Super 14 Round 13

Super 14 Table after Round 13
[TABLE=116]

Fixtures & Results

Friday 8 May

Crusaders 32 v 12 Reds (Christchurch)
Lions 27 v 22 Highlanders (Johannesburg)

Saturday 9 May

Chiefs 16 v 08 Hurricanes (Hamilton)
Brumbies 37 v 15 Blues (Canberra)
Sharks 12 v 16 Waratahs (Durban)
Bulls 29 v 20 Cheetahs (Pretoria)
Stormers 25 v 24 Force (Cape Town)

Team Sheets

CRUSADERS vs REDS, CHRISTCHURCH, FRIDAY, 09:35

Vrede’s call: The Reds took 50 good ones from the Brumbies at home last week, and while I don’t think the Crusaders have the attacking resources to inflict similar damage, I do believe they’ll take four points off the rubbish Reds. The Brumbies’ structured approach laid the foundation for the comprehensive clobbering, and the Saders will be similar in style. Provided they don’t kick poorly, allowing the Reds to counter from broken field, or play expansively from the outset, they should be fine, as they’ll dominate the set phases and breakdown with the return of Richie McCaw. Crusaders by 10
JC’s call: It’s a statement made in the latter stages of every Super Rugby tournament, but how can the Saders still be in with a shout given their shaky beginnings? If they are to qualify for this year’s play-offs, they’ll need to take five points off the Reds. They’re too well organised to succumb to the Reds’ supposed trickery and will keep the Brisbane Boys honest, but on attack they need to fire. Patience is required if they’re to reach their objective, a systematic forward demolition of the Reds to precede a fourth-quarter surge that bags them five points. It’s the pattern of their game, and latter-stage surges are part of their history. Crusaders by 15

Crusaders – 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Adam Whitelock, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Andy Ellis / Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw / Jonathan Poff, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Michael Paterson, 19 Jonathan Poff / Ross Filipo, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i / Tyson Keats, 21 Sean Maitland, 22 Hamish Gard.

Reds – 15 Quade Cooper, 14 Brando Va’aulu, 13 Charlie Fetoai, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Rodney Davies, 10 Ben Lucas, 9 Brendan McKibbin, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 TBC, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Van Humphries, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Sean Hardman (c), 1 Ben Daley.
Subs:16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Robert Simmons, 19 Scott Higginbotham/Andrew Shaw, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Anthony Sauer.

LIONS vs HIGHLANDERS, JOHANNESBURG, FRIDAY, 19:10

Vrede’s call: I said at the beginning of the tournament that I would only back the Lions against the Cheetahs and Highlanders. That commitment has been tested in light of how utterly crap the Jozi jokers have been. But they’ll get my nod based almost entirely on the fact that the Highlanders match up fairly well in the rubbish stakes. The Mullet Men, most of who are still sporting their holiday hair, were decimated in the forwards last week against the Sharks. It’s only the Durban franchise’s ineptitude that ensured the scoreline didn’t reflect their complete dominance. The Lions will boss the forward exchanges and should have enough guns in the back division to shoot down the Highlanders. Lions by 7
JC’s call: Vrede, the only reason the Lions are getting your nod is because of your foolish pride (no pun intended). The Highlanders will miss George Nauopu at No 8, but in Adam Thomson they still have one of tournament’s best loose forwards when it comes to work rate and pilfer efficiency. They have the grunt to match the Lions up front, and again the hosts will miss Baywatch Grobbelaar at the breakdown. For the visitors, a lot hinges on the performance of Jimmy Cowan. If his forwards achieve parity the pressure is on the All Blacks scrumhalf to perform. He has the kicking game and the vision to cause problems for the Lions’ defence, and with classy outside backs Ben Smith and Israel Dagg in dangerous form, he has competent finishers. Highlanders by 5

Lions – 15, Earl Rose, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Andre Pretorius (c), 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Robert Kruger, 6 Johan van Deventer, 5 Jannes Labuschagne, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Lawrence Sephaka, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Subs: 16 Hans van Dyk, 17 Gert Muller, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Todd Clever, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Walter Venter, 22 Dusty Noble.

Highlanders – 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Kendrick Lynn, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (c); 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Chris King/Clint Newland, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh/King.
Subs: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Josh Bekhuis, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Jayden Hayward, 22 Fetu’u Vainikolo/Lucky Mulipola.

CHIEFS vs HURRICANES, HAMILTON, SATURDAY, 09:35

Vrede’s call: This is shaping as a belter, especially with so much riding on the result. I hope the importance of the fixture doesn’t force these sides into a conservative approach, but I suspect the need for a bonus-point win, combined with both sides’ penchant for the expansive, will ensure a riveting contest. The sides are evenly matched across all facets of play and I suspect the victor will be the one who kicks more accurately on the day, given the calibre of broken field runners both boast. Ultimately, the return of white-hot wingers Lelia Masaga and Sitiveni Sivivatu could be the difference between the sides. Chiefs by 7
JC’s call: The Chiefs lost a lot of momentum on their tour of South Africa, scraping home against the Cheetahs, stumbling against the Bulls and then downing a terrible Stormers side. They’re lacking attacking impetus with scrumhalf Brendon Leonard out injured, and if the Canes’ loosies can pressure Stephen Donald, the Chiefs will struggle. Conversely, the Canes have picked up momentum in recent weeks, first paddling the Brumbies by a record score and then routing the Blues. Their combinations are firing in the back division, and it’s not a bad ploy to start Piri Weepu at No 9 given the strength of his kicking game. On paper, they have the pack to win the forward battle, and coach Colin Cooper will hope that on this occasion their desire matches their talent. Kiwi derbies are tough to call, but I’m sticking with the form team on this one. Canes by 5

Chiefs – 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Toby Morland; 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O’Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben May, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Subs: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 James McGougan, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 David Bason, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sosene Anesi.

Hurricanes – 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison/Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So’oialo (c), 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Subs: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 Guilford/Robert Fruean.

BRUMBIES vs BLUES, CANBERRA, SATURDAY 11:40

Vrede’s call: The Blues watched their play-off ambitions all but disappear with defeat in Wellington last week. The demoralising loss, combined with a spate of injuries to key players including Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Josh Blackie and Taniela Moa, gives the Brumbies a significant edge in this contest. Their structured approach should trouble a competent but severely understrength Blues side, while the set phases and breakdown should be dominated by the hosts. If the Blues manage to field a full strength backline (there’s still doubt over the participation of Rene Ranger and Anthony Tuitavake) they will be superior there. But if those hot-steppers are starved of or receive scrappy service, this one’s in the bag for the Brumbies. And even if The Rocket Man and co do manage to score four tries, their porous defensive line is likely to leak six. Brumbies by 7
JC’s call: This isn’t even a bridesmaids’ battle for the bouquet, more like the flowergirls’. When the Blues burn hot they’re white-hot while the Brumbies have been a different type of inconsistent in 2009. Neither team deserves to be in the play-offs, but after last week’s win, the Brumbies will keep that candle of hope burning with another victory. Watch for George Smith making a telling contribution as the fast-and-loose Blues concede crucial turnovers. Brumbies by 5

Brumbies – 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Francis Fainifo, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 Stirling Mortlock, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles (c), 7 George Smith, 6 Mitchell Chapman, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander. Subs: TBC

Blues – 15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Isaia Toeava, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Peter Saili, 5 Kurtis Haiu, 4 Jay Williams, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Andrew Van der Heijden, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Jamie Helleur/Winston Stanley, 22 Paul Williams.

SHARKS vs WARATAHS, DURBAN, SATURDAY, 15:00

Vrede’s call: Don’t expect this one to be a classic. In fact, it should resemble a Test match, with forward play and tactical punts the preferred method of attack. The Sharks’ superior pack will win this attritional battle, but their lack of opportunism in recent weeks and the Waratahs’ exceptional defensive record doesn’t inspire confidence that they will grab an all-important bonus point. Expect the Tahs, led by mutant midget Phil Waugh, to attack the Sharks at the breakdown. However, collision point dominance and robust cleaning should nullify him and his minions. Brad Barritt should ensure the over-hyped Kurtley Beale gets a reality check while the Tahs’ two other primary weapons, Lachie Turner and Lote Tuqiri, should be no more than passengers if the Sharks are able to assert their superiority in the forwards. Sharks by 7
JC’s call: The Sharks have looked rusty since returning from Australasia, but going into this particular game they may feel confident. Finishing let them down against the Highlanders, and the set-phases were hardly a worry. The Tahs do have some dangerous forwards like Waugh, Wycliff Palu (if he is allowed to build momentum) and the underrated Ben Mowen. Their scrum is also usually a factor, but shouldn’t be against a well-drilled Sharks unit. It’ll be a test for Ruan Pienaar and new halfback partner Charl McLeod, but as long as their forwards arrive at The Shark Tank with the right attitude, Nos 9 and 10 should be allowed to play to their potential. Sharks by 7

Sharks -15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Adrian Jacobs, 12. Brad Barritt, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Ruan Pienaar, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller (c), 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira
Subs: 16. John Smit, 17. Deon Carstens, 18. Albert van den Berg, 19. Keegan Daniel, 20. Monty Dumond, 21. Riaan Swanepoel, 22. Luzuko Vulindlu

Waratahs – 15 Lachie Turner, 14 Rob Horne, 13 Timana Tahu, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Luke Doherty, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Peter Playford, 22 Tom Carter.

BULLS vs CHEETAHS, PRETORIA, SATURDAY, 17:05

Vrede’s call: Forget South African derbies being closely contested affairs – the Cheetahs will take a beating at Loftus. The Bulls will batter them at scrum time, rule at the lineouts, smash them at the breakdown and dominate field position – culminating in a handsome victory. They risk an upset if they stray from the relatively conservative formula that’s proven so successful to date, but they’re pretty well drilled in this regard and should have no issues in the execution of a very effective game plan. Bulls by 15
JC’s call: Vrede, Naka Drotske will hope the Bulls rock up with that kind of ‘harder-than-thou’ attitude. The Bulls will do well to gain the ascendancy at scrum-time, and with no-name brand David de Villiers and Springbok Juan Smith contesting the lineout, Victor and Bakkies are in for a stern test. The breakdown contest will be just as fierce with Heinrich Brussow trolling at ground zero with breakdown specialists Smith and Hendro Scholtz in support. I think the Bulls would do well to avoid too much rough stuff and that even without Fourie du Preez they have the kicking game to trouble the Cheetahs. The central franchise are also susceptible in the wider channels and this is where Bulls runners should look to strike. If they play it close they may win anyway, but if they play it smart they’ll win with a bonus point and save a lengthy injury list ahead of their final league clash with the Sharks. Bulls by 10

Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Heini Adams, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Subs: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Pedrie Wannenburg, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Burton Francis, 22 JP Nel.

Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Corné Uys, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Hendro Scholtz, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Wayne van Heerden, 3 Kobus Calldo, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Subs: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 WP Nel, 18 Nico Breedt, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 JW Jonker, 22 Fabian Juries.

STORMERS vs FORCE, CAPE TOWN, SATURDAY, 19:10

Vrede’s call: Those sorry Stormers got mauled by a Chiefs team sans their two top try scorers and in front of 25 000 (give or take 300 Capetonians who believe they have Maori lineage) who bought the bullshit idea that victory over a sorry Highlanders outfit a fortnight ago heralded the turning point of their season. They’ll be done again this week in front of 20 000 optimistic fools. Don’t bank on them dominating the kicking contest, Generaal De Waal will stuff that up. The lineouts? Don’t hold your breath when two flankers are selected in the second row. The scrums? Rassie Erasmus and Gary Gold will tell you they aren’t vulnerable there. If this were a fairytale world, both would have noses 11m long – a metre for everytime they’ve lied this season. Allister Coetzee will somehow justify the selection of Gcobani Bobo on the wing when a specialist, Springbok Tonderai Chavhanga watches from the bench. In fact, I’d love to hear them put the spin on why they’ve got three Springboks (excluding Schalk Brits who plays back-up to another Bok) on the bench. It should be thoroughly entertaining. The breakdown? Luke Watson has been very good here but he and Duane Vermeulen can’t carry these chumps alone. Fully expect Matt Giteau to run circles around a Vodacom Cup quality pivot, creating opportunities for those on his outside. More pain for the palookas I’m afraid. Force by 8 to 10.
JC’s call: So ‘rebuilding’ is the term the Stormers are using in the wake of their most recent defeat. The youngsters are in for an ugly surprise this weekend when Mister Giteau seizes control at Newlands. The Stormers don’t have the kicking game to disrupt the Force, and they don’t have the attack to worry the visitors’ defence. Because of injury, they don’t even have that edge on defence, and the inexperienced midfield is certain to be exploited. The Stormers can only hope for an Aussie implosion the night before – you know, booze, South African girls, busted taxis. If the Force rock up sober, the Stormers are in for a long night. Force by 10

Stormers – 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gcobani Bobo, 13 Dylan des Fountain, 12 Peter Grant, 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Willem de Waal, 9 Dewaldt Duvenhage, 8 Luke Watson (c), 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Pieter Louw, 5 AJ Venter, 4 Hilton Lobberts, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Subs: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Wicus Blaauw, 18 Brian Mujati 19 Martin Muller, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Morgan Newman, 22 Tonderai Chavhanga.

Force – 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Scott Staniforth, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 James O’Connor, 11 Cameron Shepherd, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Tamaiti Horua, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe (c), 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Tai McIsaac, 1 Pek Cowan.
Subs: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 AJ Whalley, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Richard Stanford, 20 Chris O’Young, 21 Josh Tatupu, 22 Haig Sare.