will Chambers, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Jack Kennedy, 19 Ezra Taylor, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Brando Va’aulu.

Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 François Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (captain), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Adriaan Fondse, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JC Kritzinger.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JD Moller, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Willem de Waal, 22 Tim Whitehead.

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ian Smith (Australia), Simon Moore (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

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Western Force vs Crusaders:

The Force host the Crusaders at ME Bank Stadium, Perth t 13:45 SA Time.

The Force, having come from stone last on the Log now sits on 12th spot after 2 wins and a loss this past week.

It seems as though theForce is slowly but surely getting their injured players back but this week they are without James O’Connor, the slippery ealilike youngster with the big boot. It would be good for them and SA if the Force can roll the Crusaders over in Perth and one appreciates that they will give it a mighty bash.

On the other hand we have the current Log leaders, who have won 7, lost 1 and drawn 1… the only team to only have lost 1 game.

Dan Carter is back and the Crusaders will be hell bent on retaining their No 1 Log position after only earning it this past weekend. They will know that they face No 2 and No 3 on the Log next before a tough encounter against the Brumbies and will know that a win is not negotiable.

I predict the Crusaders to win and win handsomely….. Saders by 18.

 

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Force and Crusaders drew 23-23 (Christchurch)
2008: Crusaders won 29-24 (Perth)
2007: Crusaders won 53-0 (Christchurch)
2006: Force and Crusaders drew 23-23 (Perth)

Teams:

Western Force: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Ryan Cross, 11 Cameron Shepherd, 10 David Hill, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Ben McCalman, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ben Whittaker, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Sam Wykes, 20 Justin Turner, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Dane Haylett-Petty.

Crusaders: 15 Sean Maitland, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Ryan Criotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Daniel Bowden, 22 Colin Slade.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Paul Marks (Australia), Steve Hardy (Australia)
TMO: Julian Pritchard (Australia)

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Saturday 24 April 2010:

 

Highlanders vs Hurricanes:

The Highlanders host the Hurricanes in Duneden at 09:35 SA Time.

The Highlanders are at No 11 on the Log, having won 2 and lost 7.

One senses that the Highlanders’ season is going down the toilet faster than a turd, after players like Israel Dagg, Michael Hobbs and Jimmy Cowan had such a positive start to the season. They are now in the “Lowly League” of the Lions and the Cheetahs…. also-runs!

The Hurricanes are in No 8 spot on 22 Log points and mathematically they can make the semi’s but there are hurdles in their path to the semi’s which seems just too many.

With players such as Cory Jane, Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu in their midst, the are always a tough foe.

I predict a win away from home for the Hurricanes….. Canes by 15 Plus.

 

Previous Super 14 results:
20 Feb 2009 Highlanders v Hurricanes 17-22 Wellington
07 Mar 2008 Highlanders v Hurricanes 6-10 Dunedin
27 Apr 2007 Highlanders v Hurricanes 21-22 Wellington
16 Apr 2006 Highlanders v Hurricanes 13-29 Dunedin
22 Apr 2005 Highlanders v Hurricanes 26-16 Wellington

 

Teams:

Highlanders: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Ben Smith, 13. Kenny Lynn, 12. Jason Shoemark, 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10. Michael Hobbs, 9. Jimmy Cowan (c), 8. Steven Setephano, 7. Alando Soakai, 6. Adam Thomson, 5. Hayden Triggs, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 3. Clint newland, 2. Jason Rutledge, 1. Chris King.
Replacements: 16. Peter Mirrielees, 17. Bronson Murray, 18. Joe Tuineau, 19. John Hardie, 20. Scott Cowan, 21. Robbie Robinson, 22. James Paterson.

Hurricanes: 15. Cory Jane, 14. Tamati Ellison, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Hosea Gear, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Tyson Keats, 8. Rodney So’oialo, 7. Karl Lowe, 6. Victor Vito, 5. Michael Paterson, 4. Bryn Evans, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore (c), 1. John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Jeremy Thrush, 19. Nick Crosswell, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Jason Kawau, 22. Jason Kawau.

Match Officials:
Referee: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Josh Noonan (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
Television match official: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

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Waratahs vs Brumbies:

The Waratahs host the Brumbies in Sydney at 11:40 SA Time.

The Waratahs have this difficult game to navigate before a relatively easy last 3 games. For them this derby is like a final, it is a must win to achieve a semi-final spot.

They are No 5 on the Log, on 29 Log Points, having won 6 and lost 3. Taking 5 Log points here can put them in the run for a semi-final position, for now, seeing as either the Reds or Stormers are going to lose this weekend, both above the Waratahs on the Log.

Losing will keep them away from the semi’s considering who the Blues, Reds, Stormers, Bulls and Crusaders have to face in the next few weeks.

Shrek, aka Phil Waugh is leading the charge again after injury and the Waratahs “bye” weekend last week. They are at home and they are a well rounded team with few weaknesses.

The Brumbies will be desperate to win, standing on No 6 on the Log, already 3 log points behind the Waratahs and already 7 or 8 Log points behind the 1st 3 Teams on the Log. This game, one feels is almost “Last Chance Saloon” for them, seeing as they still have to face the Crusaders in the last week of the preliminary super 14 Rounds.

I touted the Brumbies as a semi-finalist for this year at the beginning of the season, they have a complete game, no clear weaknesses, yet they have disapointed me and their fans somewhat… will they suddenly click and come back with a vengence?

I predict the Waratahs to put an end to Brumbies aspirations for the season…. Tahs by 7.

 

Previous Super 14 results:
13 Mar 2009 Waratahs v Brumbies 11-21 Canberra
07 Mar 2008 Waratahs v Brumbies 24-17 Sydney
08 Apr 2007 Waratahs v Brumbies 10-36 Canberra
16 Apr 2006 Waratahs v Brumbies 37-14 Sydney
16 Apr 2005 Waratahs v Brumbies 10-6 Canberra

Teams:

Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Lachlan Turner, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Berrick Barnes, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Daniel Halangahu, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Ben Mowen, 7. Phil Waugh (Captain), 6. Dave Dennis, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Al Baxter, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16. Damian Fitzpatrick, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. William Caldwell, 19. Chris Alcock, 20. Joshua Holmes, 21. Tom Carter, 22. Sosene Anesi.

Brumbies: 15. Julian Huxley, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Andrew Smith, 12. Tyrone Smith, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles (c), 7. Colby Faingaa, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Michael Chapman, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Guy Shepherdson, 18. Ben Hand, 19. Michael Hooper, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Brackin Karauria-Henry, 22. Alfie Mafi.

Match Officials:
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nathan Pearce (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)

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Bulls vs Lions:

The Bulls host the Lions at Loftus in Pretoria at 15:00 SA Time.

The Bulls, back from their Tour Down Under, will want to get back on track after 2 wins and 2 losses overseas, having now fallen to 2nd position on the Log on 34 points. A Win here and bagging 5 Log Points, will put them in a commanding position, then only one step away from a semi-spot, however they will know that after this week they face 3 very difficult teams in the Sharks, Crusaders and Stormers.

To the Bulls this is a must win and to rights they expect to win at home, but they also realise that home derbies against the Lions is much tighter than the Lions Log positionwould suggest.

The Bulls are resting a battle-weary Fourie Du Preez and have Jaco Pretorius back in the No 13 centre position. A worry for them should be the lack of possession they suffered at the hands of the Reds and Blues as well as the slump in form of Pierre Spies and Morné Steyn in the last 2 or 3 games.

The Lions, on the other hand, lazing in No 14 spot, have no pressure on them and must be boyed by a better performance against the Sharks last week, yet they will have all the doubts in the world in their minds after 9 game losses in a row… winless this whole season.

The Lions supporters are very optimistic of their team’s chances in their fiery hate for their neighbours, the Bulls… will they go back home silenced again or will they finally have something to shout about and hurl abuse at Bulls supporters?

I predict the Bulls to dismantle the Lions and send them cowering back to their home turf of Sodom and Gemorrah…… Bulls by 15 PLUS.

 

Previous Super 14 Results:
28 Feb 2009 Bulls v Lions 16-9 Johannesburg
07 Mar 2008 Bulls v Lions 31-17 Pretoria
21 Apr 2007 Bulls v Lions 31-7 Johannesburg
22 Apr 2006 Bulls v Lions 46-17 Pretoria
26 Feb 2005 Bulls v Lions 17-23 Johannesburg

Teams:

Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 13. Jaco Pretorius, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Francois Hougaard, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Heini Adams, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Derick Kuün, 5. Victor Matfield (c), 4. Danie Rossouw, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Gary Botha, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. Bees Roux, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Deon Stegmann, 20. Fourie du Preez, 21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22. Pedrie Wannenburg.

Lions: 15. Carlos Spencer, 14. Michael Killian, 13. Marius Delport, 12. Walter Venter, 11. Wandile Mjekevu, 10. Herkie Kruger, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Derick Minnie, 7. Wikus van Heerden, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar (capt.), 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4. Nico Luus, 3. Gert Muller, 2. Hans van Dyk, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16. Hannes Franklin, 17. Kevin Buys, 18. Wouter Moore, 19. Justin Wheeler, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Deon van Rensburg, 22. Tonderai Chavhanga.

Match Officials:
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Joey Salmans (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

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Sharks vs Blues:

The Sharks host the Bues at The ABSA Stadium, Durban at 17:05 SA Time.

Both the Sharks and the Blues are in a desperate situation to win and both know that this game either gives them further hope or ends the road, practically, for the Super 14.

The Sharks are the team with plenty going on in the forwards department but unfortunately not much happening amongst the backs, whereas the opposite might be said about the Blues.

The Sharks are now in No 9 postion on the Log, having lost the 1st 5 games and then winning the last 4, not that the win last week against the Lions was anything to write home about.

It’s plain and simple, the Sharks need to win and they need to get 5 Log Points for this game and all games following this one. One feels that this might be a bridge too far and the the Sharks know that.

The Blues have this extremely difficult game and then 3 easier games to follow, giving them a very realistic chance of making the semi’s, should they not stumble here.

I predict that the might of hard-running backs against a truly averge Sharks backline will be the differnce in this game….. Blues by 7.

 

Previus Super 14 Results:
07 Mar 2009 Sharks v Blues 35-31 Auckland
08 Mar 2008 Sharks v Blues 22-17 Durban
12 May 2007 Semi Sharks v Blues 34-18 Durban
14 Apr 2007 Sharks v Blues 32-25 3Albany
22 Apr 2006 Sharks v Blues 32-15 Durban

 

Teams:

Sharks: 15. Patrick Lambie, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Stefan Terblanche, 12. Andries Strauss, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Andy Goode, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Willem Alberts, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. John Smit (Capt ).
Replacements: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Tendai Mtawarira, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Michael Rhodes, 20. Rory Kockott, 21. Riaan Swanepoel, 22. Lwazi Mvovo.

Blues: 15. Isaia Toeava, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Benson Stanley, 12. Luke McAlister, 11. Rudi Wulf, 10. Stephen Brett, 9. Alby Mathewson, 8. Peter Saili, 7. Serge Lilo, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Filo Paulo, 4. Kurtis Haiu, 3. John Afoa, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16. Tom McCartney, 17. Tevita Mailau / Charlie Faumuina, 18. Andrew Van der Heijden, 19. Viliami Ma’afu, 20. Chris Smylie, 21. Rene Ranger, 22. Paul Williams.

Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: /Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Christie du Preez (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)