This is the Super Rugby Ultimate Preview, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know for those all-important tips or fantasy transfers. As always the Brown Hornet is on board, providing his well thought-out tips for each fixture.
Friday 25th March
Rebels v. Hurricanes @ AAMI Stadium, Melbourne 7:40pm EDST
Rebels: 15 Richard Kingi, 14 Luke Rooney, 13 Lachlan Mitchell, 12 Stirling Mortlock (c), 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (vc), 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Jarrod Saffy, 5 Alister Campbell, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Rodney Blake. Reserves: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Adam Byrnes, 19 Tim Davidson, 20 JD Du Plessis , 21 Peter Betham, 22 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
IN: Kingi, Rooney, Lipman, Pyle, Blake, Holmes, Du Plessis
OUT: Huxley, Taumoepeau, Chamberlain, Byrnes, Henderson, Tessmann
Injury to Julian Huxley gives Richard Kingi his first run-on start of the year, with JD du Plessis stepping up to the bench. Nic Henderson is being rested, giving Rodzilla his first shot in Rebel blue. Michael Lipman returns from injury to bolster the back row.
Hurricanes: 15. Cory Jane, 14. Julian Savea, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Andre Taylor, 10. Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9. Chris Eaton, 8. Victor Vito, 7. Jack Lam, 6. Faifili Levave, 5. Jason Eaton, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore (c), 1. John Schwalger. Reserves : 16. Dane Coles, 17. Anthony Perenise, 18. James Broadhurst, 19. Serge Lilo, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Jayden Hayward.
IN: Lilo
OUT: Reddish
Just the solitary change on the bench for the Canes.
Recent History: No history
Last 5: Rebels – LWLLL, Hurricanes – LDxWL
Hornet’s Tip: The Rebels were diabolical against the Reds last week and will want to redeem themselves in a big way. They’ll be at home in front of the great support they get and I predict they will play a lot better. The Canes were in it for a good portion of the game last weekend and got rolled in the end. They’ll be primed and should take the points I think. Canes by 10.
Odds: Rebels $4.35, Hurricanes $1.22
Saturday 26th March
Reds v. Cheetahs @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 3:40pm EDST
Reds: 15. Ben Lucas, 14. Rod Davies, 13. Ben Tapuai, 12. Anthony Fainga’a, 11. Digby Ioane, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia; 8. Leroy Houston, 7. Beau Robinson, 6. Scott Higginbotham, 5. James Horwill (c), 4. Rob Simmons, 3. James Slipper, 2. Saia Fainga’a, 1. Ben Daley. Res: 16. James Hanson, 17. Greg Holmes, 18. Adam Wallace-Harrison, 19. Radike Samo, 20. Jake Schatz, 21. Mike Harris, 22. Luke Morahan.
IN: Horwill, Schatz
OUT: Wallace-Harrison, Quirk, Gill
Inspirational leader James Horwill returns to the Reds starting lineup, with the unlucky AWH dropping to the bench. A bench reshuffle is the result, with Schatz coming in and Gill and Quirk dropping out.
Cheetahs: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Philip Snyman, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Wilmaure Louw, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Philip van der Walt, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp (c), 4 Martin Muller, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Coenie Oosthuizen. Replacements: 16 Skipper Badenhorst , 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Francois Uys 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Fabian Juries.
IN: C. Uys, Louw
OUT: Strauss, Juries, Viljoen
A few changes for the Cheetahs, with last week’s skipper Andries Strauss out of action with injury. Corne Uys comes in to replace him while Wilhelm ‘Kaiser’ Steenkamp takes the captaincy, making him the Cheetahs’ fourth captain so far this year.
Recent History: Reds 3 – 2 Cheetahs. Games went according to home advantage until last year, when the Reds won 31–10 in the Republic.
Last 5: Reds WLWxW, Cheetahs LLLLW
Hornet’s Tip: A much better performance from the boys up north last weekend, though it has to be said that they were helped a bit by a hapless Rebels outfit. This could prove to be the same kind of banana skin game it was for the Tahs if they aren’t completely switched on. Horwill is back and I think his presence helps them a great deal. With enough front-foot ball their backs could do some damage. The Cheetahs throroughly deserved their win last week. They showed a lot more commitment and purpose than the Tahs and took the points. I’m not sure they can make it two on the trot though and I’m tipping the Reds by 5.
Odds: Reds $1.09, Cheetahs $7.65
Chiefs v. Blues @ Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 5:35pm EDST
Chiefs: 15. Tim Nanai-Williams, 14. Lelia Masaga, 13. Richard Kahui, 12. Tana Umaga, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10. Mike Delany, 9. Brendon Leonard, 8. Liam Messam (c), 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Scott Waldrom, 5. Isaac Ross, 4. Craig Clarke, 3. Nathan White, 2. Hika Elliot, 1. Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Toby Smith, 18. Callum Retallick, 19. Fritz Lee, 20. Taniela Moa, 21. Dwayne Sweeney, 22. Save Tokula.
IN: Delany, Taumalolo, Smith, Retallick, Tokula
OUT: Donald, May, Graham
Injury rules out Ben May and Steven Donald, with Sona Taumalolo and Mike Delany coming in to take their place
Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Kurtis Haiu, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Matt Luamanu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers/Benson Stanley
IN: Rokocoko
OUT: Stanley
Just the one change for the Blues, with big Joe Rokocoko coming back in place of Benson Stanley.
Recent History: Chiefs 2 – 3 Blues. These sides have been fairly evenly matched, with the Chiefs’ two wins coming in 2009 and 2006. Last year the Blues won 30–20 at home.
Last 5: Chiefs LLWLW, Blues WLWDW
Hornet’s Tip: A tough one to call, this: both teams are looking pretty good right now, especially the Blues. The gutsy Chiefs took the points last week in a dour-ish struggle against the Sharks and are starting to look better as the rounds progress. The Blues really clapped on the jets in the last quarter of their game with the Canes and ran in five tries. They are a very exciting attacking team when they hold onto the pill and they should win again this weekend. Blues to win by 12.
Odds: Chiefs $2.00, Blues $1.83
Brumbies v. Waratahs @ Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 7:40pm EDST
Brumbies: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Henry Speight, 13. Andrew Smith, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau (c), 9 Josh Valentine, 8. Ita Vaea, 7. Julian Salvi, 6. Colby Fainga’a, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Dan Palmer, 2. Huia Edmonds, 1. Ben Alexander. Reserves: 16. Anthony Hegarty, 17. Salesi Ma’afu, 18. Peter Kimlin, 19. Michael Hooper, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Robbie Coleman.
IN: Edmonds, Hegarty, Salvi, Lealiifano, Smith, Hooper
OUT: Moore, Coleman, Chapman, McCabe
Injuries to Moore, McCabe and Chapman certainly don’t help the Brumbies’ cause this week. Their replacements are Edmonds, Salvi and Smith, while Lealiifano swaps places with Coleman.
Waratahs: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Lachie Turner, 13. Ryan Cross, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (c), 6. Ben Mowen, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Al Baxter ,2. Damien Fitzpatrick, 1. Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16. John Ulugia, 17. Jermey Tilse, 18. Sitaleki Timani, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Pat McCutcheon, 21. Brendan McKibbin, 22. Daniel Halangahu, 23. Atieli Pakalani (one to be omitted).
Recent History: Waratahs 3 – 2 Brumbies. The past five encounters have all gone to the home side, with the Tahs taking out last year’s game 19–12 at ANZ.
Last 5: Waratahs WWLxL, Brumbies WLLLx
Hornet’s Tip: Two teams who are really struggling. This has all the makings of a mistake-riddled borefest if at least one of the teams doesn’t pull their finger out. The Brumbies have staggered from bad to worse this season and need sensible selections, confidence and a bit of concentration. The Tahs need to rediscover the physical presence they had in the first couple of rounds, because it’s sure gone missing in the last couple of weeks. On paper you’d have to feel that the Tahs are favourites, especially with the talismanic P. Waugh coming back. Tahs by 8.
Odds: Brumbies $2.03, Waratahs $1.80
Sunday 27th7 March
Stormers v. Force @ Newlands, Cape Town 12:00 midnight EDST
Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Pieter Louw, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw Reserves: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Nick Koster, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronje, 22 . Juan de Jongh.
IN: Steenkamp, van Zyl, Ntubeni, Cronje
OUT: Elstadt, Reynecke, van Aswegen
Impressive lock Elstadt is forced out through injury, with his place taken by De Kock Steenkamp. The bench is also reshuffled.
Force: 15. Cameron Shepherd, 14. Alfie Mafi, 13. Nick Cummins, 12. Gene Fairbanks, 11. David Smith, 10. James O’Connor, 9. Brett Sheehan, 8. Ben McCalman, 7. Matt Hodgson, 6. Richard Brown, 5. Nathan Sharpe (c), 4. Sam Wykes, 3. Tim Fairbrother, 2. Ben Whittaker, 1. Pek Cowan. Reserves: 16. Nathan Charles, 17. Kieran Longbottom, 18. Tom Hockings, 19. Tevita Metuisela, 20. James Stannard, 21. Matt Brandon, 22. Pat Dellit
UNCHANGED
Recent History: Stormers 3 – 2 Force. These two have a history of close games, with three of their last five meetings being decided by a single point. Last year’s match ended in a 16–15 Force win at home. The Force have won at Newlands: 22–3 in 2007.
Last 5: Stormers xWWWW, Force LxLDW
Hornet’s Tip: The Stormers just keep on keeping on this season, though they haven’t ventured out of the Republic yet. They are playing a solid, perhaps unspectacular, brand of footy right now, but it has to be said that it is very effective. The Force have been gutsy all season and with a tiny amount of luck could have had at least a 50% record. They will have to front up in the biggest possible fashion this week. The battle in the collisions will be monumental, Burger or not. I still think the Stormers will take it though — too many big guns. The men from the Cape by 10.
Odds: Stormers $1.25, Force $4.05
Bulls v. Lions @ Loftus, Pretoria 2:05am EDST
Bulls: 15 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling. Replacements: 16 Gary Botha, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Flip Van Der Merwe, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Derick Kuun, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Francois Brummer.
IN: van der Westhuyzen, Greyling
OUT: Kirchner, Steenkamp
Kirchner and Steenkamp are out with injury, and in their places coms Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Dean Greyling.
Lions: 15 Michael Killian, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Doppies La Grange, 11 Deon van Rensburg, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Derrick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Franco van der Merwe (c), 4 David Bulbring, 3 Pat Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 Michael Rhodes, 19 Josh Strauss, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Andre Pretorius, 22 Jaco Taute.
IN: La Grange, van Rensburg, Vermaak, Grobbelaar, Bulbring, Marutlulle, Adriaanse, Pretorius
OUT: Taute, Boshoff, Francis, Kockott, Bondesio, van Heerden, Bezuidenhout, Buys
A plethora of changes for the Lions, the main ones being the return of injured stars Doppies La Grange and Jano Vermaak. The only other change I want to mention is the inclusion of Edgar Marutlelle on the bench, as it breaks two Super Rugby records: the first ever appearance in Super Rugby by somebody named Edgar, and the title of Greatest Name in the current competition. Bravo, Edgar.
Recent History: Bulls 5 – 0 Lions. The Bulls have done it pretty easy against the Lions, with an average winning margin of 23 points. Last year they won 51–11 at Loftus.
Last 5: Bulls WWLxL, Lions LLLWL
Hornet’s Tip: The Bulls are a shadow of their former selves at present, though they have been winning matches. All of a sudden the dominant team of recent years looks just a little pedestrian. The Lions gave plenty against the Force last week, but faded out of the game in the wet. The Bulls should be too strong here, as their pack is still very good at depriving the opposition of the pill, and will win by 12.
Odds: Bulls $1.21, Lions $4.50
Monday 28th March
Crusaders v. Sharks @ Twickenham, London 3:00am EDST
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Adam Whitelock.
IN: Guildford, Crockett
OUT: A Whitelock, B Franks
A couple of changes for the Crusaders, with Crockett and Franks swapping places, while Zac Guildford returns to the starting XV.
Sharks: 15. Louis Ludik , 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Stefan Terblanche, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9. Charl McLeod, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Willem Alberts, 6. Keegan Daniel, 5. Alistair Hargreaves, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. John Smit (c). Reserves: 16. Eugene van Staden, 17. Tendai Mtawarira, 18. Gerhard Mostert, 19. Jacques Botes, 20. Conrad Hoffmann, 21. Adrian Jacobs, 22. JP Pietersen
IN: Potgieter, van Staden, Mostert, Pietesen
OUT: Lambie, Burden, Bresler
Young gun Patrick Lambie misses this week with a hand injury. Potgieter comes in to replace him, while JP Piersen comes onto the bench.
Recent History: Crusaders 4 – 1 Sharks. The Sharks’ solitary win came in 2007, by a point at home. The two sides have always been reasonably close though, with last year’s 35–6 Crusaders win by far the biggest winning margin.
Last 5: Crusaders LDWWW, Sharks WWWWL
Hornet’s Tip: This game could be anything. What an occasion: two big time teams playing on a grand stage and it will hopefully live up to the billing. The Cru just seem to keep getting better — and this is without McCaw. They don’t appear to have a noticeable weakness anywhere across the paddock and play some great footy. The Sharks are on the end of a marathon road trip and I can’t help but feel that this might be a bridge too far for them, especially with Lambie out. I’m tipping the Cru by 15.
Odds: Crusaders $1.22, Sharks $4.35
Note: All of the teams are listed in convenient table form on our Ruggapedia. Add it as a favourite, as it will be updated as teams are released and late changes are made.
The Bet: Our second dalliance with multi-betting ended in tears last week, and now we are back in the red with a $2 loss. I think I will be steering clear of the Bulls for a few weeks until it becomes clear whether they are slow starters or just plain chumps.
This week I turn my betting attention to a team I reckon are real contenders, the Blues. A pretty good win over a strong Hurricanes outfit last week will have them primed for a big game in Hamilton against the Chiefs. While the Waikato boys have a handy backline, their tight five is an Achilles’ heel, and will be exploited by the likes of Woodcock, Mealamu and Boric. Expect them to win, and with juicy odds I reckon they will up the margin and take our tenner a long way.
Take the Blues 13+ at $4.50 with Centrebet
Who are you tipping?
