Round one highlights

Round one highlights

February 13, 2009

MATCH OF THE ROUND
Hurricanes v Waratahs.
Is there life for the Waratahs after Dan Vickerman, Rocky Elsom, David Lyons and Al Kanaar? Are the Hurricanes going to do something this year? Why is it always raining at the Cake Tin?

BEST NEW ZEALAND GAME
Crusaders v Chiefs.
All of New Zealand will watch to see whether the Crusaders will turn into duds because Robbie Deans and Dan Carter are gone. Will the Crusaders, as a last resort, use runaway horses to freak the opposition. They did that to devastating effect in last year's final, with Matt Dunning heading for the hills.

BEST SOUTH AFRICAN GAME
Stormers v Sharks.
The Sharks could soon be Super 14 favourites - they have an impressive squad and an interesting new coach in New Zealander John Plumtree. Their trip to Cape Town, always a tricky one, will indicate whether it's paper talk or not.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Stirling Mortlock.
The Wallabies skipper's move to inside-centre, which began on the northern hemisphere tour, continues with him at No.12 for the Brumbies. The Kamikaze Kid will be fired up.

MATCH TO FORGET
Lions v Cheetahs.
A world first. A first-round battle for the wooden spoon. It would be more interesting if the TV commentary was in Afrikaans.

CERTAINTIES
Hurricanes, Bulls.

BEST CHANCE OF A BOILOVER
Lions winning a match.

BEST BET
Force at $2 against the Blues going into Brumbies at $1.62 to beat the Highlanders.
Greg Growden