Once again we see 6 Super 14 games this weekend, be careful though as a South African supporter, you must prepare for some really early broadcast times this weekend! The Games are the following:

Friday 9 April 2010:

Chiefs vs Bulls:

The Chiefs host the Bulls at the Waikato Stadium, Hamilton at 09:35 SA Time.

The Chiefs are currently at No 6 on the Log and would dearly like to achieve 2 main things, namely move up the Super 14 Log and avenge their Super 14 Final defeat of 2009.

The Chiefs have won 4 and lost 3 matches but this week they are without Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu and to be honest, the Chiefs have had moments of brilliance and moments where they were poor this year. The Team is still stacked with players like Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam and Sona Taumalolo… and beware, if this team fires, they are smoking hot!

The Bulls on the other hand have just come off a bad loss against the Blues where the Blues showed exactly how to overpower the Bulls, even though the Bulls are still a top of the log team!

The Bulls have injuries of their own with Derick Kuun and Jaco Pretorius out since last week. They will be smarting from last week’s poor performance and will want to put their tour back on track with a much better performance.

We cannot deny the class of this Super 14 Champion Team and when they get it right on the day and manage to enforce their style on the opposition, there is probably no Team in World Rugby which can beat the Bulls!

We’re hoping for a better kicking performance from Ace-kicker, Morné Steyn and we’re also hoping for a much better percentage of ball possession this week.

I predict a very hard match with the Bulls keeping the game tighter than has been seen this year and if opinions are to be believed we back the Bulls for a win….. Bulls by 5.

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Bulls won 61-17 (Pretoria) – final
2009: Bulls won 33-27 (Pretoria)
2008: Chiefs won 43-27 (Rotorua)
2007: Bulls won 30-27 (Pretoria)
2006: Bulls and Chiefs drew 26-26 (Hamilton)

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Colin Bourke 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Callum Bruce, 22 Jackson Willison.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 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 Pedrie Wannenburg, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Assistant referees: Kane McBride, Shane McDermott
TMO: Ben Skeen

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Saturday 10 April 2010:

Highlanders vs Western Force:

The Highlanders host the Force at Lakes Leisure Events Centre, Queenstown at 4:30 SA Time.

The Highlanders are at No 11 on the Super 14 Log having won only 2 and lost 6 games. They have a massive negative points difference of 70 and have conceded 31 tries whilst only scoring 18 tries.

Pre-season the New Zealand scribes said that they are a much improved side, but we have not seen this supposed revival of the Hickville Hillbillies. Granted, there has been moments of brilliance from Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg and the forwards have grafted hard… but all in all they are the weakest New Zealand side.

The Western Force on the other hand have just come off beating the highly placed and highly regarded Stormers team, after looking sure to fight hard for the wooden spoon with the Lions. They have more players back from injury and even though they are lounging at the lowly No 13 spot on the Log, look like they are slowly on the mend.

This is a difficult match to predict and one should probably go for the home team who are better placed on the Log but I have a sneaky suspicion that the Force will do the business this weekend….. Force by 7.

Previous Super 14 results:
009: Force won 33-28 (Perth)
2008: Force won 36-28 (Queenstown)
2007: Highlanders won 8-7 (Perth)           
2006: Highlanders won 25-22 (Dunedin)

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Mat Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 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 Jason Macdonald, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Jayden Hayward.

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

Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant referees: Keith Brown, Josh Noonan
TMO: James McPhail

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Blues vs Stormers:

The Blues host the Stormers at Eden Park, Auckland at 07:30 SA Time.

One cannot help but compare what happened to the Bulls with what might happen to the Stormers this weekend!

The Blues had by far their most complete performance of this tournament this past week against the Bulls and have opted for an unchanged side, so this means that they are confident and ready and are bound to give the Stormers a real go.

Some of their stars are regaining form, here we quickly think about Joe Rokocoko, whilst others like Rene Ranger is going from fabulous to sublime, as the weeks continue. They have a proper goal kicker in Stephen Brett and on paper this is one of the most potent teams in the whole competition.

The Stormers on the other hand, have just come off their worst performance this year, they looked sloppy and clueless against the Force last week. This game will define whether they remain in the top 4 of the competition and it might just be the difference between a good or bad Super 14 season.

We know about their good defensive structures, we know they are laden with stars and game breakers but they still have to convince all and sundry that they can indeed attack and score the tries.

Recent results seem to suggest that the Blues have got the wood over the Stormers and it is a tough call to make a prediction, I will go for the home team who have beaten the Bulls and predict that they will make it a long day for the Stormers….. Blues by 8.

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Blues won 14-8 (Cape Town)
2008: Blues won 17-14 (Auckland)
2007: Stormers won 33-20 (Cape Town)
2006: Blues won 32-15 (Auckland)

Teams:

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

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 JD Moller.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Eusebio Guinazu, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Willem de Waal, 22 Tim Whitehead.

Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Assistant referees: Chris Pollock, Matthew Stanish
TMO: Glenn Newman

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Crusaders vs Waratahs:

The Crusaders host the Waratahs at Christchurch at 09:35 SA Time.

The Crusaders are currently in 3rd spot on the Super 14 Log, having won 5, drawn 1 and lost 1 game, not shabby for a team who started slow.

The multiple Super 14 Champs have silently slinked up the Log and one now needs to start taking notice of them and do everything in one’s power to stop their march to the top!

With Sean Maitland, Zac Guildford and Robbie Fruean in red hot form and with Dan Carter and Richie McCaw in their midst, one would be silly to write them off. The team does not however hold the awe of Saders sides of old.

Do not give them an inch though, they’ll grab the whole hog…

The Waratahs was the team who adapted the slowest to the new application of the laws but after last week they are suddenly in pole position on the Log.

This team now ticks most of the blocks for being a complete side, but 3 of their wins should not have been wins in 2010, the last undeserved win being a win over the Blues.

It is good to see 2 top of the table teams going hammer and tongs and one of either the Crusaders or the Waratahs will slip down the Super 14 Log after this weekend.

I predict a Crusaders win, but not as heavily as the bookies would make out (who give the Waratahs a 9.5 point head start)… Saders by 5 to 8.

Previous Super 14 results:
21 Mar 2009 Crusaders v Waratahs 17-13 Sydney
31 May 2008 (Final) Crusaders v Waratahs 20-12 Christchurch
21 Mar 2008 Crusaders v Waratahs 34-7 Christchurch
31 Mar 2007 Crusaders v Waratahs 34-33 Sydney
07 Apr 2006 Crusaders v Waratahs 17-11 Christchurch

Teams:

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

Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale , 14. Lachie Turner , 13. Rob Horne , 12. Berrick Barnes , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Daniel Halangahu , 9. Luke Burgess , 8. Wycliff Palu , 7. Phil Waugh [c] / Chris Alcock , 6. Ben Mowen , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Dean Mumm , 3. Al Baxter* , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick , 17. Sekope Kepu , 18. Will Caldwell , 19. Dave Dennis , 20. Josh Holmes , 21. Tom Carter , 22. Sosene Anesi

Match Officials
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Vinny Munro (South Africa), Kane McBride (South Africa)
Television match official: Garratt Williamson (South Africa)

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Brumbies vs Cheetahs:

The Brumbies host the Cheetahs in Canberra at 11:40 SA Time.

One does not have to be a brain surgeon to work out that the Brumbies are overwhelming favourites to win this match, in fact the bookies have given the Cheetahs a 20.5 point start when considering bets.

The Brumbies are in 7th spot on the Log, having won 5 and losing only 2 games but there is plenty to be worried about, they have only scored 18 tries and conceded 15 and their points difference is at a dismal 8 points. This could easily change dramatically during this weekend though.

We know the Brumbies are near invincible at home and they have the personnel to be in the final this year.

The Cheetahs have been rocked by the late withdrawal of Juan Smith whose father died this morning and additionally they have injuries which have sidelined star players, bringing them down a few notches to somewhere close to the lack of quality the Lions have exhibited.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Brumbies will have an easy win and get their bonus point for tries in the process…. we can expect a score of about 40 / 17 again, against the Cheetahs (same as last week)…. Brumbies by 20 PLUS.

Previous Super 14 results:
04 Apr 2009 Brumbies v Cheetahs 40-27 Bloemfontein
21 Mar 2008 Brumbies v Cheetahs 29-23 Canberra
17 Mar 2007 Brumbies v Cheetahs 20-38 Bloemfontein
08 Apr 2006 Brumbies v Cheetahs 53-20 Canberra

Teams:

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

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

Match Officials
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Angus Gardiner (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)

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Lions vs Reds:

The Lions host the Reds at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg at 19:10 SA Time.

There has been more ructions at the embattled Lions Union this week, with a number of players relegated to go play Vodacom Cup rugby and a group of disgruntled supporters demanding answers from management.

There is one ray of light though, Wikus (Captain Fantastic) van Heerden is back in the starting line-up and one senses that the blind masses are expecting this man-mountain to single-handedly turn this team around…. I have news for them, it is not going to happen, wake up and smell the stench which clings to Doornfontein!

The other advantage is that the Lions are at home again, after a disasterous tour and a rest week, not that home ground advantage has meant anything to the Lions so far.

On the other hand we have the Reds who have clearly been the most improved side in 2010, with the incredibily fleet-footed Will Genia and Quade Cooper, who are in the form of their lives!

The Reds team should tear the Lions a new oriface this weekend…. but then again, rugby is a strange old game…… Reds by 15 PLUS.

Previous Super 14 results:
18 Apr 2009 Lions v Reds 31-20 Brisbane
22 Mar 2008 Lions v Reds 24-24 Johannesburg
03 Mar 2007 Lions v Reds 26-20 Brisbane
08 Apr 2006 Lions v Reds 16-23 Johannesburg
29 Apr 2005 Lions v Reds 15-21 Brisbane

Teams:

Lions: Michael Killian, Wigan Pekeur, Walter Venter, Doppies la Grange, Wandile Mjekevu, Carlos Spencer, Jano Vermaak, Derick Minnie, Wikus van Heerden, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Franco van der Merwe, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hannes Franklin, Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: Hans van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg, Willem Stoltz, Todd Clever, Jacque Coetzee, Herkie Kruger, Marius Delport.

Reds: Peter Hynes, Rod Davies, Will Chambers, Anthony Faingaa, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (c), Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid (vc), Scott Higginbotham, Van Humphries, Rob Simmons, Laurie Weeks, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley.
Replacements: Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes, Ezra Taylor, Jake Schatz, Ben Lucas, Ben Tapuai, Luke Morahan.

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