Pretty scrappy week of rugby. The 2 best games were the Blues v Crusaders and Lions v Bulls. But before i carry on i guess its only right to spare a thought for the people of Christchurch. Whether you like them or not that region has given us endless hours of entertainment, but behind all of that are normal people who suffer just like the rest of us. Saw a thing on Youtube just now showing the devastation, man its hectic!!
Its only right that another one of the weeks top clashes between the Saders and the Canes be cancelled and called a draw...
Last weekends games...
Australia's games, the biggest disappointment was the Reds, expected much from them but they failed to fire at all. I fast forwarded this game to try and catch some highlights but they were few and far between. The pacemen outside didnt get much good ball to work with, and Cooper was pretty average on the day. Genia seemed very frustrated on the day too because he wasnt getting good ball from his forwards nor were his backs giving him options. A very average performance butThe Force on the other hand were very competitive made a few crucial mistakes but they are looking good. The Brumbies did well for their win, their first half was superb and surprisingly they had a very solid scrum, but i think the Chiefs made them look a hell of a lot better than they were. they butchered 3 try scoring opportunities in the first half. The backs were nowhere, they looked like a bunch of lazy louts on a sunday stroll. The Tahs made short work of the Rebels. I was very dissapointed with the Rebels i expected a little more than they delivered. The Tahs on the other hand were merciless! they were ruthless and clinical in their execution, they were the most promising of the Australian lot.
For the Boks, the Cheetahs v Sharks game, my oh my what a bore-a-thon! the conditions didnt help, neither did those stupid up and unders that both the Cheetahs and the Bulls employed over the previous weekend. Sharks have a formidable pack and it showed over the weekend with all those penalties agains the Cheetahs. The backs hardly got any ball so it will be hard to judge them. The Cheetahs were poor they missed Juan Smith. I like Sarel Pretorius, he really had a good game behind a struggling pack. Lions v Bulls, the inexperience of the Lions was their undoing over the weekend. They started off not believing in their ability and thus let the blue machine get on and impose themselves on the game. But at halftime Mitch must have laid into the them because in the second half, they were a totally different team and almost won the game, but as the saying goes a miss is as good as a mile!
In New Zealand, Ma'a....brain explosion. I hoped he had gotten rid of that dirty side of his game, because that act was dangerous and reckless and wrong and he is bloody lucky he only got 1 week, cos that shoulder is massive and being propelled towards the neck/head area of a person off balance could cause some serious damage. That aside, the Canes are a team with sooo much talent and ability but they were pretty toilet on friday, but take nothing away from the Highlanders! Good to see Adam Thomson back he was massive. I like the Highlanders, team of no names playing as a team and for each other. Respect to them. Blues v Crusaders, lived up to its billing, very high quality game for so early in the season. The Saders snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The kicking was disgusting though. But loving my Blues at the moment and hope its not another win one lose one season
this weekend
Highlanders v Chiefs....i am calling the Chiefs, but once again it will be a tough scrap. The Chiefs coach has culled some of the non performers from the week before and they youngsters and Mike Delaney will be very keen to make the starting jerseys theirs...watch Adam Thomson again for the Highlanders and Kerr-Barlauw(scrummy) for hte Chiefs
Brumbies v Rebels....Brumbies too strong, Rebels have plenty injuries
Cheetahs v Bulls... I want to call Cheetahs, but the Bulls are settled, got their first win and they are the Bulls. The Cheetahs have Juan back but he is just one man adn i dont think he will be able to carry the team. It will be a tough rough scrap and there will be some casualties, i am so hoping its not a game of aerial ping pong.
Saturday is a hot day
Tahs v Reds...even though the Reds have the Tahs number in this competition, i think the Tahs will win this one, just based on last weeks performances. I do believe that Cooper and the Reds will have a better outing
Sharks v Blues, Blues better give me a fat birthday present and win this one. Unlikely though because its in the Shark tank and the Blues have had to travel. But hope there is no rain and the ball gets some air because both teams have impressive backs and a solid hard working forward pack...Willem Aleberts...EISH
Stormers v Lions...another cracker. I am calling the Lions just because i like them but if i had to betm i would have to put my money on the Stormers. Springbok aplenty v the south african highlanders...
Happy viewing
Y
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Super Rugby week 1
i say this every year, but you guys have no idea how true (even though if sad) it is. But life truly begins for me around this time :).
Greetings sports fans, shoo what a hectic year of Rugby we have ahead of us. I have been catching a little bit of the 6 Nations and France are looking pretty impressive. i am looking forward to their encounter with England. England as robotic as they play, they have been well impressive and methodical in the way they go about the game i quite enjoy their back 3, they have some skill so too Shontayne Hape, but 10 and 13 are ordinary at best, and as usual they have an insane forward pack. Ireland are looking pretty average. Wales are looking good too along with Scotland who are showing some promise too. I think France should win this one too, they are definitely contenders for RWC 2011 mark my words.
But enough mickey mouse rugby, lets focus on real rugby, Super Rugby. I am not a fan of the new format for one, but i guess because its more like week in week out of the Currie Cup and the ITM cup and Oz derbies, instead of everyone playing everyone else and the length of the competition is madness especially in a RWC year. There will be some serious casualties. The season hasnt started yet and we have some casualties already, the most prominent being in the NZ franchises.
There are some pretty exciting new talent on display. i am pleased that Chilliboy and Basson got off, but i knew they would anyway, dont know why it took so long. Basson in a Bulls jersey should be a sight. I will be honest i cant think of any exciting new blood in the SA teams other than Elgar Watts for the Stormers, there really isnt that much new blood to speak of which is also a plus for them as they have some experience to call on. In the SA conference, i am pretty excited about the Lions, they wont win the conference i dont think but i think they will be very competitive. They are a group of no names, with a good coaching staff and loads of enthusiasm and ability. They have recruited nicely, but them buying Butch James, for me is like Chelsea buying Torres, waste of money. You have Burton Francis, Elton Jantjes, Carlos Spencer, Andre Pretrorious why Butch? But we talk more about the individual teams during the week match-ups. So for SA the teams to do the business are without a doubt the Bulls, Sharks and Lions and Stormers will razzle and dazzle, but for some reason and call me an optimist, but the top 3 in the SA conference will be 1) Bulls 2) Sharks 3) Lions. I looked at the Bulls line up for the opener and its a an experienced, hard side. Personally i'd like to see 1) Lions, 2) Stormers 3) Cheetahs 4)Sharks 5) Bulls, just purely on style of rugby and enthusiasm but its points that win you games not so
The Australian conference is another pretty interesting one good money should be on the Waratahs, because they have such a balanced and experienced team. Great forwards, good backs, they remind me a lot of the Bulls, not because they both wear baby blue but because of their style of play. No i lie their backs are much more exciting than the Bulls and the Bulls win tournaments, ok they dont remind me of the Bulls. Love their back-line though Beale, Turner, Mitchell (back 3), Horne and Carter (centres) Barnes and Burgess halfbacks....nice. But my Oz team is the Reds! their forwards are bloody good. They lack depth though, but their pack is such a good unit with Fainga, Horwill, Quirk (a young, big, fast 7's player) and Houston to name a few and Higginbotham off the bench. Its in the backs though that the excitement erupts. Genia, Cooper, Fainga, Chambers, Ioane, Davies..pace, power and skill aplenty. The Brumbies...all i can say is Adam Ashley-Cooper...such an underrated player he is for both Oz and the Brumbies. They are a very settled side the Brumbies a few new players here and there but the nucleus seems settled. The Force and the Rebels will be the conferences also rans i'm afraid. Oz conference 1)Reds 2) Brumbies 3)Tahs 4) Brumbies 5) Rebels
NZ teams a lot of old heads and some new faces with some pretty good skills that was unearthed during the ITM cup, names like Fritz Lee, Matthew Luamanu (but not fit for 80min, but he is insane), Lima Sopoaga for the Highlanders who gets a chance cos Colin is injured, Matt Todd who fills in for Richie, Tyler Blydendal from the NZ u21s, Julian Savea of the Canes, yo imagine him and Hosea on the wings, madness!!Sherwin Stowers of the Blues, 7's player with toe and strength. there is plenty of talent in NZ and to be very honest they should have gotten the extra team. Cos they have the talent to make another team. Unfortunately just like the highlanders find, the talent is concentrated in the other 4 teams. Dont be fooled, inspite of the injuries that have hit the Highlanders this year, they will be very competitive. I was hoping Slade would play the whole season and put his hand up firmly for the back up no 10 jersey, but it wasnt to be. But new coach, new personell, watch out for this team.The Blues are looking strong...as always...so too the Canes and Chiefs...as always and the Saders, but they deliver! My NZ conference 1) Blues and then the rest in any order, but thats just my heart :) reality says. 1) Saders 2) Chiefs 3) Blues 4) Canes 5) Highlanders
this weekends matchups
1) Canes v H'landers
Canes have an insane strike force out back.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Mark Reddish, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 James Broadhurst, 3 Michael Bent, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 John Schwalger.Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Faifili Levave, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Andre Taylor.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 James Paterson, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 David Te Moana, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Siale Piutau.
Canes have maybe 10 All blacks in their team, H'landers 3. The Canes bench has players with experience and other than Robbie Robinson and Bronson Murray dont think any of the others have played super rugby. The Highlanders will be competitive, because they played these guys before in the ITM cup and it will be a tough fight it will, but the strike power of the Canes will be way too much. PLayers to watch out for Savea, Bent (to keep Tialata on the bench u have to be special) and Taylor for the Canes. Lynn, Treeby, Sopoaga, HOeata for the Hlanders. Dont mention the old heads names because you know what to expect.
2) Rebels v Tahs
Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Luke Rooney, 10 James Hilgendorf, 9 Sam Cordingley, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Hoani Macdonald, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nick Phipps, 21 Danny Cipriani, 22 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Sekope Kepu.Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Chris Alcock, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Ryan Cross.
Rebels have a good coach, some experience in Mortlock, Somerville, Henderson, Lipman, Huxley (good to see him back), Hilgendorf and Cordingley, but you cant compare that with the Wallaby laden Tahs. I think all of the run on team barDave Dennis have worn the gold of Australia and there are 3 more Wallabies to come off the bench.
Tahs by a few
3) Blues v Saders
Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain),1 Tony Woodcock.Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney/Ash Dixon, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.Replacements: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Tom Marshall/Tyler Bleyendaal.
No prizes for guessing that this is my match up of the weekend, there are some pretty big games, Bulls v Lions is another i am looking forward to as well as the Reds v Brumbies.For the Blues there are only 3 of the run on team that havent worn the silver fern., so they should be the favourites but the Saders have the ability to make random players exeptional players. I like the Blues back-line, well dissapointed that Luke is injured. No one ever gives the man credit but no 13 JP is such a good player, for the Crusaders in the years gone by and for Northland he is such a solid player with a rugby brain of note and the way he links with Rooster Ranger is special. I look at this Blues team and i wonder what holds them back, you look at Stevie Brett, when i first saw him many years ago i thought damn this man has mad skills, but playing behind DC is never good for your game or confidence, but last year at the Blues and in the ITM Cup you saw how good he was! Hope he kicks on. Back-line is pooh hot! forwards with Jerome, Keven and Ali back come on man!!!?? Then there is the saders, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Dagg, Fruean, DC, Read, maddness! I call the Blues, one cos they are my team 2) cos its at Eden Park 3) cos the Saders dont generally start well 4) cos its time!!
4) Brumbies v Chiefs
Brumbies: 15 Pat McCabe, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Robbie Coleman, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau (captain), 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Ita Vaea, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Mitch Chapman, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Stephen Hoiles, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Andrew Smith.
Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Dwayne Sweeney, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Romana Graham, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Ben May.Replacements: 16 Toby Smith, 17 Daniel Perrin, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Lelia Masaga.
Tough call this one, will be interesting to see if Gits has lifted his lip and is now focused on playing rugby, because we all know he is one talented player. Brumbies have the saem look about them. They will be their David Blaine, illusinist selves, forwards might get a bit of a pelting. Looking forward to seeing the predator Tana back in Super rugby. Its good to see a semi full strength Chiefs team starting up, think the only real guy missing is Kahui, but Tana and Dwayne will fill the gap. Nanai-Williams, watch that one i tell you, if old heads like Colin Meads single you out for praise, then you know you are special. hoping Messam will have a good season and so to Donald, because he is a brilliant player, inspite of his elaborate kicking and running style. Watch Triggs!
Chiefs to take this, tough call, but i think they are up for a big season
5) Sharks v Cheetahs
Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Philip Burger, 13. Robert Ebersohn, 12. Andries Strauss, 11. Rayno Benjamin, 10. Naas Olivier, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Kabamba Floors, 7. Christoffel Philippus Van der Walt, 6. Frans Viljoen, 5. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4. Francois (FS) Uys, 3. Willem Petrus (WP) Nel, 2. Adriaan Strauss (Captain), 1. Coenie Oosthuizen Replacements: 16. Ryno Barnes, 17. Kobus Calldo, 18. Waltie Vermeulen, 19. Ashley Johnson, 20. Tewis de Bruyn, 21. Sias Ebersohn, 22. Riaan Viljoen
Dont have the Sharks team
ooh how i love it when the Cheetahs meet the Sharks in the Shark tank! Nerves in Shark country aplenty :)! I am sure many if not all of you will agree that Bismarck gets a raw deal, he is a much better hooker and player than John Smit. but this Cheetahs team is competent at best, but they wont strike fear into too many other teams. Interesting match up will be Strauss v Bosman, switching provinces and coming up against each other first up. I dont have much info on the Sharks team but i doubt it will be that different from the team that did battle last year and in the Currie Cup. I like their new scrummy McLoed. Even though this team (Cheetahs) isnt a team of superstars, i am putting my money on them to pip the Sharks in a tough rough encounter. BUt look out for the Umtata Express called XA-MVOVO!!
6) Lions v Bulls
Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 13. Stephan Dippenaar, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield (Captain), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Gary Botha, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Rossouw De Klerk, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Derick Kuun, 20. Ruan Snyman, 21. Francois Brummer, 22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
No Lions team...
but look at this Bulls team, only idiots like me will bet against them, Victor 109 caps, Bakkies 89, Danie 102, FdP 99, Wynand 71, this is one solid tried and tested unit and all the big guns are out on display. The Lions have no chance?? NEVER! They have a big chance. I think this Lions squad has the makings of a David. All that needs to happen is that the forward have to be matched, make sure they Bulls get no ascendancy and they are useless out back. FdP is good at steering the ship but it will be more of the same, box kicks a-bore! But let them get front foot ball and only the almighty can help you...and some good scrambling defense. I think the Lions are in good condition, well most of them, they started their training before the Boks went on tour or around then, so in terms of fitness happy days. And Mitch has an attitude of train train train, heard thats why the Force players didnt like him too much. They have players that can play like Killian, Jantjes, Dopies, they brought in Kockott, who i think is a great deputy for Jano. Not sure why they bought mr yellow card, but be that as it may he is there. Joshua Strauss from varsity cup was a pretty hot player, think he wore the pink shorts a few times
best gauge for where the Lions are at is this game i think. Head says the big guns of the bulls will be too much for them, but i have a feeling about this Lions team this year. And Carlos plays for them and he has aparently bulked up again cos he was looking quite skinny :)
7) Force v Reds
Tired of writing, Reds will be too hot for the Force
Teams courtesy of rugby365.com and supersport.com
Thanks and happy viewing
till next week...
Greetings sports fans, shoo what a hectic year of Rugby we have ahead of us. I have been catching a little bit of the 6 Nations and France are looking pretty impressive. i am looking forward to their encounter with England. England as robotic as they play, they have been well impressive and methodical in the way they go about the game i quite enjoy their back 3, they have some skill so too Shontayne Hape, but 10 and 13 are ordinary at best, and as usual they have an insane forward pack. Ireland are looking pretty average. Wales are looking good too along with Scotland who are showing some promise too. I think France should win this one too, they are definitely contenders for RWC 2011 mark my words.
But enough mickey mouse rugby, lets focus on real rugby, Super Rugby. I am not a fan of the new format for one, but i guess because its more like week in week out of the Currie Cup and the ITM cup and Oz derbies, instead of everyone playing everyone else and the length of the competition is madness especially in a RWC year. There will be some serious casualties. The season hasnt started yet and we have some casualties already, the most prominent being in the NZ franchises.
There are some pretty exciting new talent on display. i am pleased that Chilliboy and Basson got off, but i knew they would anyway, dont know why it took so long. Basson in a Bulls jersey should be a sight. I will be honest i cant think of any exciting new blood in the SA teams other than Elgar Watts for the Stormers, there really isnt that much new blood to speak of which is also a plus for them as they have some experience to call on. In the SA conference, i am pretty excited about the Lions, they wont win the conference i dont think but i think they will be very competitive. They are a group of no names, with a good coaching staff and loads of enthusiasm and ability. They have recruited nicely, but them buying Butch James, for me is like Chelsea buying Torres, waste of money. You have Burton Francis, Elton Jantjes, Carlos Spencer, Andre Pretrorious why Butch? But we talk more about the individual teams during the week match-ups. So for SA the teams to do the business are without a doubt the Bulls, Sharks and Lions and Stormers will razzle and dazzle, but for some reason and call me an optimist, but the top 3 in the SA conference will be 1) Bulls 2) Sharks 3) Lions. I looked at the Bulls line up for the opener and its a an experienced, hard side. Personally i'd like to see 1) Lions, 2) Stormers 3) Cheetahs 4)Sharks 5) Bulls, just purely on style of rugby and enthusiasm but its points that win you games not so
The Australian conference is another pretty interesting one good money should be on the Waratahs, because they have such a balanced and experienced team. Great forwards, good backs, they remind me a lot of the Bulls, not because they both wear baby blue but because of their style of play. No i lie their backs are much more exciting than the Bulls and the Bulls win tournaments, ok they dont remind me of the Bulls. Love their back-line though Beale, Turner, Mitchell (back 3), Horne and Carter (centres) Barnes and Burgess halfbacks....nice. But my Oz team is the Reds! their forwards are bloody good. They lack depth though, but their pack is such a good unit with Fainga, Horwill, Quirk (a young, big, fast 7's player) and Houston to name a few and Higginbotham off the bench. Its in the backs though that the excitement erupts. Genia, Cooper, Fainga, Chambers, Ioane, Davies..pace, power and skill aplenty. The Brumbies...all i can say is Adam Ashley-Cooper...such an underrated player he is for both Oz and the Brumbies. They are a very settled side the Brumbies a few new players here and there but the nucleus seems settled. The Force and the Rebels will be the conferences also rans i'm afraid. Oz conference 1)Reds 2) Brumbies 3)Tahs 4) Brumbies 5) Rebels
NZ teams a lot of old heads and some new faces with some pretty good skills that was unearthed during the ITM cup, names like Fritz Lee, Matthew Luamanu (but not fit for 80min, but he is insane), Lima Sopoaga for the Highlanders who gets a chance cos Colin is injured, Matt Todd who fills in for Richie, Tyler Blydendal from the NZ u21s, Julian Savea of the Canes, yo imagine him and Hosea on the wings, madness!!Sherwin Stowers of the Blues, 7's player with toe and strength. there is plenty of talent in NZ and to be very honest they should have gotten the extra team. Cos they have the talent to make another team. Unfortunately just like the highlanders find, the talent is concentrated in the other 4 teams. Dont be fooled, inspite of the injuries that have hit the Highlanders this year, they will be very competitive. I was hoping Slade would play the whole season and put his hand up firmly for the back up no 10 jersey, but it wasnt to be. But new coach, new personell, watch out for this team.The Blues are looking strong...as always...so too the Canes and Chiefs...as always and the Saders, but they deliver! My NZ conference 1) Blues and then the rest in any order, but thats just my heart :) reality says. 1) Saders 2) Chiefs 3) Blues 4) Canes 5) Highlanders
this weekends matchups
1) Canes v H'landers
Canes have an insane strike force out back.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Mark Reddish, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 James Broadhurst, 3 Michael Bent, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 John Schwalger.Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Faifili Levave, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Andre Taylor.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 James Paterson, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 David Te Moana, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Siale Piutau.
Canes have maybe 10 All blacks in their team, H'landers 3. The Canes bench has players with experience and other than Robbie Robinson and Bronson Murray dont think any of the others have played super rugby. The Highlanders will be competitive, because they played these guys before in the ITM cup and it will be a tough fight it will, but the strike power of the Canes will be way too much. PLayers to watch out for Savea, Bent (to keep Tialata on the bench u have to be special) and Taylor for the Canes. Lynn, Treeby, Sopoaga, HOeata for the Hlanders. Dont mention the old heads names because you know what to expect.
2) Rebels v Tahs
Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Luke Rooney, 10 James Hilgendorf, 9 Sam Cordingley, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Hoani Macdonald, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nick Phipps, 21 Danny Cipriani, 22 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Sekope Kepu.Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Benn Robinson, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Chris Alcock, 20 Brendan McKibbin, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Ryan Cross.
Rebels have a good coach, some experience in Mortlock, Somerville, Henderson, Lipman, Huxley (good to see him back), Hilgendorf and Cordingley, but you cant compare that with the Wallaby laden Tahs. I think all of the run on team barDave Dennis have worn the gold of Australia and there are 3 more Wallabies to come off the bench.
Tahs by a few
3) Blues v Saders
Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain),1 Tony Woodcock.Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney/Ash Dixon, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Adam Whitelock, 11 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.Replacements: 16 Francis Smith, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Tom Marshall/Tyler Bleyendaal.
No prizes for guessing that this is my match up of the weekend, there are some pretty big games, Bulls v Lions is another i am looking forward to as well as the Reds v Brumbies.For the Blues there are only 3 of the run on team that havent worn the silver fern., so they should be the favourites but the Saders have the ability to make random players exeptional players. I like the Blues back-line, well dissapointed that Luke is injured. No one ever gives the man credit but no 13 JP is such a good player, for the Crusaders in the years gone by and for Northland he is such a solid player with a rugby brain of note and the way he links with Rooster Ranger is special. I look at this Blues team and i wonder what holds them back, you look at Stevie Brett, when i first saw him many years ago i thought damn this man has mad skills, but playing behind DC is never good for your game or confidence, but last year at the Blues and in the ITM Cup you saw how good he was! Hope he kicks on. Back-line is pooh hot! forwards with Jerome, Keven and Ali back come on man!!!?? Then there is the saders, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Dagg, Fruean, DC, Read, maddness! I call the Blues, one cos they are my team 2) cos its at Eden Park 3) cos the Saders dont generally start well 4) cos its time!!
4) Brumbies v Chiefs
Brumbies: 15 Pat McCabe, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Robbie Coleman, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau (captain), 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Ita Vaea, 7 Julian Salvi, 6 Mitch Chapman, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Stephen Hoiles, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Andrew Smith.
Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Dwayne Sweeney, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Romana Graham, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Ben May.Replacements: 16 Toby Smith, 17 Daniel Perrin, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Lelia Masaga.
Tough call this one, will be interesting to see if Gits has lifted his lip and is now focused on playing rugby, because we all know he is one talented player. Brumbies have the saem look about them. They will be their David Blaine, illusinist selves, forwards might get a bit of a pelting. Looking forward to seeing the predator Tana back in Super rugby. Its good to see a semi full strength Chiefs team starting up, think the only real guy missing is Kahui, but Tana and Dwayne will fill the gap. Nanai-Williams, watch that one i tell you, if old heads like Colin Meads single you out for praise, then you know you are special. hoping Messam will have a good season and so to Donald, because he is a brilliant player, inspite of his elaborate kicking and running style. Watch Triggs!
Chiefs to take this, tough call, but i think they are up for a big season
5) Sharks v Cheetahs
Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Philip Burger, 13. Robert Ebersohn, 12. Andries Strauss, 11. Rayno Benjamin, 10. Naas Olivier, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Kabamba Floors, 7. Christoffel Philippus Van der Walt, 6. Frans Viljoen, 5. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4. Francois (FS) Uys, 3. Willem Petrus (WP) Nel, 2. Adriaan Strauss (Captain), 1. Coenie Oosthuizen Replacements: 16. Ryno Barnes, 17. Kobus Calldo, 18. Waltie Vermeulen, 19. Ashley Johnson, 20. Tewis de Bruyn, 21. Sias Ebersohn, 22. Riaan Viljoen
Dont have the Sharks team
ooh how i love it when the Cheetahs meet the Sharks in the Shark tank! Nerves in Shark country aplenty :)! I am sure many if not all of you will agree that Bismarck gets a raw deal, he is a much better hooker and player than John Smit. but this Cheetahs team is competent at best, but they wont strike fear into too many other teams. Interesting match up will be Strauss v Bosman, switching provinces and coming up against each other first up. I dont have much info on the Sharks team but i doubt it will be that different from the team that did battle last year and in the Currie Cup. I like their new scrummy McLoed. Even though this team (Cheetahs) isnt a team of superstars, i am putting my money on them to pip the Sharks in a tough rough encounter. BUt look out for the Umtata Express called XA-MVOVO!!
6) Lions v Bulls
Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 13. Stephan Dippenaar, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield (Captain), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Gary Botha, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Rossouw De Klerk, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Derick Kuun, 20. Ruan Snyman, 21. Francois Brummer, 22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen
No Lions team...
but look at this Bulls team, only idiots like me will bet against them, Victor 109 caps, Bakkies 89, Danie 102, FdP 99, Wynand 71, this is one solid tried and tested unit and all the big guns are out on display. The Lions have no chance?? NEVER! They have a big chance. I think this Lions squad has the makings of a David. All that needs to happen is that the forward have to be matched, make sure they Bulls get no ascendancy and they are useless out back. FdP is good at steering the ship but it will be more of the same, box kicks a-bore! But let them get front foot ball and only the almighty can help you...and some good scrambling defense. I think the Lions are in good condition, well most of them, they started their training before the Boks went on tour or around then, so in terms of fitness happy days. And Mitch has an attitude of train train train, heard thats why the Force players didnt like him too much. They have players that can play like Killian, Jantjes, Dopies, they brought in Kockott, who i think is a great deputy for Jano. Not sure why they bought mr yellow card, but be that as it may he is there. Joshua Strauss from varsity cup was a pretty hot player, think he wore the pink shorts a few times
best gauge for where the Lions are at is this game i think. Head says the big guns of the bulls will be too much for them, but i have a feeling about this Lions team this year. And Carlos plays for them and he has aparently bulked up again cos he was looking quite skinny :)
7) Force v Reds
Tired of writing, Reds will be too hot for the Force
Teams courtesy of rugby365.com and supersport.com
Thanks and happy viewing
till next week...
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