Super 14 previews

May 1, 2008 - 5:02PM

Super 14 preview for this weekend's round 12 action (all times AEDT):
FRIDAY, May 2

CRUSADERS v SHARKS at Jade Stadium, Christchurch at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Sharks 27-26 in Durban, round 5, 2007
Sure there was a minor blip two weeks ago, but the Crusaders show just rolls on. Just take a look at their points differential - at 191 it's more than a hundred better than the next best in the competition. As if there was any doubt, Robbie Deans' men can guarantee their home semi-final with a win in Christchurch, where they are six from six against the Sharks. Last time the two sides met there, the Crusaders put on 77 points. All of which is bad news for the Sharks, whose five-match road trip was always going to test their high-flying status. Losses to the Brumbies and Waratahs and an injury to star Frenchman Frederic Michalak mean they are danger of losing their mantle as South Africa's best team to the fast finishing Stormers, as well as their spot in the top four.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Crusaders $1.18, Sharks $5
Tip: Crusaders by 20
Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Nasi Manu, Richard McCaw (capt), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Ross Filipo, George Whitelock, Kahn Fotuali'i, Hamish Gard, Caleb Ralph.
Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, AJ Venter, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (capt), Albert van den Berg, BJ Botha, Craig Burden, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Rudolf Badenhorst, Jannie du Plessis, Jean Deysel, Keegan Daniel, Andries Strauss, Henno Mentz, Adrian Jacobs.



QUEENSLAND REDS v BLUES at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane at 7.40pm
Last meeting: Blues 38-13 in Auckland, round 4, 2007
Queensland were buoyed by their performance against the Chiefs in Hamilton last week with coach Phil Mooney describing it as their best footy in several years. They return home for the last three rounds of the season but injury hasn't helped them with big guns Chris Latham, Sam Cordingley, Hugh McMeniman and John Roe all missing. Backrower Scott Higginbotham will make his debut against the Blues, whose season has spiralled down since a blistering start. The news David Nucifora will exit at season's end will probably work for the Aucklanders - just as it already has for the Waratahs and Brumbies. They pushed the Crusaders last week, they're desperate and they should be too strong for the undermanned Reds.

Lasseters Sportsbook: Reds $2.50, Blues $1.55
Tip: Blues by 15
Reds: Clinton Schifcofske, Digby Ioane, Morgan Turinui, Berrick Barnes, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas, Leroy Houston, David Croft, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (capt), Van Humphries, Dayna Edwards, Stephen Moore, Ben Coutts. Reserves: Sean Hardman, Rodney Blake, Ed O'Donoghue, Poutasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Charlie Fetoai, Brando Va'aulu.
Blues: Nick Evans, David Smith, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Isa Nacewa, Taniela Moa, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (capt), Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Nick White, Bronson Murray, Kurtis Haiu, Justin Collins, Danny Lee, Benson Stanley, Ben Atiga.
SATURDAY, MAY 3

CHEETAHS v HIGHLANDERS at Vodacom Park Stadium, Bloemfontein at 3.10am
Last meeting: Highlanders 21-17, Dunedin, round 9, 2007
In a game having no bearing on the finals, both sides have the opportunity to double their tally of wins and take a big step towards avoiding the wooden spoon. The Highlanders could be playing for more than that though with reports this week their Dunedin base could be up for review in an expanded Super rugby tournament. They did well to hold the momentum-building Stormers to 26-16 last week and have won both previous meetings with the Cheetahs. Highlanders flanker Alando Soakai was not considered because of a knee injury, while the Cheetahs have named an unchanged side to the one that went down 38-10 to the Hurricanes last week.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Cheetahs $1.65, Highlanders $2.27
Tip: Highlanders by 10
Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Conrad Barnard, Falie Oelschig, Duanne Vermeulen, Juan Smith (capt), Heinrich Brussow, Barend Pieterse, Rory Duncan, CJ van der Linde, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Bees Roux, David de Villiers, Hendro Scholtz, Tewis de Bruyn, Bevin Fortuin, Hendrik Meyer.
Highlanders: Paul Williams, Matt Saunders, Brett Mather, Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Mike Delany, Toby Morland, Craig Newby (capt), Tim Boys, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Hoani MacDonald, Clint Newland, David Hall or Jason Macdonald, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Jason Macdonald or David Hall, Chris King, Hayden Triggs, George Naoupu, Jimmy Cowan, Blair Stewart, Aaron Bancroft.




HURRICANES v LIONS at Westpac Stadium, Wellington at 5.35pm
Last meeting: Lions 30-7 in Johannesburg, round 8, 2007
A danger game for the fifth-placed Hurricanes because, strangely, they've had to travel from South Africa while the Lions have just hopped across the Tasman after last week's heartbreaking loss to the Brumbies. The Wellington side will be hoping the South Africans struggle to pick themselves up off the canvas following that last-minute letdown but the Lions should find motivation in avoiding the wooden spoon. Minus All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins with a rib injury, the Canes desperately need a bonus-point win to ensure they remain in the hunt for the finals.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Hurricanes $1.08, Lions $8.25
Tip: Hurricanes by 10
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Shannon Paku, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (capt), Scott Waldrom, Chris Masoe, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves Hikawera Elliot, Jacob Ellison, Craig Clarke, Thomas Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Jimmy Gopperth, Conrad Smith.
Lions: Earl Rose, Jannie Boshoff, Walter Venter, Doppies la Grange, Dusty Noble, Jaco van Schalkwyk, Jano Vermaak, Joe van Niekerk, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), Gerhard Mostert, Dewald Senekai, JC van Rensburg, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe. Reserves: Ethienne Reynecke, Ross Geldenhuys, Cobus Grobler, Wilhelm Koch, Chris Jonck, Rudi Vogt, Louis Ludik.



WESTERN FORCE v CHIEFS at Subiaco Oval, Perth at 7.40pm
Last meeting: Chiefs 64-36 in Hamilton, round 11, 2007
The Force are fighting to remain a mathematical chance after their early season had promised so much. Unfortunately for them they run into the red-hot Chiefs, the only side to have beaten the Crusaders this campaign. Linchpin Matt Giteau is back from his head-knock and the Perth side will be fresh after last week's bye, but they take an inexperienced line-up into the match. Coach John Mitchell pulled a surprise by naming highly rated 17-year-old James O'Connor at inside centre and fellow youngsters James Stannard and Sam Wykes also in the run-on side. The Chiefs are without All Black halfback Brendon Leonard who has a bruised knee while skipper Jono Gibbes is unlikely to make his return from a hamstring injury.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Force $2.45, Chiefs $1.57
Tip: Force by 10

Force: Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, James Stannard, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Scott Fava, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sam Wykes, Troy Takiari, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Luke Holmes, Keiran Longbottom, David Pusey, Matt Hodgson, Chris O'Young, Scott Daruda, Dane Haylett-Petty.
Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (capt), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jamie Nutbrown, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Tom Willis, Simms Davison. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben Castle, Jay Williams, Faifili Levave, David Bason, Dwayne Sweeney, Sosene Anesi.



BULLS v NSW WARATAHS at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria at 11pm
Last meeting: Bulls 23-19 in Sydney, round 6, 2007
The Waratahs can secure a semi-final berth with a franchise record sixth-straight win over the disappointing defending champs, but it won't be easy. They arrive late, play at altitude and face an improving Bulls outfit that is coming off a week off and is also cranky about a contract dispute. The key for the Tahs has been stability and star flanker Rocky Elsom's return is the only major change from the side which downed the Sharks last week and sent them into second place. The Bulls have been boosted by the return to the bench of captain Fourie du Preez. They also boast the World Cup's best player in winger Bryan Habana and near-Springboks strength reserves. NSW to guts it out and keep the momentum going, but only just.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Bulls $2.30, Waratahs $1.63
Tip: Waratahs by 5
Bulls: Zane Kircher, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies, Wikus van Heerden (capt), Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Bandise Grey Maku, Rayno Gerber, Jaco Engels, Danie Rossouw, Fourie du Preez, Derick Hougaard, Pedrie Wannenburg.
Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, WYcliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Will Caldwell, David Lyons, Sekope Kepu, Matt Carraro, Brett Sheehan.
SUNDAY, MAY 4

STORMERS v BRUMBIES at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town at 1.05am
Last meeting: Brumbies 26-13 in Canberra, round 6, 2007
The courageous Brumbies refuse to take the easy option, although they almost kissed 2008 goodbye before pulling their match against the Lions out of the fire last week. This looks a bit like their latest mission impossible but so did the Blues in Auckland and the Sharks in Canberra. The Stormers are in form and have the passionate Newlands crowd to spur them on, but they are also injury hit. Their biggest problem, which might give the Brumbies a chance, is a knee injury to inspirational flanker Schalk Burger. Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher has reshuffled his pack to accommodate Stephen Hoiles at blindside flanker following Julian Salvi's good form at No.8. The Brumbies are seventh and this is must-win - again.
Lasseters Sportsbook: Stormers $1.40, Brumbies $3.00
Tip: Brumbies by 3
Stormers: Conrad Jantjes, Wylie Human, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (capt), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Enrico Januarie, Robbie Diack, Francois Louw, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brok Harris, Scalk Brits, Brian Mujati. Reserves: Deon Fourie, Schalk Ferreira, Ross Skeate, Pieter Myburgh, Bolla Conradie, Tony Brown, Dylan des Fountain.
Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Julian Salvi, George Smith, Stephen Hoiles, Mark Chisholm, Alister Campbell, Salesi Ma'afu, Saia Faingaa, Nic Henderson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Peter Kimlin, Ben Alexander, Mitchell Chapman, Josh Holmes, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
AAP