Brumbies v. Highlanders Super Rugby R9 2013

[Hugh Jarse]

The Clan are due for a victory at some stage. This week could be it.

The Brums have to be on top of their game. No going to sleep like they have the last couple of weeks.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Predictions for the game:
Ben Alexander should be on the bench for Sio. Otherwise front row is good.
Kimlin isn't strong enough at lock, especially behind Alexander.
Backrow should go well, debutant at 6 could go either way.
Backline combination returns. Good.

Predicting lineup for the Highlanders:
1. Mackintosh
2. Hore
3. King
4. Thorn
5. Bekhuis
6. Hoeata
7. Hardie
8. Dixon
9. Smith
10. Slade
11. Gear
12. Nonu
13. Burleigh
14. Popoalii
15. Smith

Front row is even
Highlanders locks better
Brumbies backrow better
Brumbies 9-10 slightly better
Wingers even
Centres even
Fullback even

Highlanders by 7

 

[Dan54]

Interesting to see the Clan have dropped Smith and Slade, will be interesting to see how Tanaka goes over full game, as well as Hayden Parker at 10.

 

[Ghibli]

Brumbies are the underdog for this one.
Unless they regain the earlier form and intensity, a win is unlikely right now.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Can someone give us a bit of information about Jordan Smiler?

A big, tall unit who is strong at lineout. Ran well in the trials. Also a big hit with the ladies.

 

[Ash]

A big, tall unit who is strong at lineout. Ran well in the trials. Also a big hit with the ladies.

Jordan Smiler, is that you?

 

[ACR]

Interesting to see the Clan have dropped Smith and Slade, will be interesting to see how Tanaka goes over full game, as well as Hayden Parker at 10.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (captain), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Colin Slade, Jason Emery.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8536497/Highlanders-drop-All-Blacks-duo-Smith-Slade

Was bound to happen wasn't it. Smith should have got this two weeks ago. It'll do him good to come on with 20 minutes to go and just sprint around the park. Hayden Parker should go okay, they'll probably send McCabe crashing into him all game. Now if only Treeby or Ellison weren't injured, Nonu could find some form on the bench as well. TJ Ioane is fun to watch, he is explosive with ball in hand.

 

[Braveheart81]

There were multiple times last week where the Highlanders lost the ball at the ruck because the ball came out and Aaron Smith was looking at his backline or where the pod of forwards were assembling.

His first duty always has to be the ball and he was hopeless at that last week.

 

[hawktrain]

Tanaka is a champion, deserves a shot in the starting XV. Predicted the Highlanders to break their duck the last couple of weeks, I'll stick with them again, Highlanders by 8.

 

[Ghibli]

they'll probably send McCabe crashing into him all game.

McCabe on the bench

 

[RoffsChoice]

McCabe on the bench

And praise be thy name for delivering us from his evil.

 

[something]

Henry Speight try after 2mins

 

[something]

he's rocking a great mo as well

 

[qwerty51]

Nisbo forgot how good Smith is.

 

[The Red Baron]

Brumbies looking slick early in the game.

Currently 7-0 to the Brumbies with Lili lining up a penalty kick.

 

[The Red Baron]

6 minutes gone, Brumbies up 10-0.

Andrew Smith is off, Kuridrani is on.

 

[The Red Baron]

Highlanders penalised close to the Brumbies line, Hardie going off his feet.

Reprieve for the Brumbies. Lineout now 10m in Highlanders territory.

 

[The Red Baron]

Penalty Highlanders, Brumbies offside.

Highlanders taking a shot for goal 45m out on the angle.

 

[The Red Baron]

10-3 to the Brumbies. Penalty kick nailed.

 

[Tomikin]

10 - 3 Brumbies. how good is speight, I reckon a wallaby in waiting