Preview: S14 Round Two, Part Two

Thursday 08th February 2007

Day Two of Round Two in the 2007 Super 14 series are throwing up a number of intriguing encounters - especially the two trans-Tasman games that kick-start the day.

The under-performing, defending champion Crusaders host the high-flying Reds, coached by the enigmatic Eddie Jones. On any given day you would back the Crusaders in this one, but based on Week One's form you may be tempted to put some money on the Reds.

That is followed by two of the most impressive First Round teams, the Brumbies against the Blues, in what could be a classic Australia versus New Zealand battle.

The attention will then shift to South Africa for a local derby, the Bulls against the Cheetahs - the two teams who played to a pulsating draw in the 2006 Currie Cup Final.

And they day is completed by the encounter between the Lions, a team full of promise, against the Highlanders, a side that surprised with their strong first-up showing.

We look at all the games on Day Two of Week Two!.

Saturday, 10 February:

Crusaders v Reds
Jade Stadium, Christchurch, 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

The weather prediction may suggest some cooler than usual temperatures for this time of the year in Christchurch, but expect the onfield action to be red hot.

Reds coach Eddie Jones spoke this week about what to expect at the Jade Stadium - wet, windy and cold weather - a high of just 19°C and a low of about 11°C around game time.

But both teams made it clear they expect the rugby to be of the highest standard.

Games between the Crusaders and Reds seldom go according to form. As Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said this week, these contests are always "close and hard fought".

The difference from previous years is that this time round it will be the Reds that cross the Tasman sea in a confident mood - after the beat the 2006 finalists, the Hurricanes, last week.

Just think what a prize it would be for the Reds if they can start their campaign with back-to-back victories over both teams that played in the previous year's Final.

Not surprising then that Deans was quick to point out just how dangerous the Reds always are, even when they are not a form team.

"We have a long established rivalry with the Reds," Deans said.

"The contests are always close and hard fought. They've certainly never made it easy, and this season will be no different.

"Last year's game in Brisbane was a real dog fight, and while we got away with it comfortably in the end, the Reds pressured us for much of that game and actually had their noses in front at half-time."

The Reds' wily coach, Eddie Jones, said the Crusaders' defeat at the hands of the Blues last week mean they (the defending champions) will be far more determined this week.

"They very rarely lose two games in a row, but it's a good opportunity for us," Jones said.

"We're going over there with a very positive outlook on it.

"The first thing you have to do is want to play in New Zealand. You're going to a country where rugby is the number one sport and the whole weight of Christchurch is against you, so you acknowledge that fact and look forward to the challenge and get on with it.

"We had some tight-five superiority [against the Hurricanes last week] and it looks like it will be a beautiful February Christchurch night - wet, windy and cold so we're looking forward to playing in those conditions and it will suit us down to the ground.

"It's quite funny being an Australian side looking forward to playing in wet and windy conditions."

Prediction: Eddie Jones is spot on when he says the Crusaders seldom lose two in a row. We also think they will bounce back and win this one, but it will be close. The Crusaders by 10 points or less.

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Rua Tipoki, 11 Caleb Ralph, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Johnny Leo'o, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Corey Flynn (c), 1 Ben Franks
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Jake Paringatai, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Brent Ward

Reds: 15 Clinton Schifcofske, 14 Henari Veratau, 13 Ben Tune, 12 Lloyd Johansson, 11 Peter Hynes, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Nic Berry, 8 John Roe (c), 7 David Croft, 6 Mitch Chapman, 5 Hugh McMeniman, 4 James Horwill, 3 Rodney Blake, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Coutts, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Tom McVerry, 20 Will Genia, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Charlie Fetoai.

Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Touch judges: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Gary Wise (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

Brumbies v Blues
Canberra Stadium, 19.40 (08.40 GMT)

One would have thought that after being yellow carded for foul play (stomping against the Crusaders last week) Blues captain Troy Flavell would tone down his approach.

However, he spoke this week of the need for his team to be "more physical" when they face the Brumbies in Canberra. It is obvious the Blues intend taking the fight to their trans-Tasman rivals.

"We discussed our physicality and what we want to bring to the game, especially as a forward pack. We made a good start [against the Crusaders], but it is something we want to keep working on," Flavell said.

Whether that means they will step over the line - following the example set by their captain last week - remains to be seen. But there is no doubt the Blues are determined to stamp their mark on the tournament.

Flavell can protest all he like about referees that single him out. But as long as he pushes the envelope, the Blues are going to find themselves on the wrong end of refereeing decisions.

The Brumbies are fully aware of the physical (and often over-robust) nature of the Blues' game, but they are not easily scared. They have their own, unique way of dealing with such onslaughts.

Wallaby fly-half Stephen Larkham, who is back after missing last week's win over the Chiefs for personal reasons, says he is keen to take up the challenge.

"The Blues showed what a strong side they'll be this season," Larkham said. "They have a big, physical pack and their backs were impressive against the Crusaders.

"But the boys are really looking forward to playing at Canberra Stadium in front of a big home crowd. We love playing at home and I think our record in Canberra reflects that."

It is indeed a game where the Brumbies' all-action running game will be tested by the brutal onslaught from a rejuvenated Blues outfit.

Prediction: The Blues could easily bully the Brumbies into submission, but we feel class may prevail and the Brumbies will pull away in the end. The Brumbies by 10 to 15 points.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 Peter Playford, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan; 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 George Smith, 6 Julian Salvi, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alistair Campbell (c), 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Salesi Ma'asu, 18 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19 Jone Tawake, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Carraro, 22 Mark Gerrard

Blues: 15 George Pisi, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Isa Nacewa, 9 David Gibson, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Angus Macdonald, 5 Troy Flavell (c), 4 Greg Rawlinson, 3 John Afoa, 2 Derren Witcombe, 1 Saimone Taumoepeau.
Replacements: 16 Chris Heard, 17 Nick White, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Steve Devine, 21 David Holwell, 22 Ben Atiga

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Christie du Preez (South Africa), Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Television match official: Andrew Lindsay (Australia)

Bulls v Cheetahs
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 17.00 (15.00 GMT)

There has been the odd reference to a Currie Cup Final rematch - since these two teams, even in their Super 14 guises, are in reality the teams that played to a pulsating draw.

While it is almost four months on, not much has changed in the build-up to a match between the men from Pretoria and Bloemfontein.

They are the country's two most structured teams, they know exactly what to expect of each other and they hardly try to disguise their tactics.

Not surprising then this week that Bulls captain Victor Matfield did not buy into the suggestion that Cheetahs coach Rassie Erasmus will actually stick to the team that he released to the media.

Matfield expects Erasmus to try and load his forward pack in order to counter the strength of the Bulls.

"No matter what it says on their team sheet, we know they will have two props and a hooker on the bench. This corresponds with their belief that the route to victory against the Bulls goes through our pack," Matfield said.

"We won't be caught off guard if they change their team.

"We concentrate on clinically executing our own game-plan but we are prepared for any surprise."

While Erasmus' selections - or at least the team sheet he released to the media - attracted lots of attention, the Bulls have some selection posers of their own.

The big issue is whether fly-half Derick Hougaard will pass a late fitness test - scheduled for some time on Friday. Last week, before the Sharks encounter, a decision on Hougaard was delayed to the Saturday and he eventually pulled out.

It had a huge impact on the Bulls, who missed his precision when it came to the execution of his tactical kicks.

While this may seem a relative minor matter for most sides, for the Bulls it is a huge factor. They rely on Hougaard to get their gargantuan pack on the front foot. Morné Steyn enjoys a more attacking game, an approach that often takes the ball away from the forwards.

It is something that simply does not suit the Bulls.

Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer makes no secret of the fact that it would be a setback if Hougaard can't play. The Bulls mentor expects the game to be a very tactical encounter.

The overall picture suggest that discipline could be the key, with the Cheetahs again having opted for the educated boot of Herkie Kruger at fly-half.

Not only can penalties become valuable points - for players like Kruger and Hougaard - but yellow and red cards could easily change the course of the game, especially if it is a closely contested affair.

Prediction: This one is tough to call, but we'll go for home ground advantage and give it to the Bulls ... but only just. The Bulls by less than 10 points.

Teams:

Bulls: 15 Johan Roets, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JP Nel, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Derick Hougaard/Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Anton Leonard, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Pedrie Wannenburg,
5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Danie Thiart, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Wessel Roux
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jaco Engels, 18 Adriaan Fondse, 19 Hilton Lobberts, 20 Nicholas Eyre, 21 Morné Steyn/Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Marius Delport

Cheetahs: 15 Tiger Mangweni, 14 Philip Burger, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Ronnie Cooke, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Falie Oelschig, 8 Kabamba Floors, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Henro Scholtz, 5 Corniel van Zyl, 4 Darren Nell, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Adrian Strauss, 1 Ollie le Roux.
Replacements: 16 Richard Strauss, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Brian Vermaak, 19 Ryno van der Merwe, 20 Michael Claassens, 21 Alwyn Hollenbach, 22 Eddie Fredericks

Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Touch judges: Phillip Bosch (South Africa), Pro Legoete (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)

Lions v Highlanders
Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 19.10 (17.10 GMT)

Both teams' coaches have talked up their chances this week, despite neither being entirely convincing in the opening round last week.

The Lions felt they were much better valuer that the 25-16 defeat against the Waratahs suggested.

In fact coach Eugene Eloff described it as "so near, yet so far".

Eloff, known for his ability to get the best out of young players, said that his team had discovered that they can beat big teams in the Super 14.

"In hindsight, the Waratahs didn't win the match - we lost it.," Eloff said.

That is admirable, but he also knows that his team will have to lift their game against the side known for its ability to scrap with and beat the best.

"We are expecting a tough onslaught from the Highlanders on Saturday. We won't take too much from the match they played against the Western Force, as there was a very big difference there.

"The Highlanders are a very physical team with great ability. Once they get a hold of you, they hold on. We are just focusing on ourselves to get a win under the belt and get momentum going."

Despite producing a performance of ordinary standards, the Highlanders edged the Western Force (8-7) in Perth.

The other noteworthy aspect of this game is that both teams will be without key playmakers.

The Lions will play for the second consecutive week without Springbok fly-half André Pretorius, who has not recovered fully from his hamstring injury.

That means Louis Strydom will be playing in at fly-half for the second week. Last week he had an ordinary ay at the office, which prompted Eloff to say that he played under instructions.

The Highlanders have also lost their star play-maker - fly-half Nick Evans, who returned to New Zealand without playing any rugby on tour.

Wing Viliame Waqaseduadua is also returning to New Zealand after sustaining a medial ligament strain to his right knee, which will sideline him for four to six weeks.

This is a game that could launch a successful season for one of the teams, or simply sink them further into a mire of mediocrity.

Prediction: We believe the Lions do have a bit more class and allround depth. They will have to work hard for it, but they should win. The Lions by about 10 points.

Teams:

Lions: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Wylie Human, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Jaco Pretorius, 10 Louis Strydom, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Ernst Joubert (c), 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Anton van Zyl, 4 Cobus Grobler, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe
Replacements: 16 Ettienne Reynecke, 17 Bertus Smit, 18 Gordon Gilfillan, 19 Franco van der Merwe, 20 Enrico Januarie, 21 Jaco van Schalkwyk, 22 Earl Rose

Highlanders: 15 Craig Clare, 14 Lucky Mulipola, 13 Matthew Saunders, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Greg Zampach, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Craig Newby, 7 Josh Blackie (c), 6 Hoani MacDonald, 5 James Ryan, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Clarke Dermody, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Chris King
Replacements: 16 David Hall, 17 Keith Cameron, 18 Ezra Taylor, 19 Alando Soakai, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Charlie Hore, 22 Willie Rickards

Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)
Touch judges: Brett Bowden (Australia), Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

By Jan de Koning