This is the Super Rugby Ultimate Preview, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know for those crucial tips or fantasy transfers. As always the Brown Hornet is on board, providing his well thought-out selections for each fixture.
Friday 3rd June
Highlanders v. Force @ Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin 5:35pm AEST
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Mo Schwalger, 1 Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Robbie Robinson 22 Alando Soakai.
IN: Hardie, Donnelly
OUT: Soakai, Saunders
A couple of small changes for the Highlanders, with Hardie coming in for Soakai at openside.
Force: 15. Cameron Shepherd, 14. Alfie Mafi, 13. Pat Dellit, 12. Rory Sidey, 11. David Smith, 10. James Stannard, 9. Mark Swanepoel, 8. Ben McCalman, 7. David Pocock, 6. Matt Hodgson, 5. Nathan Sharpe (c), 4. Sam Wykes, 3. Tim Fairbrother, 2. Nathan Charles, 1. Kieran Longbottom. Reserves: 16. Ben Whittaker, 17. Matt Dunning, 18. Tom Hockings, 19. Richard Brown, 20. Chris Cottee, 21. Mitch Inman, 22. Nick Cummins.
IN: Mafi
OUT: Cummins
Just one change — Mafi in for the Honey Badger.
Recent History: Highlanders 2 – 3 Force. The Force have won the past three games against the Highlanders, winning 41–27 at Queenstown last year.
Last 5: Highlanders LLWxL, Force LLxDL
Hornet’s Tip: A real banana skin game, this one, for the finals aspirants. The Highlanders rather inexplicably got knocked off last week, denting their finals chances. They started their season with a hiss and a roar but are starting to flag a little. They’ll need total commitment to stay in the hunt, with a couple of tough games to finish their season. The Force, on the other hand, have a real opportunity to be spoliers this week (their remaining games don’t mean as much in the context of the finals) and I would expect them to be fairly fired up. They could do a couple of teams a real favour by winning. The halves pairing worked brilliantly last week and will be persisted with. I’m going for the Force to get a sneaky victory, by 5.
Odds: Highlanders $1.32, Force $3.45
Rebels v. Stormers @ AAMI Park, Melbourne 7:40pm AEST
Rebels: 15 Richard Kingi, 14 Lachie Mitchell, 13 Mark Gerrard, 12 Stirling Mortlock (c), 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Julian Huxley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jarrod Saffy, 5 Alister Campbell, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson. Reserves: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Tim Davidson, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Peter Betham, 22 Afusipa Taumopeau.
IN: Mitchell, Delve, Lipman, Henderson, Freier, Cordingley
OUT: Rooney, Davidson, Jones, Somerville, Tessman, Blake, Hilgendorf
Plenty of changes for the Rebels, with frontline backrowers Delve and Lipman returning to the starting side, along with the first appearance for crowd favourite and budding media baron Adam Freier.
Stormers: 15. Conrad Jantjes, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Jean De Villiers, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Kurt Coleman, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Schalk Burger (c), 5. Anton van Zyl, 4. Rynhardt Elstadt, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Frans Malherbe, 18. Andries Bekker, 19. Nick Koster, 20. Louis Schreuder, 21. Earl Rose, 22. Juan de Jongh.
IN: De Villiers, Coleman, Januarie, Vermeulen, van Zyl, Liebenberg, Malherbe, Schreuder, Rose
OUT: de Jongh, Grant, Duvenage, Koster, Bekker, D Fourie, Kitshoff, Sadie
The Stormers have made six changes to their starting lineup as they come to the end of their tour.
Recent History: None
Last 5: Rebels LLLLx, Stormers WLLWW
Hornet’s Tip: Anchored to the bottom of the table, the Rebels have fallen away a bit and had a pretty poor first tour of the Republic. They’ll be looking to improve, and will need to against a Stormers outfit that appear to have found some rhythm again. The Stormers know that they are a big chance to take out the top spot in the South African conference. A bonus point victory here will be extremely helpful and I expect them to come out with all guns blazing and try and put a score up fairly early. Stormers by 13.
Odds: Rebels $6.10, Stormers $1.13
Saturday 4th June
Bulls v. Waratahs @ Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 3:10am AEST
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane / Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Dean Greyling. Reserves: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Dustin Jinka, 21 Francois Brummer, 22 Gerhard van den Heever / Stephen Dippenaar.
IN: Rossouw, G Botha
OUT: Potgieter, Ralepelle
An injury cloud hangs over Akona Ndungane, so he is bracketed with van den Heever. Rossouw comes in for Potgieter after a brilliant effort against the Cheetahs.
Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Lachie Turner, 13. Tom Carter, 12. Berrick Barnes, 11. Sosene Anesi, 10. Daniel Halangahu, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Ben Mowen, 7. Chris Alcock, 6. Dean Mumm (c), 5. Sitaleki Timani, 4. Kane Douglas, 3. Al Baxter, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16. John Ulugia, 17. Paddy Ryan, 18. Pat O’Connor, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Hugh Perrett, 21. Brendan McKibbin, 22. Atieli Pakalani.
IN: Barnes, Douglas, Baxter, Ryan
OUT: Cross, Dennis, Kepu, Batger
Barnes comes back in, while Douglas comes into the second row and Mumm pushes to 6 to give the pack some more size.
Recent History: Bulls 5 – 0 Waratahs. The Waratahs have struggled against the Bulls in recent times. Last year they lost 48–38 at Loftus in a valiant effort.
Last 5: Bulls WxWWW, Waratahs WWxWL
Hornet’s Tip: Huge game for both teams, this. A slip-up here for either team will really hurt them. The Bulls will be feeling pretty confident and have over the last few weeks proven that there is some life in the old dog yet. Their unexpected win against the Sharks really threw the finals race up in the air. Their big pack and the accurate boot of Steyn will be looking forward to facing the Tahs this week. As for those Tahs, it’s pretty much do or die. This week I think we find out how much they want to play finals footy. Their season has been one of some missed opportunities so far and they have a chance to make amends on the weekend. They also desperately need to find a way to the tryline, which at times has been a real problem for them. My heart says the Tahs, but my heads says the Bulls by 8.
Odds: Bulls $1.31, Waratahs $3.50
Hurricanes v. Lions @ Westpac Stadium, Wellington 3:30pm AEST
Hurricanes: 15. Cory Jane, 14. Alapati Leiua, 13. Conrad Smith / Jayden Hayward, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Hosea Gear, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Victor Vito (c), 7. Jack Lam, 6. Faifili Levave, 5. James Broadhurst, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore, 1. John Schwalger. Reserves: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Jason Eaton, 19. Mark Reddish, 20. Chris Eaton, 21. Jayden Hayward / Julian Savea, 22. Richard Buckman.
IN: Leiua, Weepu, Hore, J Eaton, Buckman
OUT: Taylor, C Eaton, Coles, Evans
Conrad Smith is in doubt for the game, and is bracketed with the reliable Hayward. Piri Weepu makes his long-awaited return to the starting lineup at the expense of Eaton.
Lions: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Dylan Des Fountain, 13 Doppies La Grange (c), 12 Butch James, 11 Deon van Rensburg, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Derek Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Wikus van Heerden, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 David De Villiers, 19 Warren Whiteley, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Alwyn Hollenbach, 22 Michael Killian.
IN: Grobbelaar, De Villiers
OUT: Rhodes
Just one change for the resurgent Lions, with Michael Rhodes taking an enforced six-game break after his UFC homage last Saturday.
Recent History: Hurricanes 4 – 1 Lions. The Lions solitary win came in 2007, with the Hurricanes winning this game 33–18 at home last year.
Last 5: Hurricanes WLLxW, Lions xLWLW
Hornet’s Tip: Though neither team has much to play for, this should be an interesting contest. The Canes come off a thrilling game against the Force where they got across the line. They still know how to score but they got smashed at the breakdown, which should worry them. Their defence isn’t great either. The Lions caused a huge upset by beating the contending Highlanders and will be happy with their last few halves of rugby (they were also good in the second half against the Tahs). They’ll be looking for a Kiwi scalp here and I reckon they are a chance to get it. I reckon the Lions by 5.
Odds: Hurricanes $1.17, Lions $5.15
Blues v. Chiefs @ Eden Park, Auckland 5:35pm AEST
Blues: 15 Lachie Munro, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Luke McAlister , 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tevita Mailau. Reserves: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Chris Lowrey, 19 Sean Polwart, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
IN: B Stanley, Ranger, Mailau, Faumuina
OUT: Brett, W Stanley, Stowers, Mealamu, Manu
Stephen Brett gets the arse, with Benson Stanley coming in to 12 and Lucky McAlister pushing in to 10. Kev Mealamu has a week on the bench, while Rene Ranger makes his return to the wing.
Chiefs: 15. Mils Muliaina (c), 14. Lelia Masaga, 13. Richard Kahui, 12. Tana Umaga, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10. Stephen Donald, 9. Brendon Leonard, 8. Fritz Lee, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam, 5. Craig Clarke, 4. Romana Graham, 3. Nathan White, 2. Hika Elliot, 1. Ben May. Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Toby Smith, 18. Callum Retallick, 19. Matt Vant Leven, 20. Taniwha Kerr-Barlow, 21. Mike Delany, 22. Dwayne Sweeney.
IN: Masaga, Umaga, Latimer, White, May, Vant Leven
OUT: Nanai-Williams, Sweeney, Cane, Afeaki, Taumalolo, Tuifua
Tana Umaga comes in for Sweeney, while Masaga, Latimer and May also return from injury.
Recent History: Blues 4 – 1 Chiefs. The Blues took out the first encounter this year 16–13 in a dour Hamilton encounter. The Chiefs’ only win came in 2009.
Last 5: Blues WWLLx, Chiefs LWWLx
Hornet’s Tip: The Blues really, really need to win this game. Simple as that. They’ve got a Crusaders team hot on their tail right now and they have an opportunity to keep their noses in front. They’ll be filthy about losing that game to the Stormers, especially when they had a handy lead at half time. That was a big opportunity missed. Expect their back row and midfield to take it out on the Chiefs, who have played quite a bit better in the last few weeks. A big test for them this week, however. Their backs are as lethal as ever, but the line that faces them is also very, very handy. This one will be won in the forwards and I don’t know if the Chiefs have the muscle or the mongrel to go with the Blues here. Blues by 10.
Odds: Blues $1.36, Chiefs $3.20
Reds v. Brumbies @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7:40pm AEST
Reds: 15. Ben Lucas, 14. Luke Morahan, 13. Anthony Faingaa, 12. Ben Tapuai, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Radike Samo, 7. Ben Coridas, 6. Scott Higginbotham, 5. James Horwill (c), 4. Rob Simmons, 3. James Slipper, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1. Ben Daley. Res: 16. James Hanson, 17. Greg Holmes, 18. Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19. Jake Schatz, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Will Chambers, 22. Dom Shipperley.
IN: Coridas
OUT: Robinson
Only one change for the Reds, with Beau out for four to six weeks with a dislocated elbow. Coridas makes his Super Rugby debut.
Brumbies: 15. Pat McCabe, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Tyrone Smith, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Matt Giteau (c), 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. Julian Salvi, 6. Mitch Chapman, 5. Ben Hand, 4. Mark Chisholm, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Jono Owen. Reserves: 16. Anthony Hegarty, 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Henry Vanderglas, 20. Nic White, 21. Robbie Coleman, 22. Andrew Smith.
IN: Giteau, Phibbs, White, Vanderglas
OUT: Toomua, Valentine, Hooper
Gits returns, while Valentine is out with injury and Hooper goes to the Under 20s.
Recent History: Reds 1 – 4 Brumbies. The Reds broke a 12-game losing streak to get up over the Brumbies 31–25 in Canberra in Round 3.
Last 5: Reds LWWxW, Brumbies LLLDL
Hornet’s Tip: The Reds are coming off a huge victory against the Cru last week. It was a fabulous game in front of a large crowd. They were a bit fortunate to win it in the end, but that’s footy. Nearly everything is working well for them right now and they play an exciting brand of footy. The set pieces are a bit of a concern at present and they will require work in preparation for the finals. Their opposition, the Brumbies, haven’t really improved that much since Tony Rea’s now famous spray. They still look like a team waiting for the season to finish and it’s hard to see where they will have an advantage across the paddock. Their record is actually pretty good against the Reds, but that won’t be enough I suspect. Reds by 15.
Odds: Reds $1.09, Brumbies $7.70
Sunday 5th June
Cheetahs v. Sharks @ Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein 1:05am AEST
Cheetahs: 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Riaan Viljoen, 13. Robert Ebersohn, 12. Corne Uys, 11. Philip Snyman, 10. Sias Ebersohn, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Davon Raubenheimer, 7. Ashley Johnson, 6. Johan Wessels, 5. Martin Muller, 4. Francois Uys, 3. WP Nel, 2. Adriaan Strauss, 1. Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: 16. Ryno Barnes, 17. Lourens Adriaanse, 18. Izak van der Westhuizen, 19. Pieter Myburgh, 20. Tewis de Bruyn, 21. Naas Olivier, 22. Riaan Smit.
IN: Daniller, Wessels, Myburgh
OUT: Smit, Floors
The Cheetahs lose Floors to injury, while Smit drops out for Daniller.
Sharks: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Eugene van Staden, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 John Smit (c). Reserves: 16 Tendai Mtawarira, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Jacques Botes, 20 Frederic Michalak, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Adrian Jacobs.
IN: McLeod, Kankowski, Alberts, Mostert, Michalak, Jacobs
OUT: Hoffman, Deysel, Botes, Hargreaves, Swanepoel
An injury to Conrad Hoffman allows Charl McLeod to come in to the XV and for Freddy Michalak to come onto the bench. Kankowski comes in for Deysel who is suspended for two weeks after his choke-hold effort on Tom Carter.
Recent History: Cheetahs 2 – 3 Sharks. The Sharks won their clash in Round 1 this year 24–9 at home.
Last 5: Cheetahs WWWWL, Sharks LWxLW
Hornet’s Tip: Where was this form from the Cheetahs in the first half of the season? They started out as their normal selves, but have since found something and played a lot better. Their pack is playing as well as anyone right now and they can run up a score with the best of them. The Sharks, however, have a huge amount to play for, especially when you consider that they have an effective knockout final coming up against the Bulls in the last round. I expect them to muscle up big time and try to physically dominate in this game. Forward power will win it for them, but they will be hoping that their speed demons out on the flanks will be able to get them a bonus point. I suspect they will need it. Sharks by 10.
Odds: Cheetahs $2.20, Sharks $1.68
The Bet: Thanks to the efforts of a couple of plucky underdogs in New Zealand we are now sitting on a $40 profit. And I am going to continue with the same logic as last week: namely, a couple of unfancied sides that are being given outrageous starts by the bookmakers. The first is the Lions, whom I expect to put up another good fight against the Hurricanes. Despite having their best side on the field the Wellington men continue to struggle, and the Force should have probably knocked them off last week. They may well beat the Lions but it won’t be a blowout. The same can be said for the Brumbies, whom I expect to get close to a battle-weary Reds outfit. The Brumbies have a great record in Brisbane and Aussie derbies tend to be tight affairs.
Take the Lions +12.5 into the Brumbies +16.5 at $3.65 with Centrebet.
Whom are you tipping?
