PREVIEW: Super Rugby, Round 12 - Part Two
ALL BLACK EXODUS: The post-World Cup exodus could get a few interesting additions in the next few months.
The Waratahs confirmed the departure of assistant coach Simon Cron, with reports saying he is set to join outgoing All Blacks coach Steve Hansen at Japanese Top League outfit Verblitz.
The Tahs did not reveal where Cron was heading, saying only they were disappointed and “he will be sorely missed”.
New Zealand skipper Kieran Read has already confirmed he is going to Verblitz after the All Blacks’ bid for a third successive World Cup in Japan later this year.
Persistent rumours say outgoing All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is also poised to join the club and wants Cron, a fellow Kiwi, onboard.
Cron, the nephew of All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron, was considered a potential head coach at the Waratahs after forging their once-fragile pack into a competitive unit.
The most All Blacks to confirm their departure after the World Cup in Japan later this year include Ryan Crotty, Ben Smith, Liam Squire, Jackson Hemopo, Luke Whitelock, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Jordan Taufua.
It means the time to watch them in Super Rugby is limited.
We look at Saturday’s matches!
Saturday, May 4:
Hurricanes v Rebels
(Westpac Stadium, Wellington – Kick-off: 17.15; 15.15 Melbourne time; 05.15 GMT)
The Hurricanes may be the Crusaders’ closest challengers – at least six points ahead of the next best, the Sharks – but they are determined not to let their momentum slip.
Following last week’s 47-19 demolition of the Chiefs, expectations are high, as the Rebels arrive in Wellington this week,.
However, the Hurricanes are keeping their feet firmly planted at the crucial juncture in the season.
Coach John Plumtree stressed the importance of the match against the Australian conference leaders.
“We have really targeted the five matches between our two byes, which we believe will be vital to where we finish the regular season on the table,” he said.
“We obviously started the block of games well, [with wins] against the Sunwolves and Chiefs.
“We really want to carry on with the momentum we got from that against a Rebels side we expect to really challenge us.”
Following the Rebels match, the Hurricanes face the Blues (in Auckland) and Jaguares (in Wellington) before their next break.
The Rebels will look to return to the winners circle after succumbing to two straight losses – against the Stormers and the Waratahs.
Coach Dave Wessels said his charges feel refreshed after their final bye of 2019 and are ready to launch into retaining and extending their lead a top of the Australian Conference.
“We all needed the bye, we needed to refresh ourselves a little bit,” Wessels said.
“You can see from the energy in the team meeting and things this morning that guys are feeling good,” Wessels added.
“We’ve probably been disappointed in the way that we’ve played in the last two games, we haven’t played to the level, regardless of the result, just the way we want to play and the intensity that we want to play with.
“What’s really the focus this week is we want to get back to the rugby that we think the people of Melbourne will be proud of, so if we can do that then we’ll feel good.”
Recent results:
2018: Hurricanes won 50-19, Melbourne
2017: Hurricanes won 71-6, Wellington
2016: Hurricanes won 38-13, Melbourne
2015: Hurricanes won 36-12, Wellington
2014: Hurricanes won 25-15, Melbourne
Prediction: The Hurricanes lost their first ever Super Rugby clash with the Rebels back in 2011, since then they have won all six clashes by an average margin of 33 points. The Rebels have won two of their last three games against New Zealand opposition, this after a run of 12 straight losses when facing sides from across the Tasman. The Hurricanes have won 14 of their last 15 games against Australian opposition, the solitary loss coming on the road against the Brumbies in June 2018 (12-24). The Hurricanes have scored 12 tries in the final quarter of games this Super rugby season, the joint-most of any team in the competition. Luke Jones has stolen eight line-outs so far in Super Rugby 2019, more than any other player in the competition.
Prediction: Hurricanes
Margin: 15
Teams:
Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Chase Tiatia, 10 Beauden Barrett (captain), 9 Richard Judd, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Fraser Armstrong.
Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Kane Le’aupepe, 20 Liam Mitchell, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Finlay Christie, 23 James Marshall.
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Tom English, 12 Reece Hodge, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Rob Leota, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner.
Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Ross Haylett-Petty, 20 Pone Fa’amausili, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Billy Meakes, 23 Campbell Magnay.
Referee: Nicholas Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
Highlanders v Chiefs
(Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – Kick-off: 19.35; 07.35 GMT)
The Chiefs may be having their worst season in years, but the Highlanders know better than to underestimate them.
With just three wins from 10 starts – and defeats in their last two outings – the bookmakers are offering generous odds on the Chiefs.
However, Chiefs will be desperate to get back on a winning track after their humbling 19-47 loss to the Hurricanes.
“We have had a testing couple of weeks and we know it isn’t going to get any easier for us,” Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said.
“We are not afraid of the contest on Saturday against the Highlanders,” he said, adding: “We have come together as a team over the week and remain focused on what we can control.
“We need to start strong and take that momentum through for the 80 minutes.”
The Highlanders are ‘desperate’ for a very different reason, looking to build on their 52-0 triumph over the Sunwolves in Japan.
Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett said both teams will be equally motivated.
“Just because we’ve won two in a row, doesn’t change for both teams really,” Hammett said.
“If you look at the table, it is very, very close,” he said.
“When we talk about desperate, it’s not going out there and going into our shells.
“That is probably the worst thing we could have done.
“One thing we have done in the past couple of weeks is being a bit more expressive around our game.
“We have just tightened up the detail. It does not mean tighten up, but understand that both teams are going to be at their best energy-wise,” he said.
Recent results:
2019: Highlanders won 30-27, Hamilton
2018: Chiefs won 45-22, Dunedin
2018: Chiefs won 27-22, Hamilton
2017: Chiefs won 24-15, Dunedin
2016: Highlanders won 25-15, Dunedin
2016: Highlanders won 26-13, Hamilton
Prediction: Four of the last six Super Rugby meetings between the Highlanders and the Chiefs have been won by the away side on the day, including wins for the Chiefs in each of their last two away fixtures against the Dunedin-based side. The Highlanders have won 15 of their last 17 completed home games in Super Rugby, although one of their two defeats in that spell came against the Chiefs (also Hurricanes). The Chiefs have lost their last three consecutive matches on the road against fellow New Zealand teams in Super Rugby, the last time they lost more in succession was a five-game stretch from May 2010 to May 2011. The Chiefs have conceded just seven penalties per game in Super Rugby 2019, fewer than any other team in the competition. Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs) has made 26 offloads in Super Rugby 2019, seven more than any other player.
Prediction: Highlanders
Margin: Six
Teams:
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Matt Faddes, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Luke Whitelock (co-captain), 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh McKay, 23 Sio Tomkinson.
Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Michael Allardice (captain), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Atu Moli.
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Ryan Coxon, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Taleni Seu, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Shaun Stevenson, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, James Doleman
TMO: Glenn Newman
Brumbies v Blues
(GIO Stadium, Canberra – Kick-off: 19.45; 21.45 NZ time; 09.45 GMT)
The Brumbies may currently sit well outside the top 10 on the overall standings, but if they secure a bonus-point win against the Blues and other results fall their way, they can go top of the Australian conference.
That is how crazy the competition is this year.
The Brumbies (with four wins and six defeats) are currently third in their conference and 12th overall – as they chase a top-eight place with six games remaining.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar admitted for the first time this season that he can see a path to the play-offs.
“Last year if you won eight games you snuck into the play-offs and this year you might if you win seven, which is what we won last year,” McKellar said.
“Four out of our next six are at home, we’ve performed well at home so we’re confident good things are ahead.
“This time of year you need to build momentum and confidence as we did last year and then you sneak into the finals and anything can happen on the day.”
The Blues, on the same points (20) as the Brumbies, but one spot ahead on points differential, also still harbour play-off dreams.
Coming off their second bye, the Blues head to Canberra knowing that if they are to advance on previous unfulfilled seasons they need to finish strongly.
“This competition is incredibly tight, perhaps the closest in memory,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
“There are 10 teams within six points – from third to 12th – so these final seven games, starting with the Brumbies, are going to be a huge test and we are excited about the challenge in what is a superb competition.
“We have a number of players back from injury and others who have been performing well on the training field or with their minutes as replacements, who have earned their chance.
“In this regard, we are confident that this starting side will do the job we want.”
Recent results:
2017: Blues won 18-12, Canberra
2016: Blues won 40-15, Auckland
2015: Blues won 16-14, Auckland
2014: Brumbies won 26-9, Canberra
2013: Brumbies won 20-13, Auckland
Prediction: The Blues have won each of their last three games against the Brumbies, the third time they’ve gone on such a streak against the Canberra side, however, they’ve never managed to win 4+ games in a row against them. The Brumbies have won five of their last six games at home, including the last three on the bounce. The Blues have lost their last six Super Rugby away games, their last road victory came on Australian soil in May 2018 (24-21 vs NSW Waratahs). The Blues have averaged more time in possession (18:12) per game than any other team this Super Rugby campaign. Joe Powell (Brumbies) has made six try assists so far in Super Rugby 2019; only Quade Cooper (Rebels, 9) has made more among Australian teams.
Prediction: Brumbies
Margin: Five
Teams:
Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Christian Lealiifano (captain), 9 Joe Powell, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Tom Cusack, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Murray Douglas, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Tom Wright, 23 Andy Muirhead.
Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 Thomas Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Otere Black, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson (captain), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Gerard Cowley Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Leni Apisai, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Levi Aumua.
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Angus Gardner (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
Bulls v Waratahs
(Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Kick-off: 15.05; 13.05 GMT; 23.05 Sydney time)
The Waratahs have taken heart from strong performances already from Australian teams in South Africa this season.
“Across the competition, teams are very even,” coach Daryl Gibson said.
“The Reds beating the Sharks in Durban, the Brumbies doing very well, the Rebels probably should have had more out of their tour as well.
“So I think between all the sides on their day anyone can beat anyone so that’s what we’re aiming to do.”
Gibson also believes being overseas, while the Waratahs’ and Wallabies’ suspended superstar Israel Folau fights to save his career at a Rugby Australia code of conduct hearing on Saturday, is also a blessing.
“Obviously all the events that are swirling around Australian rugby at present, it’s had a real galvanising effect on our playing group,” he said.
“Getting away from Australia and getting on tour … the boys had a good day off yesterday [Wednesday] and got around all the different activities.
“We’re really positive about this weekend and seeing where the team’s at in terms of how together we are.”
Bulls coach Pote Human said the Pretoria outfit will be looking put together a good performance at home, following last week’s 23-24 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.
“We want to be strong, physical and clinical at home and play the sort of rugby that we are capable of,” Human said.
“We have a clear vision of what we want to achieve from this game,” he said.
“The Waratahs have a number of strike runners in their side and if they are allowed to prosper, you are in trouble.
“We will have to execute our plays and plans ruthlessly if we want to keep on the right side of the log,” Human added.
Bulls captain Handré Pollard said they are pleased to be back at Loftus Versfeld.
“We have been a tad inconsistent at home, to be honest, and we need to deliver a performance that we and the Loftus faithful will be happy with.”
Recent results:
2016: Waratahs won 31-8, Sydney
2014: Waratahs won 19-12, Sydney
2013: Bulls won 30-19, Pretoria
2012: Bulls won 27-24, Sydney
2011: Bulls won 23-17, Pretoria
Prediction: The NSW Waratahs have won their last two games against the Bulls in Super Rugby, this after a run of eight straight losses against the Pretoria-based side. The Bulls have won 21 of their last 23 at home to Australian Super Rugby opposition, scoring an average of 38 points per-game. The NSW Waratahs have lost their last three games against South African teams, the last time they lost more in succession a five-game stretch from May 2012 to April 2013. The Bulls made 26 clean breaks in their last Super Rugby game against Australian opposition, their most in a single game in the last nine seasons. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) leads Super Rugby in 2019 for tackles (138), a Bulls player is yet to reach 100 tackles for 2019 (Jesse Kriel, 74).
Prediction: Bulls
Margin: Three
Teams:
Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 John-Ben Kotze, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Rudolph Snyman, 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Jaco Visagie Jaco, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Thembelani Bholi, 20 Paul Schoeman, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Dylan Sage.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Karmichael Hunt, 11 Curtis Rona, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ned Hanigan, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lachlan Swinton, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Tom Staniforth, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Tuala, 17 Tom Robertson, 18 Chris Talakai, 19 Hugh Sinclair, 20 Will Miller, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Lalakai Foketi, 23 Alex Newsome.
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Christie du Preez
Jaguares v Stormers
(Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires – Kick-off: 16.40; 21.40 SA time; 19.40 GMT)
The Stormers will be looking for their second win against the Jaguares this season, in what is a crucial match in the South African conference.
The teams are sixth and seventh on the standings, both on 23 points – the Jaguares just ahead on points differential.
Two key differences from their first encounter – won 35-8 by the Stormers – will be the venue and the make-up of the teams.
This time the Jaguares will have the home ground advantage and their pack of forwards are finally beginning to show the grunt Argentinians packs are famed for.
Following a clean sweep on their South African tour – with wins over the Bulls (22-20 in Pretoria) and Sharks (51-17 in Durban), the Jaguares beat the Brumbies 20-15 in Buenos Aires last week.
Pablo Matera expressed his delight with the performance of the pack against the Aussie franchise.
“We faced a very solid team, one of the best teams in the scrum,” Matera said.
“Having had our best match of the season in that facet is what gives me the most satisfaction.
“From that [solid set piece] came a good game and we could set up the victory.”
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck acknowledged the challenge that faces his forwards in Buenos Aires.
“With a bye coming up next week, we want to do everything we can to get another win on the road,” Fleck said.
“We are excited about what this combination can achieve and will be looking to execute as accurately as possible while putting in maximum effort,” he added.
“We are up against a combative pack in the Jaguares.
“They are a side that pride themselves on their attacking breakdown. They have the quickest ruck ball in the competition.
“We have to slow that down, be it through tackle dominance or at the breakdown.”
Recent results:
2019: Stormers won 35-8, Cape Town
2018: Jaguares won 25-14, Buenos Aires
2018: Stormers won 28-20, Cape Town
2017: Stormers won 32-25, Cape Town
2016: Stormers won 13-8, Buenos Aires
Prediction: The Stormers have faced the Jaguares five times in Super Rugby for four wins; their only defeat occurring on their last visit to Argentina in June 2018 (25-14). The Jaguares have won their last three Super Rugby games on the bounce, the last time they won more in succession was a seven-game stretch in April-June 2018. The Stormers have two victories from their last 14 Super Rugby away trips, eight of the losses have come by 10 points or more. The Stormers have conceded just three tries in the second quarter of games this Super Rugby season, the joint-fewest of any team in the competition. Guido Petti Pagadizaval (Jaguares) has won 39 line-outs (including three steals) in Super Rugby 2019, the second most of any player.
Prediction: Jaguares
Margin: Six
Teams:
Jaguares: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Matias Moroni, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11 Ramiro Moyano, 10 Domingo Miotti, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Tomas Lezana, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti Pagadizaval, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Mayco Vivas, 18 Lucio Sordoni, 19 Rodrigo Bruni, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22 Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, 23 Sebastian Cancelliere.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Johannes Engelbrecht, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Kobus van Dyk, 7 Cobus Wiese, 6 Jaco Coetzee , 5 John Schickerling, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain).
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Corne Fourie, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Johan du Toit, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Justin Phillips, 22 Damian de Allende, 23 Seabelo Senatla.
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (Australia), Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
TMO: Santiago Borsani (Argentina)
Compiled by Jan de Koning, additional reporting by AAP & AFP
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* Statistics provided by Opta Sports
