S15 Preview: Round Fourteen, Part One

 

There is just one match on Friday to open the weekend's festivities and it's a big one from near the top of the standings. Only the Stormers and Chiefs have more points than the Bulls, who will no doubt go hammer and tongs at the Chiefs in Hamilton.

 

Saturday has a marathon of rugby laid out, starting in Wellington, where the Rebels will pay the Hurricanes a visit.

 

Next up there is a Kiwi derby clash between the struggling Blues and the Highlanders, who will make the journey from the south island to Auckland.

 

Let's shake and bake…

 

 

 

The match could be crucial come the end of the season, with both sides looking for a top two finish to guarantee a home semifinal.

 

The Bulls have won two from three on the road and will want some points from the New Zealand leg of the trip, following their disappointment against the Highlanders last weekend.

 

The Chiefs come into the match off a bye, and were shocked by a late comeback from the Reds in their last outing. There is also a history associated with the Bulls for fans, with the memory of the 61-17 drubbing in the 2009 final still a painful for some Chiefs fans.

 

The major setback for the Chiefs coming into the match is the loss of centre Richard Kahui, who was the rock in the midfield and the centre of the defensive effort. Sonny Bill Williams and Jackson Willison will need to strike up a good understanding quickly, or the usually strong defensive effort could be a thing of the past.

 

The Bulls will just be hoping that CJ Stander and Dewald Potgieter can last the match, after both players had to ocercome injuries during the week. Should the Bulls loose trio be off the pace, they will be made to pay by Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer and Kane Thompson, who have all been outstanding this year.

 

Morne Steyn's up and down season with the boot will also go under the microscope, as miss opportunities could cost his side the match, especially against Aaron Cruden, who has been sublime this season.

 

The area where the Bulls do hold a big advantage is at scrumhalf, where Francois Hougaard has been fantastic, while Chiefs' No.9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow is an erratic mixture of brilliance and the ridiculous.

 

This should be an entertaining match with both sides happy to move the ball around when there is an opening, and hopefully be won't be bored by a kick-fest.

 

2011: Bulls won 43-27, Pretoria

2010: Bulls won 33-19, Hamilton

2009: Bulls won 61-17, Pretoria

2009: Bulls won 33-27, Pretoria

2008: Chiefs won 43-27, Rotorua

 

rugby365.com Prediction: A very tight one to call with two strong teams, but both vulnerable against a well executed attack. Chiefs to edge a narrow victory on home soil.

 

 

Chiefs: 15 Andrew Horrell, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.

Replacement: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Arizona Taumalolo, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Maritino Nemani.

 

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 CJ Stander, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling. 

Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Juandré Kruger, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.

 

Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa) 

Assistant referees: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri (New Zealand)

TMO: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

 

 

 

The Rebels have the rare privilege of going into this match with the proud record of never having lost to the Hurricanes. They've only ever played once, but unbeaten is unbeaten.

 

The Hurricanes were the only New Zealand team to fall to the rebels last year, while the Blues and Crusaders joined them this season as the Rebels' other prized Kiwi scalps.

 

The Melbourne side are currently in hot form following a narrow defeat to the Bulls and victories over the Crusaders and Force in the last two weeks.

 

The 'Canes will be determined to turn things around after they fell off the pace in the race for a playoff spot by letting a big lead against the Brumbies slip last time out.

 

The 'Canes have called Beauden Barrett back into the starting XV, and the young pivot has steered the ship well from the No.10 jersey this season. The setback being the loss of Cory Jane, who was one of the big weapons in the backline.

 

The decision to move Kurtley Beale to flyhalf a  few weeks ago has proved to be a revelation for the Rebels, with mention being made of him possibly wearing the No.10 jersey for the Wallabies in the June Tests.

 

Both sides have dangerous backlines, while the Hurricanes hold the advantage with Conrad Smith, Andre Taylor and Julian Savea at their disposal, while the Rebels forwards have done a great job this year.

 

Expect a high scoring match full of tries and a lot of wild running from two attack-minded backlines.

 

2011: Rebels won 42-25, Melbourne

 

rugby365.com Prediction: Two sides capable of scoring tries from nothing and the Hurricanes are stronger on paper, but the Rebels are the team in form. The Rebels won't go down easily, but away from home they might run out of steam in the latter stages. 'Canes by about 5.

 

 

Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13  Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben May. 

Replacements: 16  Motu Matu’u, 17 Reg Goodes, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Jayden Hayward.

 

 

Referee: Jonathon White (New Zealand) 

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

 

 

The last time the Highlanders beat the Blues in Auckland was back in 2002, and this weekend is a great chance to end that losing streak.

 

The Blues have been one of the powerhouses of New Zealand rugby for years, but this season has been a woeful tale with little hope of a happy ending, and no knights in shining armour expected to come riding in to save the day.

 

A win over the Lions may have improved moral in the Blues camp, but the blunt truth came back to slap them in the face last weekend when the Crusaders put them to the sword.

 

The Highlanders bounced back from defeat to the Hurricanes by recording a win over the Bulls to keep their playoff hopes well and truly alive. That is one of the major differences between these two sides, as one is still in the running for a  shot at the title, while the other is trying to salvage some pride.

 

The Blues have been ravaged by injury this year and under-performing All Blacks Ali Williams, Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu have all been dropped to the bench for this fixture.

 

Luke Braid will lead the team out bravely, but the Highlanders have a lot more at stake and a far superior team as things stand.

 

2012: Highlanders won 30-27, Dunedin

2011: Blues won 33-16, Auckland

2011: Blues won 15-10, Dunedin

2010: Blues won 19-15, Dunedin

2009: Blues won 26-6, Auckland

 

rugby365.com Prediction: The Blues are in for another long day at the office. Highlanders by about 15.

 

 

Blues: 15 Hadleigh Parkes, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid (captain), 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Angus Ta'avao, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Daniel Braid, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Ma'a Nonu, 22 Lachie Munro.

 

Highlanders: tbc

 

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

TMO: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)