Super Rugby Preview – Round 4
16 Mar 2012
JON CARDINELLI and RYAN VREDE analyse the key match-ups and pick the winners at the weekend.
A marginally improved showing by the Keo boys last week and that trend should continue into the fourth round. JC and Vrede agree on all results, including the Reds to turn over the Sharks at Kings Park.
KEO.CO.ZA SUCCESS RATE
VREDE: 12/21 (57%)
JC: 12/21 (57%)
Round 3
VREDE: 5/7
JC: 4/7
Round 2
VREDE: 4/7
JC: 4/7
Round 1
VREDE: 3/7
JC: 4/7
CHIEFS vs BRUMBIES, TAURANGA, FRI 08:35
JC’S CALL: The Chiefs have made some massive strides over the past two weeks. They’ve always had the firepower out wide and the finishing ability to be a threat in broken play, but what’s impressed me in recent matches is the forwards’ controlled aggression at the point of contact. It will be interesting to see how the change to the back row effects the breakdown dynamic, but playing in front of their home crowd you’d expect them to beat a Brumbies side that is punching above its weight. If their forwards replicate their previous showing against the Crusaders, then watch for Sonny Bill Williams barging his way over the gainline and bringing team-mates into the game with that trademark offload. Chiefs by 12
VREDE’S CALL: I’ve always lamented the Chiefs’ stubborn refusal to add a more pragmatic string to their bow, but having done that in the form of an greater willingness to keep the ball in the heavies, they are looking an accomplished side. There are shades of the 2009 group that made it to the final. I don’t see the Brumbies’ forwards blunting their counterparts sufficiently for the Hamilton boys’ dynamic backs to be nullified. How often have you heard this about the Chiefs: The forwards, superior across all facets, will lay the platform for this victory. Chiefs by 10
Chiefs – 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Messam (c), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Tanerau Latimer, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Arizona Taumalolo.
Subs: 16 Marcel Cummings-Toone, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Kane Thompson, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Maritino Nemani.
Brumbies – 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Joseph Tomane, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Ben Mowen (c), 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Peter Kimlin, 4 Leon Power, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Subs: 16 Anthony Hegarty, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Sam Carter, 19 Ita Vaea, 20 Nic White, 21 Zack Holmes, 22 Cam Crawford.
STORMERS vs BLUES, CAPE TOWN, FRI 19:10
JC’S CALL: It’s a good time for the Stormers to be making attacking promises: the Blues have suffered significant losses in their pack and are coming off a successful yet bruising encounter against the Bulls. The Stormers traditionally enjoy attacking success against the Blues, and providing their forwards continue to fire, the scoring opportunities will be there for the taking. The re-introduction of Peter Grant will help in terms of their go-forward but that 10-12 axis of the Stormers needs to do more than just take the ball to the gainline; they need to create space for devastating runners like Juan de Jongh and Gio Aplon to exploit. I’m not advocating an adventurous approach and I’m sure the Stormers will still play for territory before upping the ante on attack, and in this regard the tactical kicking performance of Dewaldt Duvenage and Joe Pietersen will be influential. The hosts should win comfortably and produce an improved attacking performance, but I reckon it could be another couple of games before they really hit their try-scoring stride. Stormers by 10
VREDE’S CALL: Wasn’t it just typical of the Blues to defy expectations and produce a high quality performance to beat the Bulls at Loftus last week? Despite being inferior in the territory and possession stakes, they were so clinical with the chances they created through pressure-building phase play and granitic defence. In Gareth Anscombe they seem to have a highly competent pivot, skilled at all disciplines of his position and he could be influential if allowed to be. However, I think the Stormers are too experienced and too well drilled to get themselves into the desperate position the Bulls did last week. They must retain faith in the territory-based approach that has brought them success. If they open the game up the Blues will be in business. This needs to be a purposeful suffocation not a quick stab to the jugular. In this regard their primary strike runners in the pack must dominate the gainline, their tactical kickers must pressure the Blues with accurate punts and their famed defence must front. I sense all these thing will come together to make for a comfortable win. Stormers by 10
Stormers – 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Nick Koster, 7 Duane Vermeulen, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Skara Ntubeni, 17 Frans Malherbe, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Louis Schrueder, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Gerhard van den Heever.
Blues (revised) – 15 Lachie Munro, 14 Ben Lam, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Subs: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Brad Mika, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 Francis Saili.
HURRICANES vs HIGHLANDERS, WELLINGTON, SAT 08:35
JC’S CALL: The Canes may have enjoyed a surprisingly good start to the season, but they’re in for a reality check this weekend. They don’t have the forwards to match the mongrel of the Highlanders, and without quick ball they will battle to penetrate what is an organised defensive line. While territory will be important, the Highlanders may be reluctant to kick too much on that mercurial Hurricanes back three, and will instead look to starve the hosts of possession. The form book suggests a win is on the cards for the Highlanders, but the Hurricanes will push them close. All it takes is a couple of defensive lapses for the men from Wellington to complete a 14-point turnaround, so the Highlanders will know that no lead is safe and that this is one of the fixtures where the phrase ‘maintaining the intensity for 80 minutes’ takes on a literal meaning. Highlanders by 5
VREDE’S CALL: The Canes had six try-scoring opportunities against the Force last week and took them all. Whether they will be granted as many by the stingy Highlanders is unlikely and the Landers certainly won’t be as wasteful as the Force were with the chances they create. Like the Chiefs, the Landers have added a measure of controlled aggression in their forward ranks. This has been at the heart of their success. The Canes have looked vulnerable when asked to counter abrasive, direct surges, and this is what the Landers will build their victory on. With a shaky set piece, the Canes won’t trouble the efficient Landers in this area. Their biggest strength lies in broken field situations, but the Landers are too organised to feed them as often as the Force, or indeed the Lions, did. Highlanders by 5
Hurricanes - 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (c), 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.
Subs: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Michael Bent, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Charlie Ngatai.
Highlanders - 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Bureligh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Nick Crosswell, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Subs: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Cullum Retallick, 19 James Haskell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Chris Noakes, 22 Buxton Popali’i.
WARATAHS vs FORCE, SYDNEY, SAT 10:40
JC’S CALL: No need to spend much time mulling over this dud. The woeful Western Force are in for a whack. Waratahs coach Michael Foley has made the right call to go with five forwards on the bench, as this contest will be particularly physical. The Force backline has battled to make an impression thus far, and will be further limited with their pack set to cop a beating. I don’t expect this to be a particularly entertaining game, but the Waratahs will view it as a good opportunity to build some momentum. Waratahs by 12
VREDE’S CALL: I backed the Force last week and they subsequently produced a performance that reminded why I had so seldom done so. They can only improve, but not by a margin nearly significant enough for them to beat the Tahs. The hosts are vastly superior across all facets of the game and the Force’s casualty list, which includes three first-choice backline players, will further undermine their cause. Hammering on the cards for the feeble Force I’m afraid Waratahs by 15.
Waratahs – 15 Bernard Foley, 14 Tom Kingston, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Daniel Halangahu (c), 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Tevita Metuisela, 7 Jono Jenkins, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Chris Alcock, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Tom Carter.
Force - 15 David Harvey, 14 Samu Wara, 13 Will Tupou, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 Alfie Mafi, 10 James Stannard, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Matt Hodgson, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Subs: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Phoenix Battye, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Justin Turner, 21 Ben Seymour, 22 Winston Stanley.
SHARKS vs REDS, DURBAN, SAT 17:05
JC’S CALL: Ewen McKenzie’s selections indicate the Reds are going after the Sharks pack, with five lineout options in the starting eight and as many as five forwards on the bench. The Sharks haven’t been consistent at the lineout, and will be vulnerable now that Ross Skeate has been ruled out of this clash. Their scrum hasn’t fired although this may not be as decisive given it’s an area where the Reds are not especially proficient. The Brisbane boys will instead use their lineout as a launchpad, and from there employ the breakdown skills that won them the 2011 trophy. The Sharks haven’t been accurate enough in this department and may struggle to handle the pressure. And in Mike Harris, the Reds have a reliable means of translating Sharks transgressions into points. Reds by 6
VREDE’S CALL: Gone are the days when the Reds were a soft target on the road. The defending champions believe they can win anywhere, and will do so in Durban off the back of a dominant physical display. Ewen McKenzie’s selections indicate that the Reds are willing to win ugly – building their success on erosive phase play that will seek to open holes in the defensive line or force the Sharks into infringements at the breakdown. The Sharks didn’t have a telling rebuttal to this method against the Bulls or Stormers. Reds No 12 Mike Harris has kicked 15 of his 17 penalty attempts to date and will build their lead with his boot. There’s little to inspire confidence about the Sharks on attack. The synergy of their pack has been compromised by injuries. They have therefore struggled to provided their back division with a platform and there is no reason to believe that that situation will improve at Kings Park. The Sharks won’t be walkovers, but the Reds have the game to ensure their indifferent start to the season continues. Reds by 7
Sharks – 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 JP Pietersen, 12 Tim Whitehead, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Dale Chadwick.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Jandre Marais, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Frederic Michalak, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Louis Ludik.
Reds - 15 Rod Davies, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Ben Lucas, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Van Humphries, 4 James Horwill (c), 3 James Slipper, 2 James Hanson, 1 Greg Holmes.
Subs: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Liam Gill, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Luke Morahan.
REBELS vs CHEETAHS, MELBOURNE, SUN 07:10
JC’S CALL: How do you choose between the chokers and the unpredictables? The Cheetahs held a commanding lead against the Brumbies but poor decision-making and a drop in intensity saw them relinquishing the advantage. Some will remember this match for the referee’s poor calls, but the bottom line is that it was another close game the Cheetahs should have won. Then there’s the Rebels, who took a hiding in their first match and then so nearly upset the current champions at home in their second. What will happen this week? I don’t think anybody knows for sure. They may be one of the worst teams in this competition, but they’re playing in Melbourne against the lowest-placed team in South Africa. It’s one of the few times this season you’d back them for a win. Rebels by 7
VREDE’S CALL: I’ve never seen either of these sides produce good performances back-to-back, so I can’t predict this one with any certainty. I sense that, on their home patch, the Rebels have an edge. Expect a free-running pattern, with the winner coming from the team who shows more appreciation for earning the right to play that way by allowing the heavies a touch of the ball. Rebels by 5
Rebels - 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Mark Gerrard, 12 Lloyd Johansson, 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Richard Kingi, 8 Gareth Delve (c), 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Tim Davidson, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Luke Jones, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Nick Henderson.
Subs: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Rodney Blake, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nick Phipps, 21 Danny Cipriani, 22 James Hilgendorf.
Cheetahs – 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Cameron Jacobs, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Willie le Roux, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Davon Raubenheimer, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Izak van der Westhuizen, 4 George Earle, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen.
Subs: 16 Hercu Liebenberg, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Justin Downey, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Rayno Benjamin.
111 Comments
15 Mar 2012, 11:38 am
I’m going with
Chiefs
Stormers
Hurricanes
Waratahs
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 11:39 am
Chiefs
Stormers
Canes
Tahs
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 11:39 am
I disagree with people who state the Hurricanes are a poor side.
With a little more luck and less refereeing antics, they would have had 3 from 3 so far, away from home.
15 Mar 2012, 11:40 am
@willievz(willievz)-1: Snap!
15 Mar 2012, 11:40 am
@Taahirah(Taahirah)-2: Hey, stop copying me
15 Mar 2012, 11:40 am
57% success rate after three rounds? DOF!
15 Mar 2012, 11:48 am
@willievz(willievz)-1: @Taahirah(Taahirah)-2: Yes that would be my call too.
15 Mar 2012, 11:56 am
I agree with Willie’s calls too!! Ryan and JC have been awefull!!!
15 Mar 2012, 12:02 pm
@willievz(willievz)-3: The Highlander are going to kill the Canes, watch.
15 Mar 2012, 12:02 pm
Sharks didn’t had a telling rebuttal to this method ?? Do you can like to wear a jean pant??
15 Mar 2012, 12:05 pm
Haha!! You fixed that quickly Ryan!
15 Mar 2012, 12:06 pm
Surely the Cheetahs haqve enough to beat the Rebels, who are just plain awful.
Even the jingoistic Aussie commentators struggle to say much positive about them.
They’re shite, super shite.
15 Mar 2012, 12:11 pm
@THE MAULER(THE MAULER)-10: I saw that.
At first i thought everybody makes mistakes, so it’s ok. Then i realised that it’s his job….
eish! Keo dudes are showing their professionalism big time
15 Mar 2012, 12:13 pm
chiefs
stormers
highlanders
waratahs
reds/sharks
cheetahs.
15 Mar 2012, 12:16 pm
All the Australina teams are going to lose this weekend, espacially the Australina derby!
15 Mar 2012, 12:30 pm
haha i find these two clowns predictions rather ridiculous at times
and with a record of 12/21, i dont think anyone takes their comments seriously
the Stormers bias is clear for everyone to see, as far as im concerned theyve played the worst rugby of all the south african teams so far, well if you wanna call what they do, rugby..
the point of the game is to score tries isnt it?
dont expect many newlands this weekend
15 Mar 2012, 12:35 pm
News bad on Sopoaga
Thursday, 15 March 2012 11.06 a.m.
Injuries continue to haunt the Highlanders with first five-eighths Lima Sopoaga sidelined for the next two months because of a cracked scapula bone in his shoulder.
He suffered the injury while trying to make the goalline after a tap penalty during the nail-biting 18-17 win over the Waratahs in Dunedin last weekend.
“Lima will be out for some time,” head coach Jamie Joseph said. “He’s got a cracked scapula in a couple of places so he’ll be out for a couple of months, unfortunately. It’s worse than we first thought.”
It is a blow for the Highlanders because Sopoaga had looked composed and confident against the Crusaders and Waratahs.
Sopoaga had come in for Chris Noakes, who badly sprained an ankle in the season opener against the Chiefs while Colin Slade, who was late starting the campaign after off-season operations, has been forced into action prematurely.
Slade replaced the injured Ben Smith in the second half against the Crusaders and moved from fullback to first five-eighths when Sopoaga was injured last week.
He is back three weeks ahead of schedule and, while he gained in confidence during the second spell against the Waratahs, he is well short of the form that gained him an All Black jersey.
There are other injury concerns with star flanker Adam Thomson not training on Wednesday after he was left battered and bruised after the match against the Waratahs.
“We need Thommo,” Joseph said. “If he comes right we’ll play him. If he doesn’t we’ll look at plan B.”
That would probably mean England international James Haskell getting his first start of the season after coming off the bench in the first three games.
Joseph is conscious of the need to rest leading players after they were left exhausted by the demands of the campaign last year but that has been complicated by the injury toll.
Sopoaga and Noakes will be joined on the sideline by fellow backs Kenny Lynn, Siale Piutau and probably Shaun Treeby for this week’s game. Lock Jarrad Hoeata is still recovering from his chest injury while prop Chris King has not trained because of an ongoing groin problem.
One piece of good news is that Ben Smith, who missed the Waratahs game because of concussion, should be available to play against the Hurricanes when Joseph names his team on Friday.
Joseph is wary and respectful of the Hurricanes after their consecutive away ways against the Lions in Johannesburg and the Western Force in Perth.
“They’ll have a lot of confidence from those away wins. They will be a very tricky opponent.
They’ve got a lot going for them and there will be a lot of enthusiasm about their first home game.”
15 Mar 2012, 12:36 pm
JC and Vrede combined are marginally better than a coin flip. Rather trust the katman:
Chiefs
Blues (sorry stormers)
Hurricanes
Waratahs
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 12:38 pm
Chiefs
Wind
‘Canes
‘Tahs
Yappies
Cheaters
15 Mar 2012, 12:39 pm
Vrede knows Vokkol about rugby
shame, little puppet
15 Mar 2012, 12:39 pm
I am pleased to see that my picks are not all the same as those two idiots this week:
Highlanders
Waratahs
Stormers
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 12:40 pm
@willievz(willievz)-3:
How much more luck would you give that canes in that first game? They got intercept tries and a lot of free soft tries?
The ref did not win that game for us unlike you like to believe! There were marginal calls both sides….give it a rest already!
Canes will be shown up against a pack not being pretenders like the Lions overrated forwards and the Force team having no force!
15 Mar 2012, 12:40 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-18: Don’t be sorry now.
Save it for Saturday evening. You’ll be sorry then
15 Mar 2012, 12:40 pm
and Bulls will get 4 points
15 Mar 2012, 12:45 pm
Back in the day before Superbru took off I used to play Telecomvirtual rugby on the Silverfern website, There you had to make 5 choices per match: Draw, Home by less than 12, more than 12 or away team by the same.
What was nice was that you could rank yourself on the global leaderboard against some of the “celeb” ex players and their picks. Grant Fox for example.
They should do that on Superbru, and guys like the Keo journos, the Supersport team etc should play too.
That way those guys could really put their money where their mouths were and we could play against them.
15 Mar 2012, 12:45 pm
@Hoops(Hoops)-22:
Where did I say the ref won it for “you” guys? Who do you think I supported on the day?
If they played with 15 men for the entire 80 minutes, it could have been a different story.
Both the Lions and Force were expected to “blow away” the “light” Hurricanes forwards.
They are a better team than the press wants us to believe.
They were their own worst enemies on that day.
15 Mar 2012, 12:48 pm
@willievz(willievz)-3: Hey Willie. You are right, but most of the games have been closely contested so far, with contentious refereeing decisions in almost every game. The biggest problem for the Canes, which has been their achilles heel for the last few years, is their own inconsistent performances. Obviously they have a good chance, but the Highlanders are no pushovers. Their forwards are abrasive and physical on both offense and defense. While their backs lack flair, they do have the ability to score tries there. I reckon the Landers just edge this one. I don’t expect this to be a high scoring match.
15 Mar 2012, 12:49 pm
why is everyone picking the sharks over the reds.
i think jc and ryan have this one correct.
reds are defending champions after all.
15 Mar 2012, 12:50 pm
@charo(charo)-28: No Quade Cooper.
15 Mar 2012, 12:51 pm
Sharks and Cheetha’s will be suprise packet this weekend. Watch out !
15 Mar 2012, 12:52 pm
@charo(charo)-28: the reds have been poor, like the stormers they are winning but against top opposition, they will get shown up!
no quade, the reds are an average team in a poor conference, simple enough
15 Mar 2012, 12:53 pm
@stormersboy(stormersboy)-25:
I am currently ranked about 92,565th (give or take 500 places) on what is now called Jimungo Virtual Rugby.
I got off to a bad start.
8)
15 Mar 2012, 12:54 pm
@charo(charo)-28:
From what I’ve seen, I think the Sharks can win the Super 15 this year.
@pompies2(pompies2)-27: Should be a good game. The Highlanders’ forwards hit a lot of rucks and the players are playing off the emotion caused by Otago’s liquidation (much like the Saders of 2011 had additional emotional motivation due to the earthquakes).
I think the first 20 minutes will be crucial – all that travel of late might catch up with the Canes at some point so they cannot afford to play catch-up.
15 Mar 2012, 12:56 pm
@willievz(willievz)-33: Don’t say that. You’ll have Heavens Gat bounding in and thinking he is now loved.
15 Mar 2012, 12:57 pm
@jacoshark(jacoshark)-31:
maybe,but the sharks have hardly set the world alight.
baby loosehead, no decent locks and a makeshift backrow……
i would go for the reds – the have the best coach in the competition.
15 Mar 2012, 12:59 pm
Cape Town mayor and WP President will hold media meeting at 2pm.
Are they moving?
15 Mar 2012, 13:00 pm
@charo(charo)-35: nobody goes to newlands or loftus and expects to win
both games coulda gone either way too
15 Mar 2012, 13:01 pm
@cane(cane)-32: Crikey, that’s like being lapped after one lap of a 10 000m race. You have your work cut out. Stick with the katman’s predictions and you might claw your way back.
15 Mar 2012, 13:05 pm
@charo(charo)-35: What is so bad loosing to Bulls and Stormers on their home grounds. Sharks are still a force
15 Mar 2012, 13:05 pm
@willievz(willievz)-33: true. It’s amazing to see how they manage to pour numbers into the correct ruck to effect a turnover. I suspect it has something to do with recognising how effective a tackle was. or how quick attacking supporting runners get to the tackle area. Crusaders are another good example of this. Slightly lessens the pressure on the openside flanker to steal balls. I suppose all this has been due to body positioning on ruck entry. The bodies are parallel to the ground at around knee height, which allows you to get underneath the opposition player and drive in an upward motion. Seems all the squats and deadlifts are paying dividends.
15 Mar 2012, 13:05 pm
Chiefs by 7+
Blues by 2+
Hurricanes by 5+
Waratahs by 10+
Reds by 5+
Rebels by 5+
15 Mar 2012, 13:06 pm
@charo(charo)-28: Agreed i think the Sharks are up for a wake up call this weekend , gosh the Lions ran them close !!!!
Have you seen the Reds forwards for this game – Aussie pack no doubt , Bismark will come second this weekend cocky s * h * i * t
15 Mar 2012, 13:07 pm
@cane(cane)-32:
oh dear.
humkered down with the mentally infirm and criminally insane.
even poops is probably above you.
15 Mar 2012, 13:08 pm
@willievz(willievz)-33: Willie you are smokin the good stuff send me some please !!!! LOL
15 Mar 2012, 13:09 pm
@willievz(willievz)-33:
“From what I’ve seen, I think the Sharks can win the Super 15 this year. ”
Seriaas?
15 Mar 2012, 13:10 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther(gunther)-43: Perhaps Poppa is the Rain Man of rugby prediction games.
15 Mar 2012, 13:12 pm
@Nils(Nils)-41: Think the Cheifs will open up this weekend – by at least 18 , the Brumbies are looking shocking and Hamilton isnt the greatest inspiration for a team
15 Mar 2012, 13:13 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-46:
More like Jack the Ripper.
15 Mar 2012, 13:20 pm
@stew(stew)-44: Haha, not true – I’ve just been hit on the head with a water bottle so the judgement might be a bit off
@pompies2(pompies2)-40: Yep, cherry-picking which tackle point to target with greater or lesser resources.
Good point about the body positions!
15 Mar 2012, 13:21 pm
Bugger Poppa. Things are too quiet without Grantie!
15 Mar 2012, 13:25 pm
@jacoshark(jacoshark)-16:
So please, share with us your insightful predictions!
Blues and Sharks to win? Are you calling it?
15 Mar 2012, 13:25 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-45: Yes.
(i) More depth in personnel / key positions than most teams.
(ii) Excellent defense – haven’t conceded a try away from home so far
(iii) Good impact players.
JPP looks ominous in the midfield.
Locks are the key problem from a resource perspective, but this has been a persisting problem for a number of years now, which in turn means they are used to it.
Discipline is another concern (notably Bismarck) but no reason why this cannot be rectified.
15 Mar 2012, 13:28 pm
@stew(stew)-47: I am cautious about Chiefs, sure, they look much better than in recent times, still they are like bees you never know for sure. They must win, something tells me, it will be more painfully than expected.
15 Mar 2012, 13:30 pm
@willievz(willievz)-52: I understand, but there are just too many new combinations in that team. There are potentially a flyhalf injury away from not having an established flyhalf. Their locks can be out muscled and their front row is struggling for consistency.
15 Mar 2012, 13:36 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-54: My point exactly , the Reds have come with a pack that is of international class and will pound the Sharkies this weekend ( strange for an aussie team i know) How embarassing this could be a South African pack being outmuscled by the Aussies – dare i say more LOL
15 Mar 2012, 13:39 pm
@Nils(Nils)-53: The Chiefs have had a real problem with timing their run to the final often starting too late – could this be there year
15 Mar 2012, 13:39 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-54: I can write a short paragraph outlining the weak points of each of the other 14 franchises too.
I can also turn your argument around stating that the new combinations adds an unpredicatble element to the Sharks’ game. It is only week 4 so they have time on their side to work on their structures.
They’ve played the toughest 2 SA derbies away from home already, namely the Bulls and the Stormers. Got bonus points out of both.
They are playing the defending champions at home this weekend.
So in 4 weekends, before they go on tour, they’ve played the 2011 champs, the 2010 champs and the 2010 runners-up. They are playing the Stormers again at the Shark Tank at the end of the comp.
They play only 4 matches on tour. I expect them to get wins against the Brumbies and the Canes at least.
They are playing the Chiefs and Highlanders at home.
They are not playing the Crusaders.
15 Mar 2012, 13:40 pm
Stew the Tahs have outmuscled the Sharks on a few occasions…
15 Mar 2012, 13:41 pm
@THE MAULER(THE MAULER)-58: Would nt say that too loud M – LOL
15 Mar 2012, 13:42 pm
Crusaders flyhalf Dan Carter will mark a major milestone in the journey to bring the Crusaders back home to Canterbury, by kicking the first ball over the goal posts at the new Christchurch Stadium on Friday.
Return of the Kings now the season can start !!!!!
15 Mar 2012, 13:47 pm
@willievz(willievz)-57: I’m not disputing your viewpoint. there’s a good chance they could be in the knockout phases come the time. you have to consider that historically, settled teams have often done well. i suppose a big win over the defending champs will do wonders for their confidence, which will spur them on, but it will have to be a case of individual excellence contributing to a team performance. Everyone has to be performing optimally.
15 Mar 2012, 13:48 pm
I have really been pissed off with sharks record against the Tahs!
15 Mar 2012, 13:48 pm
I’m glad Etzebeth is back in the Stormers line up. I don’r rate Kolisi- too small and no real pace or slick skills to make up for his lack of size. Not a great forager either. When Elstad comes back he should play flank. We really miss Flo!
15 Mar 2012, 13:51 pm
Chiefs
Tahs
Hurricanes
Stormers
Sharks
Cheetahs
Iam hoping our SA sides do us proud this weekend.
Sharks are at home, there are no excuses.Of course they face a fantastic team, but its time to step up the levels of performance.They have a sqaud capable of winning the tournament.
If the Cheetahs can’t beat the Rebels this weekend,they dont deserve Super-rugby status. They have enough Super-rugby experience, the bulk of thier Currie Cup side is intact and they do possess qaulity players. There are no excuses. Head-strong.
I will probably piss people off with this comment, but i dont care how the Stormers play, as long as they win, and as long as they beat a depleted Blues team this weekend.
Its time our SA sides particularly the Cheetahs, Sharks and Lions start performing consistently well. Our own Saffas should never predict home losses for our local sides.
Excuses are over, SA sides need to step up.
15 Mar 2012, 13:54 pm
@bangkok-bok(bangkok-bok)-63: I can’t figure out why you say that about Kolisi. In his last game he effected the most turnovers and made the most tackles by some distance (20). He also carried the ball very effectively. He’s only marginally lighter than Koster and bigger than guys like Botes or Brussow.
15 Mar 2012, 13:55 pm
The responsible ‘investor’ will have to be careful with his money this week, none of the cheaters is in charge: Joubert plying his racket in Europe, Lawrence is Kaplan’s lineman and Jonker was relegated
Brumbies @ the Chiefs: JW not reknown for winning away
Chiefs by 15 plus
Cheetahs @ the Rebels: Drotzky believes he can win with Johnson and Raubenheimer, good for him!
Rebels by 7 plus
The Blues @ the Stormers: Playing under a Kiwi ref is a bit difficult, the Stormers will find out the hard way
The Blues by 3-6
The Reds @ the Sharks: The Sharks must fancy their chances vs the Champs
The Reds by 7-10
15 Mar 2012, 13:57 pm
New catch phrase at Keo.co.za “controlled aggression”
@stew(stew)-60: So he will be starting next week?
15 Mar 2012, 13:59 pm
My picks
Chiefs
Stormers
Highlanders
Waratahs
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 13:59 pm
@wpjoulekkading(wpjoulekkading)-51: im calling a stormers and sharks win
expecting the blues to win is unrealistic, missing 5 or 6 all blacks
Reds will come down to earth this weekend
15 Mar 2012, 13:59 pm
so the k@k lions aren’t playing this weekend, they must get use to it, cause after 2012, they won’t play super rugby anytime soon!
15 Mar 2012, 14:08 pm
@BWA(Dusktill)-70: lol
15 Mar 2012, 14:09 pm
@jacoshark(jacoshark)-69: The Reds havent left earth yet their performances so far have left them grounded. They are missing Quake!
15 Mar 2012, 14:11 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-67: looks good
15 Mar 2012, 14:14 pm
@jacoshark(jacoshark)-69: Yeh the Reds pack is going to hammer the Sharks into the earth !
15 Mar 2012, 14:21 pm
@stew(stew)-74: haha i really dont see how all you folks are so amped about this reds pack, much like the feared crusaders pack- theyve been poor, big names and all
15 Mar 2012, 14:22 pm
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-72: the way you talking their pack up makes me think theyre on a another planet
15 Mar 2012, 14:40 pm
I picked on me bru:
Chiefs
Tahs
Highlanders
Stormers
Sharks
Rebels
I think the Chiefs are going to fall apart at some point, but not this week against what is a really mediocre side.
Any team playing the Force sort of picks themselves in my eyes as long as they have a decent pack, and by Aussie standards the Tahs have a good one.
I rate the ‘Canes, but I also think the Highlanders are on course to repeat last year – streamroller everyone until their playstyle leaves them with an injury list that derails their season irretrievably.
Stormers because the game the Blues played against the Bulls shouldn’t work as effectively, and the Blues’ injuries are in key places. I also don’t believe JP or Grant will have as poor a game with the boot as Steyn did (I don’t think Steyn will have a game that bad again for a long time either). I don’t think the gap will be 10+ though.
Sharks – Reds pack is not performing to expectations at all when you actually watch their games, the backline is very static and doesn’t run the ball well, and Genia is slowing it down as much as Michalak does (why, I have no idea). All this showed against the Rebels when the Reds had serious issues breaking down what was no more than a reasonable defensive effort. Caveat – if the Captaincy of the Sharks continue to be as stupid as they’ve been so far with the penalties this one might end up being a loss.
Rebels – I want the Cheetahs to win, but the Rebels actually looked semi-reasonable against the Reds last outing and will definitely be targeting this game. I’m picking the home team and hoping I’m wrong.
15 Mar 2012, 15:13 pm
12/21. Statistically that’s what you would expect from flipping a coin. Incredible how these guys actually make money from trying to be rugby experts.
15 Mar 2012, 15:47 pm
@DieBarry(DieBarry)-78:
That is very harsh on the journos.
I think their picks to date have all being well reasoned and constructed.
One can interpret the 57% statistic in another way too – the playing field is a lot more level than most people think.
Any team can beat any other team on their day.
15 Mar 2012, 15:49 pm
Now a days you just ask the ref who’s going to win , easy as that.
15 Mar 2012, 17:06 pm
@willievz(willievz)-79:
It is only when the Cheetahs and Lions are playing that it is relatively safe to bet a few pounds on the opposition for a win.
15 Mar 2012, 17:28 pm
@Andre_WP(Andre_WP)-80:
Better even, ask the referees’ boss what are his instructions
@Robzim(Robzim)-81:
There was an overwhelming betting on the Bulls last week, how safe was it in a hindsight?
15 Mar 2012, 17:37 pm
@Andre_WP(Andre_WP)-80:
Have to agree with your sentiments.
“Todays rugby game stars {name of ref}
Co-staring {names of assistant refs}
With, in order of appearance {Team Sheets}”
The Super XX requires NH refs to ensure equality.
15 Mar 2012, 17:46 pm
@stew(stew)-56: It could be. First of all they must survive the conference, they are not famous for successful travelling.
And with Canes still doing fine, it’s a 5 horse race. Tough.
15 Mar 2012, 17:49 pm
@Andre_WP(Andre_WP)-80: Or who doesn’t. I would like to see whether Kaplan will ref Waratahs this year.
If he does (apart from, say, versus the likes of Cheetahs/Force & Co.), they may not bother to turn up at all.
15 Mar 2012, 18:50 pm
I’m going with:
Chiefs – home team and can’t see Jakes team winning 3 from 3
Stormers – because I can – and the tries will come
Canes – most difficult game to pick but Canes are improving and are at home
Tahs – they’ve let me down twice so 3rd time lucky
Sharks – they’re at home and the Reds aren’t the same without Cooper
Cheetahs – also difficult to call
15 Mar 2012, 19:38 pm
I have 3 SA losses this weekend.
15 Mar 2012, 20:19 pm
@Hondo(Hondo)-66: Let’s face it, the Reds will make mincemeat out of a very mediocre Sharks outfit. 7-10, Hondo? More like 17-20 once the midfield garbage of JP Pieterson and Whitehead are exposed. No SA team can compete against the Reds. Simply too smart these Aussies.
15 Mar 2012, 20:53 pm
@kwas(kwas)-88: yes yes, the mediocre 1 try conceded midfield.
tell me again why spies wears protective gear on his head?
15 Mar 2012, 21:06 pm
To look cool?
15 Mar 2012, 21:08 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-89: Ludeke has a habit of klapping the nearest oke in the dressing room at halftime if things don’t go well. Spies is not taking chances.
15 Mar 2012, 21:17 pm
@rangerman(rangerman)-89: 1 try conceded against whom? The mighty Bulls and Lions midfields. Please, ranger, don’t be grapkas.
15 Mar 2012, 21:43 pm
15 Mar 2012, 21:46 pm
@kwas(kwas)-92: bulls lions stomers.
two of them away from home eh?
@>^..^< katman(katman)-91: @Dawn(Dawn)-90: could be either, could be to protect his hair for the post match presser.
15 Mar 2012, 21:49 pm
Spies is covering his cranial stigmata.
15 Mar 2012, 21:52 pm
Oh no, time to do the bru picks again…
Last week was a bit up and down! A few upsets on the way.
15 Mar 2012, 21:54 pm
@Tartan(Tartan)-95:
wait, are you being serious…….
15 Mar 2012, 21:57 pm
To look butch!
15 Mar 2012, 22:57 pm
Chiefs
Stormers
Highlanders
Waratahs
Sharks
Cheetahs
15 Mar 2012, 22:58 pm
100
15 Mar 2012, 23:04 pm
Chiefs
tahs
Blues
Canes
Rebels
Sharks
16 Mar 2012, 00:37 am
@rangerman(rangerman)-97:
Alternatively he’s been trepanned.
16 Mar 2012, 02:15 am
CHIEFS
WARRATAHS
BLUES
CANES V HIGHLANDERS = DRAW
CHEETAHS
SHARKS
16 Mar 2012, 07:37 am
chiefs
warratahs
blues
highlanders
rebels…big improvers will win quite comfortably…
reds…with the demons Cooper is carrying from the WC, it may be better for us with him out for a while…
16 Mar 2012, 08:19 am
@gregars(gregars)-104: The rebels lost Beale and Mitch Inman to injury and Cipriani is struggling with flu. Cheetahs to take this one.
16 Mar 2012, 10:47 am
@Sasuke(Sasuke)-105: Could be right on that one.
16 Mar 2012, 11:55 am
I just looked at the current log. The best-placed Aussie team has a negative points difference. This just prove how this format helps their sub-standard teams, and nobody else!!!
16 Mar 2012, 11:56 am
@gregars(gregars)-104: With Beale out and Cipriani doubtful, I am not so sure anymore…
16 Mar 2012, 16:45 pm
Cipriani gone at 10 would actually probably improve them defensively if they play O’Connor there instead. Anyway, definitely less sure about that game (and was unsure to begin with anyway).
Cheetahs win would be a good thing, picks aside.
17 Mar 2012, 02:42 am
Cipriani out (defensively at least) is not too bad…Beale and Inman is another matter! if the Cheetahs can’t win this one…it will be a little confusing to hear of how ‘weak’ the Aussie conference is.
17 Mar 2012, 18:52 pm
VREDE and Jc, i guess bismarck du plessis and his boys doesn’t agree with u guys hahaha
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