Super 14: Round 13 preview

Yahoo!Xtra Sport / Neil Reid - May 8, 2009, 12:21 am

All eyes will be on Hamilton on Saturday night as the Hurricanes and Chiefs do battle in the clash of the round.

The table-topping Hurricanes will look to cement their current standing at the head of the points table with a win at Waikato Stadium with one week remaining in Rebel Sport Super 14 round-robin play.

Up against them will be a proud Chiefs outfit who hold second spot going into back-to-back matches at their Hamilton base to finish off the round-robin stage of the season.

Here is how round 13 of the Super 14 shapes up:

FRIDAY

Crusaders v Reds

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 7.35pm (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Chris Pollock

Veteran fullback Leon MacDonald will be making his playing farewell at Christchurch's AMI Stadium when the defending champions take on the Reds in the first match of round 13 action. The long-time Crusaders and All Black custodian announced on Thursday that he would return for a second stint in Japanese club rugby following the Super 14.

The Crusaders realistically need a bonus point win over the Reds if they are to keep their title defence alive. And on paper, they should have little trouble in doing that. The Crusaders will welcome back All Black captain Richie McCaw back on Friday night, with the star openside flanker sitting out round 12 action with a concussion.

The Reds' injury problems have continued in the lead-in to the clash. Their depleted loose forward stocks have seen a first-time call-up being handed to openside flanker Andrew Shaw, the son of former Wallaby great Tony Shaw. The Reds have also had a further major back-line reshuffle, with Quade Cooper to stat at halfback and Ben Lucas at first-five. The absence of Berrick Barnes will be huge. One player to watch out for is NZ-born Australian Sevens star Richard Kingi, named to start the match off the bench.

Last year: Crusaders 27-Reds 21

Round 12 results: Crusaders 32-Lions 20, Reds 13-Brumbies 52

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Adam Whitelock, 9 Andy Ellis/Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Dan Perrin, Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson, Jonathan Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i/Tyson Keats, Sean Maitland, Hamish Gard/Blair Cook.

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 Andrew Shaw, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Van Humphries, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Sean Hardman (c), 1 Ben Daley. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Greg Holmes, Robert Simmons, Scott Higginbotham, Richard Kingi, Ben Tapuai, Anthony Sauer.

SATURDAY

Lions v Highlanders

Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 5.10am (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Jaco Peyper

The second match of the round is the only clash which will have no impact on possible semifinal match-ups. Both the Lions and Highlanders are playing for pride solely, with both sides having had theirs damaged badly in recent weeks.

The Highlanders kept the Sharks to just eight points last weekend. However, a more clinical and error-free showing could have seen the southerners upset the top-four side. Their previously solid front-row also got out-muscled by the Sharks, with coach Glenn Moore leaving it until match-day to settle on his starting trio against the Lions due to illness and form.

While out of the hunt, the Lions will still be hungry. Players such as Earl Rose, Louis Ludik, Jacque Fourie and Andre Pretorius still have much to play for; namely possible selection for the Springboks in the upcoming test series against the touring British and Irish Lions.

Last year: Highlanders 29-Lions 20

Round 12 results: Lions 20-Crusaders 32, Highlanders 15-Sharks 23

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

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Kenny Lynn, 10 Mathew Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 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/Chris King. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, Josh Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Jayden Hayward, Fetu'u Vainikolo/Lucky Mulipola.

Chiefs v Hurricanes

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 7.35pm (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Bryce Lawrence

This is the big one everyone has been talking about; and with good reason. The match of the round will see the second-placed Chiefs host the table-topping Hurricanes in Hamilton.

The Hurricanes have posted 14 tries in their past 160 minutes of rugby. The Chiefs have been formidable on attack too, with their danger levels set to increase further on Saturday with the timely return of wings Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga.

However, it is likely to be defence, rather than out and out attack, which will rule supreme in this clash. Given what is on the line, defence will be the priority. Add into that equation the poor weather forecast to strike Hamilton tomorrow and this match is unlikely to be a free-flowing affair.

The weather, and the need for more kicking options, has provided Piri Weepu with a deserved recall into the Hurricanes' starting 15. Also back for the Canes is season-ending All Black tourist Cory Jane.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has tweaked his front row and loose forward trio in the build-up to the clash. While Sivivatu and Masaga are both back from lengthy injury lay-offs, halfback Brendon Leonard is still in the casualty ward with his sternum injury.

With intensity on defence the key in Hamilton, just how the Chiefs have recovered following their successful but tiring South African tour could be the defining factor.

Last year: Hurricanes 39-Chiefs 19

Round 12 results: Chiefs 28-Stormers 14, Chiefs 45-Blues 27

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. Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, David Bason, Mike Delany, 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 Bryn Evans, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger. Reserves: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 Guilford/Robert Fruean.

Brumbies v Blues

Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra

Kick-off: 9.40pm (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Matt Goddard

Anything but a bonus point win will kill off the Blues' increasingly slim hopes of making it into the Super 14 play-offs. And should they fail to make the top four, they will only have themselves to blame.

Granted the Blues have been hit hard by injury throughout the season, but what has cost them the most has ben their inability to close out matches that were there for the winning; ie: the Reds, Waratahs, Sharks. Attitude, or at times a lack of it, has seen them rapidly regress from being potential contenders to pretenders.

Their lack of attitude was again shown up in their bumbling efforts in the first half of last weekend's 45-27 loss to the Hurricanes, with the flakiest of defences leaking four tries shortly after the first match of the quarter had been reached.

The Brumbies have been hit hard by injury too in recent weeks. However, they will be no pushovers to the make-shift Blues this weekend. The clash will be their final match in Canberra for '09, with an emotional setting predicted as the Brumbies and their fans prepare to farewell Shawn Mackay one more time.

Last year: Brumbies 16-Blues 11

Round 12 results: Brumbies 52-Reds 13, Blues 27-Hurricanes 45

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. Reserves: To be confirmed.

Blues: 15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Rene Ranger/Paul Williams, 13 Anthony Tuitavake/Jamie Helleur, 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. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd, Andrew Van der Heijden, Grayson Hart, Jamie Helleur/Winston Stanley, Paul Williams/Dave Thomas.

SUNDAY

Sharks v Waratahs

Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban

Kick-off: 1am (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Mark Lawrence

The fourth-placed Sharks have the perfect chance to kill off the Waratahs' semifinal hopes when they host the Australians in Durban on Sunday morning.

Despite again starting the season with much fan-fare across the Tasman, the Tahs have again been unmasked as a side who are over-rated, too often one-dimensional and quite frankly boring. A generous early season-draw against some of the competition's weaker sides helped again flatter them with a strong start on the points table.

The Sharks recaptured their winning ways over the Highlanders last weekend. However, there is still much to be concerned about in the Sharks' camp, with injuries again striking hard. The latest defection is Bok utility back Frans Steyn.

Last year: Waratahs 25-Sharks 10, Waratahs 28-Sharks 13 (semifinal)

Round 12 results: Sharks 23-Highlanders 15, Waratahs 18-Cheetahs 10

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. Reserves: John Smit, Deon Carstens, Albert van den Berg, Keegan Daniel, Monty Dumond, Riaan Swanepoel, 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. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Chris Thomson, Luke Doherty, Brett Sheehan, Peter Playford, Tom Carter.

Bulls v Cheetahs

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 3.05am (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Stuart Dickinson

The Bulls go into round 13 action in third place. And the draw has granted them with a great chance to rise further up the points table ahead of the final week of the round-robin.

However, the Cheetahs have proven over the past six weeks that they can be a far stronger proposition on South African soil. And there is history in this fierce derby between sides from the high veldt of upset results.

On paper, the Bulls should win this one. But it might not be the landslide victory some are projecting.

Last year: Bulls 60-Cheetahs 20

Round 12 results: Bulls 32-Force 29, Cheetahs 10-Waratahs 18

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne 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 Kuun, 1 Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Rayno Gerber, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Francois Hougaard, Burton Francis, JP Nel.

Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Corne 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. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, WP Nel, Nico Breedt, Kabamba Floors, Sarel Pretorius, JW Jonker, Fabian Juries.

Stormers v Force

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: 5.10am (New Zealand Time)

Referee: Marius Jonker

If you are watching this, then you really are a rugby tragic.

The Stormers have been big-time flops in 2009. The Force still have the slimmest hopes of making the top-four; including their need to post 10 points from their final two matches and have a stack of other results going their way.

The chances of Elvis being sighted alive in Parnell are greater.

Last year: Stormers 32-Force 16

Round 12 results: Stormers 14-Stormers 28, Force 29-Bulls 32

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. Reserves: Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw, Brian Mujati Martin Muller, Ricky Januarie, Morgan Newman, 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. Reserves: Ben Whittaker, AJ Whalley, Tom Hockings, Richard Stanford, Chris O'Young, Josh Tatupu, Haig Sare.