Super XV Round 6 Preview and Live match thread

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri Mar 30, 2012 12:39 am

Despite the thrashing handed out to the defending champions last weekend matches in this year's Super XV remain close by and large - 74% of matches this season have finished with a winning margin of 7 or less.

Points Table after Round 5
Australian Conference

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Brumbies	4	3	1	0	1	98	95	3	1	17
2	Reds	5	3	2	0	0	101	135	-34	1	13
3	Waratahs	5	2	3	0	0	127	113	14	5	13
4	Rebels	4	1	3	0	1	81	108	-27	2	10
5	Western Force	5	1	4	0	0	106	150	-44	3	7

New Zealand Conference

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Chiefs	4	3	1	0	1	101	78	23	2	18
2	Highlanders	5	4	1	0	0	113	110	3	1	17
3	Hurricanes	5	3	2	0	0	145	130	15	3	15
4	Crusaders	4	2	2	0	1	90	90	0	2	14
5	Blues	5	1	4	0	0	103	124	-21	2	6

South African Conference

Position	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Stormers	4	4	0	0	1	105	74	31	0	20
2	Bulls	4	3	1	0	1	153	69	84	3	19
3	Sharks	5	2	3	0	0	114	109	5	4	12
4	Lions	4	1	3	0	1	94	111	-17	2	10
5	Cheetahs	5	1	5	0	0	121	156	-35	3	7

Week 6 Matches
Friday, March 30

Highlanders v Rebels - Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
The Highlanders suffered their first loss of the season in Canberra last weekend. They will be anxious to atone for that loss against the struggling Rebels, who currently sit 12th in the competition after beating fellow Aussie battlers the Rebels in round five to post their first win of the season.

For the Highlanders Colin Slade is out for the season with a broken ankle, more bad news for the pivot who missed most of last season with 2 broken jaws and was also invalided out of the World Cup. Flanker John Hardie needs surgery on a toe fracture so will also be out for a long time. Chris Noakes wears the 10 jersey by virtue of being the only man fit, with centre Tamati Ellison his back up. On a more positive note All Blacks Adam Thomson and Jarrod Hoeata return from injury to start in the pack, while Aaron Smith again pushes the Gloucester-bound Jimmy Cowan to the bench, and Jason Rutledge starts with Andrew Hore rested.

The Rebels welcome Kurtley Beale back from injury at fullback this week, while James O’Connor moves back to 10 with Lloyd Johansson at 12 as Danny Cipriani has a hamstring injury. The forward pack is unchanged.

At home the Highlanders should have too much grunt for the men from Melbourne. Highlanders by 10.

Hurricanes v Cheetahs - Westpac Stadium, Wellington
The Cheetahs’ Australasian tour moves on to Wellington this week. The South African strugglers will be pleased with their efforts on tour, having picked up a win and two losing bonus points down under so far, and another win could propel them back into contention in the South African conference. The Hurricanes’ good start to the season continued last week as a final minute try to skipper Conrad Smith and difficult conversion by Beauden Barrett earned them a rare win in Auckland.

Mark Hammett has opted to rest some players this week so lock James Broadhurst and second five-eighth Charlie Ngatai start their first matches of the season with Jeremy Thrush and Tim Bateman missing the 22. Karl Lowe returns from injury to start on the open-side.

The Cheetahs welcome Coenie Oosthuizen and WP Nel back to the starting fifteen after injury layoffs, while in the backs Naka Drotske has brought in winger Rayno Benjamin in place of Cameron Jacobs.

Resting players could backfire on the ‘Canes, though the Cheetahs’ willingness to kick the ball out and settle for a bonus point rather than chance their arm at the end of their match in Christchurch suggests a lack of killer instinct. Hurricanes by 10.

Chiefs v Waratahs - Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
The Chiefs return home to Hamilton after a bye last week to face the Waratahs who put in a solid performance at home to beat the Sharks.

The Chiefs welcome Asaeli Tikoirotuma back from bereavement leave on the wing, which allows Richard Kahui to start his 50th match for the Chiefs in midfield alongside the newly bald (for charity) Sonny Bill Williams. Hika Elliot is back from injury to start at hooker, while in a back row re-shuffle Liam Messam plays blindside and Samoan international Kane Thompson plays number 8.

The Waratahs have named an unchanged team this week, Brendan McKibbin’s man-of-the-match performance keeping him at half-back ahead of Sarel Pretorius even though Berrick Barnes’ groin strain is healed enough for him to take the kicking duties if required.

The Chiefs should be able to out-muscle the 'Tahs at home. Chiefs by 10.

Brumbies v Sharks - Canberra Stadium
The Sharks head down to Canberra licking their wounds after conceding three soft tries in their loss to the Waratahs last week. They face a Brumbies team who are very hard to beat at home, as they proved against the Highlanders last week. Much too many pundits’ surprise the Brumbies currently head the Australian conference, while the Sharks have fallen behind the Stormers and Bulls in the Republic’s pecking order.

Jake White has made a couple of changes to his winning team from last week. Tighthead Dan Palmer is rested, with Wallaby Ben Alexander swapping sides, and Irishman Ruaidhri Murphy earning his first Brumbies start at loosehead. Matt Toomua is back from injury at flyhalf, pushing Christian Lealiifano out to inside-centre and Pat McCabe to wing.

The Sharks welcome back Steven Sykes at lock and JP Pietersen at centre this week, while Jean Deysel returns to the bench. Patrick Lambie’s toothache means that Frederic Michalak starts at 10. A 5-2 split of forwards to backs on the bench signals the Durban side’s intentions.

This is a tough match to call, so once again I’ll resort to the home-team rule. Brumbies by 3

Force v Reds - nib Stadium, Perth
The Reds make a pit stop in Perth on their way home from a 60-point mauling in Pretoria. The Force are currently second-last on the table and will be stung by their narrow loss in Melbourne last week, so don’t expect David Pocock’s men to let up the pressure.

The Force have Wallaby Ben McCalman back from injury onto the bench, while an ankle injury to Sam Wykes sees Toby Lynn called up at lock. In the backs there's plenty of reshuffling on the bench with halfback Justin Turner and centre Will Tupou out, and Nick Cummins starting at centre.

Jono Lance broke his leg last week so former Force player Joel Rapana makes his starting debut for the Reds at centre in the only change to decimated backline. In the pack James Slipper, Van Humphries and Liam Gill start, while the lack of fit backs again dictate a 5-2 split on the bench.

The Reds’ injury list makes it hard to see past the Force, Force by 8

Lions v Crusaders - Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
The Crusaders start their African safari in Johannesburg fresh from a home win of the Cheetahs. They face a Lions side who will be stung by last week’s home loss to the Stormers that sees them languishing four places below their guests in 11th place.

The Lions team is yet to be named, but they have lost centre and vice captain Doppies la Grange for three months after elbow surgery this week, leaving them rather short on fit centres, and fullback Jaco Taute may play there again. With Elton Jantjes expected back from injury Butch James may play 12. Concussion fears have eased around captain Josh Strauss, while halfback Michael Bondesio is expected back from a thigh injury.

Dan Carter is back. After a strong performance off the bench last week DC wears the number 10 jersey for the first time this season, pushing Tom Taylor out to 12 and Ryan Crotty to the bench. Rotation in the pack sees Wyatt Crockett start ahead of Ben Franks at loosehead and George Whitelock starts at blindside with brother Luke benched.

My heart is saying Crusaders on this one, my head isn't so sure. But the bookies are heavily favouring the Red & Blacks so Crusaders by 6.

Stormers v Bulls - DHL Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
The Bulls fly down to Cape Town after thrashing the Reds for a matchup between the South African heavyweights, with the winner likely to be competition leader going into next week. The Stormers picked up a win in Johannesburg last week, and will be eager to hold on to top spot.

The Stormers have made a few tweaks to bulk up their pack, with Rynhardt Elstad returning to start at blindside; Duane Vermeulen shifts to 8, and Nick Koster to the bench as impact sub. Nizaam Carr, Scarra Ntubeni and the injured Gary van Aswegen drop out of the 22 with Deon Fourie and Burton Francis coming in.

The Bulls unsurprisingly retain the same starting fifteen who beat the Reds, their only change is forced by an injury to replacement hooker Willie Wepener, who is replaced by 21 year old Bongi Mbonambi.

This is my match of the round, and it’s a tough one to call. Stormers by 5.

BYE:
Blues

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:38 am

http://www.v2journal.com/super-xv-2012-preview-round-6.html

by Taylorman Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:00 am

Geez this is another round that will be full of surprises... Stormers to beat Bulls after last week Kiwi? Whew...

Only cert. looks like the Highlanders v. Rebels to me.

Of all the teams I've preferred watching the Chiefs and Cheetahs most of all so far.

For Sportguru its really a matter of picking the upsets as I picked the wrong ones last week, but you could find 3 or 4 of those going the other way Kiwi... I think the enthusiasm of all the new talent coming through is whats causing these results, the big names still flat from the World cup perhaps.

by nganboy Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:28 am

Well looks like a bonza weekend for the Kiwi's.

However given the results of the competition to date who the heck knows.
Its a lovely afternoon in Wellington right now, clear blue skies with a light breeze. So it's probably going to Pi$$ down and be freezing tomorrow night.

I think the Highlanders are lucky to have the Rebels this week rather than one of the higher ranked teams and I worry a bit about the 'canes defence.

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:53 am

Well thats just feckin great we're coming 15th out of 15,at least we get some points out of the bye.

by Full Credit Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:03 am

So, is every tackle where the player is lifted now regarded as a tip tackle? It's getting ridiculous.

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:26 am

I dont know who got a bigger surprise that it was called a tip tackle,the tackler or the tacklee.

by Full Credit Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:37 am

They might as well put 11 on the back of Adam Thompson's jersey, that's where he seems to spend most of his time.

by Full Credit Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:52 am

The tip tackle farce continues...

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:54 am

Marius Jonker hasnt learnt the instructions for the use of the white card.luckily it wont have any bearing on the outcome of the game.

by Full Credit Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:00 am

Yes, come on Marius... if something looks suss, put it on report. Simple really.

This game's done and dusted, the rebels ran out of puff 5mins into the second half which isn't surprising given they kick the ball away every time they get it.

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:23 am

Seven trys to zip is pretty convincing,in fairness to the Rebels they did use up a lot of petrol in the first half on defence.bit of a shame really cause Beale and O'Connor when they have a shot at trying to create something are as good as anyone in the competition.

by yappysnap Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:56 am

Why did Beale and O'Connor head to the Rebels? And do you think they'll stay if the season carries on going badly?

And does anyone know why Haskal wasn't in the matchday squad?

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:03 am

By Haskal do you mean James Haskell?

To night was haskells first game in the run on team.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:07 am

yappysnap wrote:Why did Beale and O'Connor head to the Rebels? And do you think they'll stay if the season carries on going badly?

And does anyone know why Haskal wasn't in the matchday squad?

Melbourne have plenty of £s. And in O'Connor's case, he was leaving Perth who also struggle a bit.

I thought Haskell was starting at 6?

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:10 am

He packed at scrums on the open,but the Highlanders had so much possesion it didnt really matter what number was on their jerseys for most of the game.

by yappysnap Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:21 pm

How did I miss his name on the team sheet?! Did he play well?

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Mar 30, 2012 2:20 pm

Tomorrow marks Richie Baxter's 400th club appearance clap

by Gunner Fri Mar 30, 2012 7:26 pm

yappysnap wrote:How did I miss his name on the team sheet?! Did he play well?

Haskell has actually started last 2 games for Highlanders.
Was strong tonight. Took a knock during 1st half and looked like he wouldnt last full game.
Combined in strong loose forward effort with Thomson and Manu.
Rebels were looking ok (leading) until halftime.
Final score was a blowout.
Highlanders on the rise??
As a long suffering fan its unchartered territory seeing team top table after 6 weeks!
Even if only for 24hours its a pleasant change from propping up table.

by Taylorman Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:34 pm

Yeah I thought Haskell went well though it would be hard to pick a bad performance and even Cowans cameo was full of spark.

Highlanders certainly are looking the real deal and Thompson sure likes the open game more these days- wants Kaino's spot obviously and who would deny that after the form he's in.

Never understood Beale and JOC going there. You could see them behind the posts conversion time frustrated as heck. Theyre just biding time near the bottom until Wales gets there In my opinion. Doesnt make sense having two of the best backs in world rugby in that team.

Laurie... forget the Blues. Wrong players, wrong coach. An embarrassment to be honest. Ali Wiliams can say goodbye to his AB chances given he can hardly win a lineout or catch the ball, pass or do anything else properly. Injuries? Yes but the replacements are good enough but keep doing the same thing as those theyre replacing! Team culture is shot or non existent.

by aucklandlaurie Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:59 pm

Taylorman
I dont think it matters what team O'Connor and Beale play for as Robbie Deans knows what they can do and how good they are,but perhaps they get an incentive to go to places like melbourne to prop up those franchises and keep them at least a little competitive?

On the Blues,Youre probably right to say that we have seen the last of Ali Williams,I dont know if its because he cant catch a lineout ball maybe its because Mealamu cant throw it to him,In which case maybe they both should go.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:32 am

Yeah true re Beale and JOC but what a way to spend half a season. Standing behind the posts more often than they would like...

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 7:11 am

Some fantastic tries by the Canes so far, but the Cheetahs hitting back. 32-25 after 37 mins.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 7:26 am

Some great running in this game

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 7:33 am

I thought one of the tries by the Canes was better to watch than the so-called 'best ever try' from Edwards in the Barbars v ABs match in '73. (no forward passes or knock-ons either) Cheetahs are great with the ball too!

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:09 am

Linebreaker wrote:I thought one of the tries by the Canes was better to watch than the so-called 'best ever try' from Edwards in the Barbars v ABs match in '73. (no forward passes or knock-ons either)

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:15 am

You agree?

Who did you tip? How can we be expected to pick the difference in these types of games, 32-11 to the Canes... then 36-6 to the Cheetahs thereafter! Headscratch

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:20 am

I do agree, but usually my "greatest ever" opinion is drowned out by the hysterical rants of a 1000 others.

The Cheetahs now collected 11 points on their away tour, great stuff by them

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:25 am

Yeah, I know what you mean. I let them carry on and quietly hold on to my firm beliefs. Wink

Cheetahs are playing very well. They're an attractive side to watch.

I now regret making my 'never tip them again' comment after they got soundly beaten by the Bulls at home. Maybe they need to play more games in NZ and Oz? This will have done their confidence even more good. Great to see.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:35 am

LB the Cheetah's biggest challenge is depth. They don't have the money to hold on to their top class players, so you will find they unearth 1 or 2 stars every year and the nex year they are gone. They will always be the Cinderella team in SA because of this. They don't lack any courage or want to play great rugby though,

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:46 am

I understand. Are the big mining companies located in Kimberley or elsewhere in FS where they could provide some extra rand? Or is that being naive?

Like in WA - the money is there in that big mining state but I don't know how much they patronise rugby... it's all West Coast Eagles and Freo Dockers (AFL) who get the attention and financial backing, etc.

However, the Force seem to have a growing following despite their mediocre performances. I find it quite surprising... yet it's good to see the matches pretty well attended.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:52 am

The De Beers Group aren't really putting money into rugby, and Kimberley is the home for Griquas who themselves aren't getting money from them.

Griquas is actually sponsored by Wildeklawer which produces produce.

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:01 am

Griquas are from Northern Cape Province? Do they tend to head south to Western Cape rather than Bloemfontein?

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:49 am

All the Chiefs have had their heads shaved for charity... hard to tell who's who sometimes.

Chiefs pressing the line and leading 20-13. Tahs have had opportunities but getting pinged too often or making those all too familiar unforced errors.

Nanai Williams held up... 5 m scrum to the Chiefs.

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:01 am

Fantastic try to the Chiefs... 28-13.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 10:14 am

Linebreaker wrote:Griquas are from Northern Cape Province? Do they tend to head south to Western Cape rather than Bloemfontein?

They fall under the Cheetah feeder system for Super rugby purpose, but their players often end up at the bulls. Currently you have Bjorn Basson, Zane Kirchner in the Bulls squad from Griquas, and Riaan Viljoen at the sharks, all offered bigger contracts. there could be more, can't remember offhand though

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:44 am

I just heard Rod Kafe make a funny.

"I'll tell you what, that sidestepping is a danger to the game an should be banned from the game, you don't see forwards pulling that rubbish"

Laugh

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:58 am

They're a bunch of jokers... the lot of them.

The Rugby Show they do is great... frank discussions and analysis of past/upcoming matches, player interviews in the studio... but full of constant quips. I sometimes watch it 3 times just to pick them all up! Smile

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:15 pm

We used to get their show here, but not anymore. Not sure why.

by Full Credit Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:21 pm

Fantastic game of rugger there, Sharks were totally committed in defence and awesome at pilfering. Thought the Brumbies deserved something special at the death but they can't complain, they had plenty of chances.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:32 pm

Two great away wins for the Cheetahs and Sharks against form teams.

by Full Credit Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:50 pm

The SA conference is looking very strong and competitive so far this season. The less said about the Aussie conference the better.

RE that quote from Kafer about the sidestep, I saw a nice little step from Taumalolo in the chiefs game towards the end, shocking stuff.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:52 pm

Did you see the jump and step from Coenie Oosthuizen though. That was a sight to behold. Shocked

by Full Credit Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:59 pm

No, I missed the Cheetahs game, will have to catch up tomorrow. Couldn't imagine Oosthuizen being capable of changing direction.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:02 pm

He didn't but he fooled the opposition though. Laugh

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:06 pm

It looks like the loss against the Bulls last weekend has broken the spirit of the Reds.

by Full Credit Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:07 pm

The cheetahs are probably my favourite non-Aussie team, love their adventurism.

by Full Credit Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:10 pm

Yeah the Reds look a bit disinterested. It's one thing to cope with a few injuries spread across the park but when you keep getting injuries in the same position, and that position is at 10, then it's very hard to make any headway.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:43 pm

Pretty freaky that canes game. 39 all after 39 minutes?

Force will have smelt the reds fear from last week. Try after half time. Gosh.

Good wins for SA teams biltong who are all generally on good runs.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 31, 2012 1:49 pm

Yeah except for the poor, poor Lions. They have something like 13 injuries in their squad and the Crusaders are on the hunt.

by Sponsored content