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2012 Super XV Preview: Round 14
By Pete Cresswell
24 May 2012.
With two thirds of the matches in the 2012 Super XV played there are nine teams left who can realistically hope to have a chance at making the playoffs. And there are two rounds left to play before the June international break. The Brumbies look to have the Australian conference largely sewn up, barring a late surge from the Reds. In the South African conference the scrap between the Stormers and Bulls could go right to the wire, while the Sharks are also circling. And in New Zealand the conference is the Chiefs’ to lose, though they do still have to host the Crusaders.
Here is Pete Cresswell's take on the match-ups:
Chiefs vs Bulls - Waikato Stadium, Wellington
The Bulls finish their Antipodean tour with a crucial top-of-the table clash in Hamilton. This game and next week’s Bulls vs Stormers match could have a massive impact on who gets a home semi-final and final. Currently the Bulls are just two points behind the Stormers and Chiefs, and the Stormers face a tricky game in Durban on Saturday.
The Chiefs have made several changes this week. In the backs Jackson Willison comes in at 13 for the injured Richard Kahui, with Robbie Robinson on the bench, while Tawera Kerr-Barlow is back at half back, pushing Brendan Leonard to the bench. In the forwards Ben Afeaki starts at tighthead after 12 weeks out injured, Toby Smith comes in on the loosehead side and Kane Thompson is back at number 8.
There is just one change to the Bulls’ starting fifteen, Wilhelm Steenkamp coming in at lock for Juandre Kruger who rotates to the bench.
I have got Friday morning off work, so I will be watching this game, my tip for match of the round. It has been a long tour for the Bulls though, so I agree with the bookmakers, Chiefs by 5.
Hurricanes vs Rebels - Westpac Stadium, Wellington
The 9th placed Hurricanes need to win three of their last four matches to make the playoffs, and they will be targeting the Rebels, who have moved up to 10th place overall, and 3rd in the Australian conference with a couple of wins.
Mark Hammett’s decision to rest several players came back to haunt him last week. This week Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen is back staring at tighthead, while Fafili Levave and Jack Lam play on the flanks. Crucially Beauden Barrett is back at 10, after Andre Taylor’s kicking couldn’t match that of the Brumbies’ Zack Holmes last week; while Alapati Leuia comes in on the right wing.
With James O’Connor out until July the Rebels have named an unchanged starting backline, though Richard Kingi and Tom Chamberlain return to the bench after injury. In the forwards Luke Jones returns from suspension on the flank, allowing Michael Lipman a spell on the bench. And Jono Owen makes his starting debut at tighthead ahead of the rested Rodney Blake.
The Hurricanes are solid favourites for this one, which traditionally means they’re about to fall over. Personally I think Mark Hammett will have the team firing, Hurricanes by 8.
Here is Pete Cresswell's take on the match-ups:
Chiefs vs Bulls - Waikato Stadium, Wellington
The Bulls finish their Antipodean tour with a crucial top-of-the table clash in Hamilton. This game and next week’s Bulls vs Stormers match could have a massive impact on who gets a home semi-final and final. Currently the Bulls are just two points behind the Stormers and Chiefs, and the Stormers face a tricky game in Durban on Saturday.
The Chiefs have made several changes this week. In the backs Jackson Willison comes in at 13 for the injured Richard Kahui, with Robbie Robinson on the bench, while Tawera Kerr-Barlow is back at half back, pushing Brendan Leonard to the bench. In the forwards Ben Afeaki starts at tighthead after 12 weeks out injured, Toby Smith comes in on the loosehead side and Kane Thompson is back at number 8.
There is just one change to the Bulls’ starting fifteen, Wilhelm Steenkamp coming in at lock for Juandre Kruger who rotates to the bench.
I have got Friday morning off work, so I will be watching this game, my tip for match of the round. It has been a long tour for the Bulls though, so I agree with the bookmakers, Chiefs by 5.
Hurricanes vs Rebels - Westpac Stadium, Wellington
The 9th placed Hurricanes need to win three of their last four matches to make the playoffs, and they will be targeting the Rebels, who have moved up to 10th place overall, and 3rd in the Australian conference with a couple of wins.
Mark Hammett’s decision to rest several players came back to haunt him last week. This week Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen is back staring at tighthead, while Fafili Levave and Jack Lam play on the flanks. Crucially Beauden Barrett is back at 10, after Andre Taylor’s kicking couldn’t match that of the Brumbies’ Zack Holmes last week; while Alapati Leuia comes in on the right wing.
With James O’Connor out until July the Rebels have named an unchanged starting backline, though Richard Kingi and Tom Chamberlain return to the bench after injury. In the forwards Luke Jones returns from suspension on the flank, allowing Michael Lipman a spell on the bench. And Jono Owen makes his starting debut at tighthead ahead of the rested Rodney Blake.
The Hurricanes are solid favourites for this one, which traditionally means they’re about to fall over. Personally I think Mark Hammett will have the team firing, Hurricanes by 8.
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Blues vs Highlanders - Eden Park, Auckland
The Blues return home to face their fans after their towelling in Christchurch last week. There is nothing left to play for but pride (and this week the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy), something the team has shown precious little of this season. The Highlanders come off a good win at home over the Bulls, but need points to get back into the top six. Blues Pat Lam has reacted to the hammering in Christchurch last week by benching four players, in hooker Tom McCartney and All Blacks Piri Weepu, Ma’a Nonu and Ali Williams (who will make his 100th appearance if used off the bench). Sherwin Stowers replaces the concussed Benson Stanley on the wing while Alby Matthewson, Frances Saili and Filo Paulo all start Jamie Joseph has opted to use this match to rest a number of players, a concept unheard of in the Blues’ heyday. Aaron Smith and Mike Delaney drop to the bench, allowing Jimmy Cowan and Chris Noakes a start in the halves. Kurt Baker comes in on the wing for the injured Siale Piutau. In the forwards Nick Crosswell is fit to play number 8, so Hoani MacDonald moves back to lock, and Andrew Hore returns to the starting line up at hooker. Once again I agree with the bookmakers that the southern men should edge this one. Highlanders by 4. |
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Brumbies vs Reds - Canberra Stadium, Canberra
A win for the Brumbies will seal them the Australian Conference title and a home playoff match. The recently resurgent Reds are almost in the last chance saloon however, so the defending champions will be throwing everything at the team from the Australian Capital Territory.
Jake White has rotated his half backs, Nic White starting ahead of Ian Prior, and Peter Kimlin comes in at blindside for the injured Fotu Auelua.
The Reds have delayed naming their side, though the same 22 man squad from last week has travelled south, plus fit-again flanker Beau Robinson.
This match could be a classic, and I’m torn over who to pick. If Quade Cooper hits form the Reds will be home comfortably, but the Brumbies have surprised me too often this season, so for me it is Brumbies by 2.
A win for the Brumbies will seal them the Australian Conference title and a home playoff match. The recently resurgent Reds are almost in the last chance saloon however, so the defending champions will be throwing everything at the team from the Australian Capital Territory.
Jake White has rotated his half backs, Nic White starting ahead of Ian Prior, and Peter Kimlin comes in at blindside for the injured Fotu Auelua.
The Reds have delayed naming their side, though the same 22 man squad from last week has travelled south, plus fit-again flanker Beau Robinson.
This match could be a classic, and I’m torn over who to pick. If Quade Cooper hits form the Reds will be home comfortably, but the Brumbies have surprised me too often this season, so for me it is Brumbies by 2.
Force vs Lions - nib Stadium, Perth
The Lions stop off in Perth at the end of their tour down under for a battle of the cellar-dwellers; both teams are comfortably last in their respective conferences. The Lions have lost their last 10 matches in a row, while the Force at least ran the Rebels close last week.
The Force welcome wing Nick Cummins back from injury this week, while a good cameo off the bench last week wins Alfie Mafi a start at fullback.
John Mitchell has made two changes. CJ van der Linde comes in for Ross Cronje at loosehead, and last week’s rotation at halfback is reversed with Tiaan Meyer starting ahead of Ross Cronje.
The Lions have only beaten the Force once in six attempts, so for me it’s Force by 6.
Cheetahs vs Waratahs - Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
The Waratahs arrive in Bloemfontein knowing that last week’s loss to the Stormers has effectively ended their season. The Cheetahs are also playing for pride.
There are three changes in the Cheetahs’ line up. Rocco Jansen comes in on the wing for the dropped Cameron Jacobs. Ashley Johnson beefs up the loose forwards ahead of the benched Justin Downey, while Llanelli bound George Earle’s concussion sees Andries Ferreira start at lock.
The Waratahs’ injury woes continue this week, with Rocky Elsom and Dean Mumm out. Drew Mitchell makes his first start in over a year on the wing, while ex-Cheetah Sarel Pretorius is on the bench. In the forwards Wycliffe Palu, Kane Douglas and Tatafu Polata-Nau all start.
The bookmakers like the Cheetahs for this one, and I think their bench strength may tell. Cheetahs by 2.
Sharks vs Stormers - Kings Park, Durban
The Stormers have a tough couple of weeks ahead of them, facing the Sharks and Bulls away. While they would be very unlucky to miss the playoffs, losses in the coming two matches would probably cost them the South African conference and home matches at playoff time. The Sharks are currently holding on to the last playoff berth, and simply need to keep on winning.
John Plumtree has opted to move Patrick Lambie back to fullback for this crucial match, and Frederic Michalak will start at fly half for the Sharks. Meyer Bosman comes in at inside centre for the injured Tim Whitehead, while Willem Alberts plays on the flank to beef up the pack.
The Stormers have made two changes. Gio Aplon moves to fullback for the injured Joe Pietersen, with Gerhard van der Heever coming in on the wing.
The bookmakers like the Stormers for this one, and if they can play for a full 80 minutes instead of shutting down at half-time as has been their recent habit they ought to finish ahead. However I think momentum and home advantage will tell. Sharks by 4.
Bye
Crusaders
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(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
The Lions stop off in Perth at the end of their tour down under for a battle of the cellar-dwellers; both teams are comfortably last in their respective conferences. The Lions have lost their last 10 matches in a row, while the Force at least ran the Rebels close last week.
The Force welcome wing Nick Cummins back from injury this week, while a good cameo off the bench last week wins Alfie Mafi a start at fullback.
John Mitchell has made two changes. CJ van der Linde comes in for Ross Cronje at loosehead, and last week’s rotation at halfback is reversed with Tiaan Meyer starting ahead of Ross Cronje.
The Lions have only beaten the Force once in six attempts, so for me it’s Force by 6.
Cheetahs vs Waratahs - Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
The Waratahs arrive in Bloemfontein knowing that last week’s loss to the Stormers has effectively ended their season. The Cheetahs are also playing for pride.
There are three changes in the Cheetahs’ line up. Rocco Jansen comes in on the wing for the dropped Cameron Jacobs. Ashley Johnson beefs up the loose forwards ahead of the benched Justin Downey, while Llanelli bound George Earle’s concussion sees Andries Ferreira start at lock.
The Waratahs’ injury woes continue this week, with Rocky Elsom and Dean Mumm out. Drew Mitchell makes his first start in over a year on the wing, while ex-Cheetah Sarel Pretorius is on the bench. In the forwards Wycliffe Palu, Kane Douglas and Tatafu Polata-Nau all start.
The bookmakers like the Cheetahs for this one, and I think their bench strength may tell. Cheetahs by 2.
Sharks vs Stormers - Kings Park, Durban
The Stormers have a tough couple of weeks ahead of them, facing the Sharks and Bulls away. While they would be very unlucky to miss the playoffs, losses in the coming two matches would probably cost them the South African conference and home matches at playoff time. The Sharks are currently holding on to the last playoff berth, and simply need to keep on winning.
John Plumtree has opted to move Patrick Lambie back to fullback for this crucial match, and Frederic Michalak will start at fly half for the Sharks. Meyer Bosman comes in at inside centre for the injured Tim Whitehead, while Willem Alberts plays on the flank to beef up the pack.
The Stormers have made two changes. Gio Aplon moves to fullback for the injured Joe Pietersen, with Gerhard van der Heever coming in on the wing.
The bookmakers like the Stormers for this one, and if they can play for a full 80 minutes instead of shutting down at half-time as has been their recent habit they ought to finish ahead. However I think momentum and home advantage will tell. Sharks by 4.
Bye
Crusaders
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(c) Copyright 606v2 2012. Please do not reproduce without permission
