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BYE:
Blues v Highlanders
Jackson Willison gets his first start for the Blues in place of Francis Saili who drops to the bench. Mealamu is back from a mini - sabbatical. The Blues will be looking to arrest a run of defeats, against a Highlanders team who haven't won yet.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (c), 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tim Perry.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Brendon O'Connor, 20 Jamison Gibson-Park, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Francis Saili.
Brumbies v Kings
Kings have made some changes with JJ Engelbrecht and Bandise Maku dropping to the bench
Kings: 15 George Whitehead, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Andries Strauss (c), 11 Ronnie Cooke, 10 Demetri Catrakilis, 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Cornell du Preez, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Devin Oosthuizen, 5 Rynier Bernardo, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Grant Kemp, 2 Hannes Franklin, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 David Bulbring, 19 Jacques Engelbrecht, 20 Shaun Venter, 21 Marcello Sampson, 22 Elric van Vuuren.
Sharks v Crusaders
Frans Steyn returns at 15, in the mean talking point for the Sharks. Israel Dagg is included after having to withdraw from the last two squads. Johnny McNicholl is no where to be seen.
Sharks: 15 Francois Steyn, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Keegan Daniel (c), 7 Marcell Coetzee, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Kyle Cooper, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Wiehahn Herbst, 18 Anton Bresler, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Louis Ludik/S'bura Sithole.
Crusaders 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Tyler Bleyendaal, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock (captain), 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Dominic Bird, 19 Jordan Taufua, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Telusa Veainu, 22 Israel Dagg.
Saturday, April 6
Hurricanes v Waratahs
The Hurricanes give a debut to Ardie Savea, who you can read more about here. Well worth keeping an eye on.
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua , 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara , 8 Victor Vito / Faifili Levave, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Mark Reddish, 3 Ben May, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon / Reggie Goodes, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen / Reggie Goodes, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Faifili Levave / Jack Lam, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo.
Western Force v Melbourne Rebels
Force:
Rebels
Cheetahs v Stormers
Sarel Pretorius drops to the bench in a game where the Cheetahs are looking for their first five in a row of their history.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Burton Francis, 9 Piet van Zyl,, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (c), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuisen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Boom Prinsloo, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Francois Brummer, 22 Ryno Benjamin.
Joe Pietersen is on the wing for some reason for the Stormers. Their bench looks weak too.
Stormers: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Joe Pietersen, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Gio Aplon, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Gerbrandt Grobler, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Louis Schreuder, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Damian de Allende.
With the news that Declan Kidney will not have his contract renewed, thoughts turn to how Irish rugby can move on and start mounting the type of challenges many of us feel have been lacking from the team in recent seasons.
It has been announced that Les Kiss is installed as interim head coach with Gert Smal and Anthony Foley as his assistants. This would imply that all three are in the running to continue, and that Kiss is in with the opportunity to get the full job on a permanent basis.
For the three of them, I think it's good that they stay on. Especially Smal and Kiss. Both have done wonders for the scrum, defense and attack. Foley has been good too, but it wouldn't hurt him to concentrate on Munster. There is a lot more to come from Foley in the future.
For continuity reasons, I would want Kiss and Smal to stay on beyond the summer. It's only 2 years from the World Cup, which isn't the greatest time to change a coach, and having a few backroom staff remain will ease the transition for the new man, whoever it may be.
Ireland's defense or attack haven't been a problem under Kiss, it's been some bizarre selection decisions, some ill thought out gameplans, or lack of alternatives and some poor discipline as discussed here.
Kidney was the right man for the job at the time, and the time has come for him to have left. He did well and must be remembered for the grand slam, the unbeaten 2009, and the Australian game in the world cup.
There is a bit of re-structuring that needs to be done, and work to do on the team, so whoever takes on the job permanently needs to be given time.
Round 2 of (now) 4, Australia's future. The best of the Brumbies, Force, Rebels and Waratahs. Part 3 will be Queensland Reds.
Australia
Brumbies
Colby Fainga'a (age 21) Openside
The younger brother of the Fainga'a twins, Colby was ahead of Michael Hooper last season before he sustained an injury and Hooper took his chance all the way to starring for the Wallabies. He is a former under 20's captain, and yet another quality openside coming through the ranks at the moment.
Widely reported to be the most talented of his brothers, he is expected to challenge for the Wallaby 7 jumper when he is able to rid himself of injuries and claim a starting spot in a franchise. But when you have George Smith and David Pocock ahead of you that might not happen in the Brumbies. He is one to watch out for, but perhaps needs to bide his time a little more.
Scott Sio (age 21) Prop
Scott Sio has started to get a lot more gametime this season, and with the Australian front row not of their strongest, Sio has impressed. He is solid in the scrum and an impressive ball carrier from what I've seen. He featured in the GAGR best young XV:
"Played for Australia in the 2010 and 2011 JWCs and is chosen as tight-head prop [THP] because that is the position where he held his own for the Brumbies against Wales in a mid-week game last year. He is chosen ahead of another 21 year-old THP candidate, Ben Tameifuna, who is over-weight and spent too much time sucking in seagulls last weekend when he started against the Highlanders.
As a 20 year-old in 2012 Sio was in the Brumbies’ EPS and had to bide his time before he got a few games from the bench. Though fully contracted in 2013 he was still behind Wallabies Ben Alexander and Dan Palmer. Before the Brumbies headed to South Africa for their two match tour recently he had played only five games from the bench in two years.
In South Africa he started as loosehead-prop [LHP] and scrummaged well against current Springbok THP, Jannie du Plessis of the Sharks. He was also good against the Stormers but for one scrum when the Brumbies missed the hit and got smashed. Talk about a baptism of fire for the young man.
Scott has good rugby pedigree. Father David played for Western Samoa and was on duty at the 1991 Rugby World Cup when he found out that his son had been born. Instead of naming him “Sydney”, the place where the baby was born, he named him “Scott”, because dad was in Scotland when he got the happy news.
As well as being a promising scrummaging prop on either side of the scrum (and according to Laurie Fisher can play hooker as well) Scott is a powerful tackler and ball runner. He is young for an Aussie prop but as he accumulates more rotation game time with the Brumbies I don’t think it will take too many years before he interests the Wallabies’ selectors."
Christian Lealiifano (age 25) Out-Half / Inside Centre
If it wasn't for a horrible broken leg last year, Lealiifano would be a household name already. His form in the last Super Rugby competition was sensational as he lead an unfancied Brumbies side to the top of the Australian conference, only for his broken leg to cost them a place in the playoffs on the last regular game of the season.
His form last season was outstanding and would have been rewarded with a call up to the Wallabies. He is a live contender to play the Lions in either the 10 or the 12 jumper and his form has carried over into this season where he is goalkicking well and leading the Brumbies to the top of the table.
Other Brumbies to mention:
Sam Carter (age 23) Second RowMatt Toouma (age 23) Out-half
Siliva Siliva (age 21) Hooker (Probably the greatest name I've ever heard) Force
Kyle Godwin (age 20) Inside Centre / Out-half
Kyle Godwin has had a storming start to the season. He is designated as an out-half in the fantasy league, and is one of the top scoring fly-halves, but has impressed everyone watching at inside centre.
From Courier Mail
"WHEN David Pocock labels you an exceptional young man, a future Wallaby and wait for it an "Adonis'', you know you're doing okay.
Meet the Western Force's newest rookie sensation, Kyle Godwin.
Godwin will line up at inside centre for the Force against the Waratahs on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium, and based on the 20-year-old's eye-catching form so far this season, it might pay to get along for a glimpse of the future.
In his first full season, the skilful blond centre has already earned rave reviews and drawn comparisons with Matt Giteau for the Force.
Like Pocock, Godwin was born in Zimbabwe but emigrated from Harare to Perth in 2000 with his family when he was eight.
"My parents had a good look at the future of Zimbabwe and thought it was best for us to move to Australia. They did it to make sure we had a good upbringing as kids really, to have a brighter future,'' Godwin said yesterday. "I have some good memories of Zim. It is still a very passionate rugby nation.''
After playing for Australian schools, the WA-product joined the Force academy and debuted at Super Rugby level last year. Though quiet as a church mouse, his Force teammates knew they had a good one on their hands.
"Kyle is honestly one of the most humble guys you've ever met,'' Pocock said. "From the day he turned up you could just tell he was a quality bloke and had a tremendous work ethic. He is, actually, an exceptional young man.
"He has got the brain for it and he's very skilful. It was just a matter of getting training under his belt. He was probably unlucky not to get more opportunity last year, but it's no surprise he's starting to do well.''
Pocock, who revealed Godwin's nickname at the Force is "Adonis'' due to his genetic gifts, said talk about Godwin being a Wallaby in the near future isn't unreasonable.
"I definitely think he can be,'' Pocock said. "One of the better qualities he has is he's pretty cool under pressure, and doesn't ever get flustered. So that's a great asset to have an inside back, and as time goes on and he becomes more vocal, which he seems to be doing this year, he'll definitely get into contention down the line.''
Few people know Godwin turned down the competition-leading Brumbies to stay with the Force in 2013.
The youngster trained with Jake White's strong side in the off-season in Canberra, but instead of joining Pocock, chose stay with the team at the bottom of the Aussie conference.
"I was just there for the day,'' Godwin said. "Obviously I had the opportunity but I made my decision and I am very happy with the call to stay with the Force.
"I am West Australian, so to be around my family and friends was the motivating factor. Michael Foley and Chris Webb had a great plan for me and I decided the best way to improve my rugby was to stay with the Western Force.
"I am loving the opportunity and am very thankful for the coaching staff giving it to me. I want to just keep improving.''
Based on Pocock's already glowing appraisal, the Waratahs may hope any more improvement from Godwin comes next week."
and GAGR:
"A revelation for most Aussie fans this year but those of us that saw him in his younger days would not have been surprised about his current form now that he is free from injury.
Godwin’s family arrived in Western Australia from Zimbabwe when he was eight years old. I saw him play for Combined States at the Australian Schools Rugby Union Championships [ASRUC] in 2009 and he was like a swan amongst the ducks in the team. He played for Australian Schools that year and went into the Western Force system in 2010.
Before the 2011 season started he appeared in a trial match for the Force A team against the Australian Barbarians in Sydney. Playing in a heat wave, he looked like the man of the match at flyhalf but he suffered a serious shoulder injury and was not seen for the rest of the year.
In 2012 he was chosen in the Australian JWC team as its starting flyhalf. He also had an Extended Playing Squad [EPS] contract with the Force and came off the bench in three games.
At 20 years old Godwin is now a fully contracted Super Rugby player and has started for the Force in all games this year. He is playing in his best position, inside centre, and has had some commanding performances. He can sniff out a gap and unlike a majority of backs he works hard at such things as getting off the ground and looking for things to do."
Alfie Mafi (age 24) Winger
A winger in the mould of Digby Ioane, Alfie Mafi has already scored more tries this year (5) than he has in any other year in his short career so far. He is in scintillating form and will be close to a call up to the Wallabies.
At the best of the times Mafi is a devasting finisher and is getting better. That he is shining and scoring tries in a weak Force backline tells you a lot about his skills.
Other Force players to watch out for:
Sam Wykes (age 24) Lock
Tetera Faulkner (age 24) Prop
Rebels
Luke Jones (age 21) Lock
From GAGR: "Was the first Aussie forward to get a full Super contract whilst still at school. He had shown his potential playing for Australian Schools in 2008 and 2009 and although he didn’t expect to get a game in his first professional year in 2010, he made his debut when he came off the Western Force bench late in a Super 14 game in Wellington to lock the scrum with Nathan Sharpe. How good was that for a young bloke?
He played for Australia at the 2010 and 2011 JWCs but didn’t get a lot of Super game time until 2012 after he transferred to Melbourne.
At the Rebels, Jones is happy to be in the starting XV but ask him what his preferred position is and he will say: the blindside flank. Indeed, with his aggression and work ethic he resembles Marcell Coetzee of the Sharks.
Jones owns one of the biggest engines in Super Rugby and has a high skill level for a big man. He is good friends with a team mate from his St. Pius College 1st XV, Michael Hooper of the Waratahs. If his performance curve prevails I think that Jones will be joining his old school mate in a Wallabies’ squad."
Jordy Reid (age 21) Openside Flanker
Jordy Reid made his run on debut against the Cheetahs this weekend, after coming off the bench against the Sharks last week, and was one of the best players in the team. Another Openside to look out for. He must have impressed last week despite the drubbing as he was rewarded with a new contract recently.
From Rebels website
"Jordy is a traditional openside flank, which many refer to as a hybrid version of George Smith and Phil Waugh. With his long dreaded hair, flair and aggression at the breakdown it’s hard to argue with the comparisons"
Other Rebels worth looking out for:
Cadeyrn Neville (age 24) Lock
Hugh Pyle (age 24) Lock
Paul Alo-Emile (age 21) Prop
Angus Roberts (age 22) Full-back / Out-Half
Waratahs Tom Kingston (age 21) Winger / Outside Centre
Despite being only 21, this is Kingston's third year in Super Rugby. He's made quite an impression already, and is fighting for positions in a competitive Waratah back 3.
"FOUR TRIES in 14 games, and all from the unfamiliar position of wing. It’s been an unbelievable full debut Super Rugby season for Tom Kingston, and could still get better for the hard-running Waratah, despite narrowly missing out on selection for the initial Wallabies side.
With the Australian team reeling from several injuries to backline stars, there was a thought that he would be in line for his first national cap as soon as this month. The meteoric rise is something the youngster is struggling to take in considering his first Super Rugby game for NSW was just 12 months ago, and he played all his junior rugby at centre.
“I hadn’t expected to be as involved this year,” Kingston says. “The opportunity to play 80 minutes every week, it’s really helped me.”
Kingston made his debut against the Blues at Eden Park in 2011, and played four games that year. His time in the blue jumper was restricted last year because of his selection in the Australian Under 20 side that went to Italy for the IRB Junior World Championship.
Kingston, who grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Sydney at the age of nine, remembers his 2011 debut at Eden Park fondly.
“It was amazing, I really enjoyed it,” he says. “It motivates you to play more and work harder, to get 80 minutes under your belt.”
This season, with long-term injuries to Waratah and Wallaby pair Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner, Kingston has made the right wing spot his own. The 1.90m-tall St Aloysius’ College product has played in every Waratahs match and has impressed with his speed, ball carrying and ability to break the line.
Kingston has not looked out of place and has showcased an uncanny ability to sniff out a try, perhaps best highlighted by his 75th minute match-winning effort against the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.
Todd Louden, his club coach at Sydney University, describes Kingston as “extremely intelligent” and “really humble”.
“From a rugby perspective he has really good feet and some really good skills, he’s very athletic,” Louden says. “He’s a dream to coach, an absolute dream. He takes everything in and works extremely hard.”
Louden says he has been surprised in a “pleasant way” at Kingston’s quick rise.
“We knew Tom had it in him,” he says. “Tom had a contract with the Waratahs prior to playing first grade [with Sydney Uni]. We still haven’t seen the best of him yet. He’s handling himself well.”
For now Kingston is focused on improving his own game and helping the struggling Waratahs gain some respectability before season’s end.
“We need more consistency,” he says. “We want to put together a complete performance [because] we haven’t done it all year.”
The Mosman Whales junior has been working on his positioning and bulking up his 90kg frame, and admits his ultimate goal is a green and gold jersey one day.
“I need to improve my overall awareness of the game, both in attack and defence,” Kingston says. “I’d definitely like to have a crack at centre. I need to put on weight, [but] it’s where I would like to end up. I want to play for the Wallabies – the same as when I was 10-years-old. Become the most complete footballer I can be.”
Louden is adamant that a Wallaby jumper will be in Kingston’s future at some point, and the Sydney University coach should know. The former Randwick first grade player has coached clubs in Sydney and Japan, and was the attack coach with the Bulls when they won the Super Rugby title in 2007 and held the same role with the Waratahs when they made the final in 2008.
“Tom’s position going forward will be 13,” Louden says. “He’s got good feet and vision. He’ll become a Wallaby, with time. I don’t see a reason why not. You never say never… but he was only an Under 20 player last year. He has the athletic ability. Definitely a Wallaby in the future.”"
Ben Volavola (age 22) Out-half / Full-back
Ben Volavola impressed many people this year coming off the bench and rescueing the Waratahs from seeming defeats. He is a gamebreaker, and unlocks defenses with his flair.
From Roar.com.au
"He starred for the Under-20s at the IRB Junior World Championship in 2011 and has played for NSW A. He made his first grade club debut for West Harbour in 2010 when he was still at school. He won a second grade premiership with Southern Districts in 2011. He turned heads helping Souths into the Shute Shield first grade grand final last season. The Newington College and Endeavour Sports High School product further impressed with his dynamism in the Waratahs pre-season trials this year.
He was born in Sydney to Fijian parents but spent his early life in Fiji. Volavola returned to Australia in 2000 and looks to be a natural playmaker with silky skills, with dreams of becoming a Wallaby.
His emergence is another example that club rugby continues to develop good players, and that more jewels like him and Jesse Mogg are there waiting to be found."
From CourierMail.com.au
"In only his first year of Super Rugby, the 22-year-old has forced high-priced recruit Israel Folau onto a wing on the strength of cameos which sparked NSW to big second-half comebacks against Queensland and Melbourne.
In 2000, nine-year-old Volavola moved to Australia with mum Emma and his younger brother Milan.
The skinny Fijian kid - now wearing boots and a jersey - soon began showing up the local tackers.
He impressed for the Manly under 13s so much at a junior championships, Volavola graced his first magazine cover at the tender age of 11.
"Star of the future: Ben Volavola!" it declared prophetically.
Considering future NSW teammates Michael Hooper and Tom Kingston were in the same Manly team, it was a fair wrap.
Injuries to Bernard Foley and Berrick Barnes saw him used heavily in NSW's trials, including a run-on start at No.10 against the Crusaders.
Learning from opposite number Dan Carter - "he's so calm, it's like he's at a training run" - Volavola decided he would stick to what he knew.
"I think flair within a structural game works as well. You see a lot of Kiwi players have that, and a guy like Quade Cooper in Australia as well," he said.
"All the coaches and guys in the team gave me great support to play my game, although I have learned a lot about when to use it and when not to.
"Getting good minutes in those trials against quality sides helped my confidence definitely, especially against the Kiwi teams."
Volavola is not the finished product, by any means, but the traces of Fijian boldness on the field are hard to deny.
Not to mention genuine influence on far more seasoned teammates.
There can be no coincidence the injection of Volavola in the second halves of both NSW's games has seen them score 39 of their 48 points in 2013, and allowed Folau to find his best form against the Rebels on a wing."
Matt Lucas(age 21) Scrum - half
When the Auckland Blues lost in Sydney after being 2 tries up with 30 minutes left, Jonah Lomu pinned the reason on this little scrum-half:
"In both size and reputation, it was a compliment from one of the world rugby's biggest identities to one of the smallest.Which is why when a rap from Jonah Lomu was relayed to rising New South Wales Waratahs halfback Matt Lucas, it took a few seconds to sink in.
On Twitter after the Waratahs had snuck home over the Blues on Sunday, Lomu sent a congratulatory message to Israel Folau ribbing him about trying a goosestep for his missed try near the end of the game.
@izzyfolau awesome game tell your winger give u options lol or were u trying a goose step lol where have you guy hid that new half back :-)
— JONAH TALI LOMU (@JONAHTALILOMU) March 24, 2013
The legendary All Black winger added at the end of the tweet: "Where have you guys hid (sic) that new halfback?"
Lomu had been impressed with the pint-sized Lucas, who'd replaced injured Tahs No.9 Brendan McKibbin at the half-hour mark.
In his first year of Super Rugby, the 50-minute stint was Lucas' longest stretch on the field by a long way and the 21-year-old turned in a busy performance belying his rookie status.
"To get that from him (Lomu), that's huge. He's one of the best players to play our game. It's incredibly flattering,'' Lucas said when informed of the tweet."
With the Sharks on the bye for this week it left for some
big name clashes and a truly entertaining weekend of rugby.
The Highlanders went down to the Reds in a nail biter that
left the score board on 33-34.
The Hurricanes saw off the Southern Kings’ challenge in an
entertaining match that was a high scoring affair (46-30).
The Chiefs showed their steel as champions by holding down
the Blues in Waikato. (23-16)
Brumbies held on at home to see off the challenge of the
Bulls. (23-20)
The performance of the weekend probably came from the
Cheetahs who are in a very different place to their Australian visitors over
the weekend as the Rebels brought their off field problems onto the pitch…. And
it showed. (34-16)
The Crusaders overcame a handy Stormers side in Cape Town
but are showing the physicality of the encounter with a number of injuries
affecting there squad. 14-19 was the final score.
The final match saw a Waratahs victory in the Aussie derby
match over the Western Force. Cheika’s men are beginning to roll into a team.
(23-19)
Fantasy implications:
Dream Team – No overall dream team players were present in
the top band this week. The highest contributing team was the Reds with 3
players in this week’s dream team with the New Zealand conference contributing
7 players in the team of the week. Matt Todd was the players of the week with
57, the only man to break the 50 point mark.
Teams & Contributions:
Blues – Nobody made the dream team this week. From the
backs, George Moala was the only man to break 20 points but he did make it to
32. The pack fared somewhat better with Steven Luatua (29) and Angus Ta’avao
(32) hitting good numbers.
Brumbies – Mister consistent Stephen Moore (40) and Robbie
Coleman (32) had storming weeks. The same cannot be said for Nic White who hit
-17
Bulls – Some good scorers in the game against the Crusaders
didn’t bring them the result. 6 men had very good points for the week but prop
Morne Mellet brought the team down (-12)
Cheetahs – The men in the midfield made the dream team with
Johann Sadie and Robert Ebersohn both reaching over 40. Points elsewhere came
from Strauss, Labuschagne and Brussow.
Chiefs – You want points from these boys, pick their front
row. 2 in the dream team and a combined total of 130 is a handy return. Sam Cane
was not his usual self with 1 point and Richard Kahui has come flying back from
injury (38)
Crusaders – How do you get a result against the Bulls? Have
your pack front up which they did. 2 dream teamers and solid if not great
performances from the rest of the pack.
Highlanders – Good points in most positions, goes to show
that they are playing but the Highlanders just can’t seem to win the games.
Hurricanes – Brad Shields (48) and Alapata Leiua (41) had
great games and there were a few more solid players. They generally performed
well this week.
Rebels – Same old story for the Rebels, some good
performances from the forwards but aside from James O’Connor (21) the backs
should all have gone home.
Reds – Will Genia has come back and shown the whole Fantasy competition
how to score points from scrum half, he may not be in the dream team but since
returning he is always there or there about. Great backrow performance from the
Reds. Best unit in the league.
Southern Kings – These boys had a good showing and scored
well everywhere except in the outside back division. It’s why they lost the
match.
Stormers – Front row stood well in the game and this shows
in the points for the week. The rest of the team need to provide backup if they
want to lead the conference. No one broke the 40 point mark.
Waratahs – AAC is the leading man in blue this week. 47
points helped his team to win the game as his try for the ‘tahs was ultimately
the difference against the Western Force. He must have listen to Cheika’s
screams and shout in the changing room.
Western Force – Backup Hooker Heath Tessmann proved more
than capable as a replacement for Nathan Charles with 31 points. The rest of
the team failed to break 30 points and only 3 others broke 20. Hard to see why
the Waratahs only just beat them.
SuperIrish
Another change at the top, with the top 4 a bit stretched
for the first time in a while.
The followers have started to reel them in aswell. Only two
players were above 300 points, and they have gone clear at the top, but there
are 3 players with 290+ who are catching up on the rest.
With a new head to head league starting next week (spread the word) , there is all to play for.
These series of posts emphasises another reason why, if you enjoy rugby, you should follow Super Rugby. The list of players compiled are either future household names or players you discover quickly in Super Rugby that might not make it into your household if you didn't watch it.
The Blues have made a great start to the season. Sir John Kirwan has gotten the most out of his young and inexperienced squad such that some of them are being mentioned as potential All Blacks.
Charles Piutau (age 21) Fullback/ Wing
Charles Piutau is undoubtedly the most talented of these. Not 22 until August, he has set the competition alight so far, running in 3 tries in 4 games.
Taken From Green and Gold Rugby
"An exciting, big fullback who can run like the wind, explode into opposition defences and use the ball. At the end of Round 5 of Super Rugby this year he was leading the competition in tackle busts and was equal second in line-breaks.
In 2010, the year after leaving school (Jonah Lomu’s old school, Wesley College), he appeared for Tonga in the IRB Junior World Championships [JWC], and for Auckland in the ITM Cup . In 2011 he represented New Zealand [NZ] in the JWC, and was chosen by Gordon Tietjens for the NZ Sevens team – as well as playing for Auckland again, when available.
In 2012 he was was still with the NZ Sevens for part of the year, but Blues fans got to see him when he started for their team at the end of the Super Rugby season. Afterwards he played brilliantly for Auckland in the ITM Cup, especially in the semi-final against Wellington, and was being talked about as a bolter for the All Black end of year tour [EOYT].
You can see the Sevens upbringing in Piutau and the effects of being developed under the guidance of legendary NZ Sevens coach, Gordon Tietjens. I don’t think that it will be too long before he is sitting on an All Black bench."
Source:GAGR
One thing is for sure, he will be challenging Israel Dagg for that AB 15 jersey for years to come.
Steven Luatua (age 21) Blinside Flanker / Lock / No.8
Luatua has come into the side straight from Under 20s where he was one of New Zealand's best performers.
He has gone into the Blues team at 6, and is already being proclaimed as the solution to the problem All Black blinside shirt since Jerome Kaino left for Japan. Luatua has made at least 10 tackles in each games so far and at least 10 runs in each game too. He looks even better on the field. One to watch out for.
Other notable future Blues households names
Frank Halai (age 25) Winger
Halai is another who grew up under Tietjens playing 7's. He's had a great start to the season with 4 tries in his first 2 games. Part of an exciting Blues back three
Francis Saili (age 22) Inside Centre
George Moala (age 22) Winger
Waisake Naholo (age 21) Winger
Peter Saili (age 25) No. 8
Baden Kerr (age 23) Out-half / Full-back
Bryn Hall (age 21) Scrum-half
Chiefs
Tim Nanai-Williams (age 23) Outside centre / Winger / Full-back
Cousin of Sonny Bill Williams, Tim is making a name for himself this season. Williams has 4 tries in 5 games this season in an unfamilar position of outside centre. He has looked devastating in attack, scoring two memorable tries in the opening game against the Highlanders.
There are doubts about his size and how he lacks physicality, but he has stood up admirably in defense, with only Kade Poki being able to get through him in the first game. He has matured this season into a devastating player and this and his versatility should mean he features for the All Blacks sooner rather than later.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow (age 22) Scrum-half
Kerr Barlow is already an All Black at the tender age of 22. But I am including him as he only has 2 caps, and the average rugby follower in Ireland wouldn't know his name. They will.
Kerr Barlow, along with Aaron Smith and TJ Peranara are a new breed of All Black scrum-halves, and suddenly one of New Zealand's few "weaknesses" is full of strength in depth. Kerr Barlow is a strong quick player, and is one to watch out for, playing in a winning Chiefs team.
Gareth Anscombe (age 21) Out-Half
Son of Ulster head coach Mark, Big things were expected of Gareth when he was thrown in at the deep end at his favoured position of out-half last year for the Blues. Unfortunately, he was scapegoated for the Blues poor season and Kirwan released him. The Chiefs have picked him up and played him at full back all this year.
New Zealand herald had a great article about it at the time.
From NZHerald:
"The contrasting fortunes of Beauden Barrett and Gareth Anscombe illustrate that professional rugby is a more ruthless and fast moving beast than often portrayed.
A year ago, Barrett and Anscombe were New Zealand under-20 team-mates, the latter commanding the No 10 jersey which forced the more versatile former into playing at fullback.
Once they returned, great futures were predicted for both, as they brought a touch of class and composure to their respective ITM Cup teams. Barrett was locked into the Hurricanes, the man they were going to trust to lead them to an improved season, while Anscombe was signed by the Blues, seen more as a bench option in 2012 with a view to running things in 2013.
This weekend showed how quickly things can change; how their respective paths have taken dramatically different routes. Barrett was on the plane to Argentina with the All Blacks last night: about the same time that Anscombe was coming to terms with the news that he's been delisted by the Blues and is now looking at spending 2013 with the Hurricanes - effectively carrying Barrett's coat as it were.
as the downturn taken by Anscombe's. Barrett was in Argentina not just because of doubts about the fitness of Daniel Carter. He is there as a genuine alternative on the bench to Aaron Cruden.
The 21-year-old's kicking game is longer than Cruden's and while there is nothing but admiration and respect for the contribution Cruden has made this year, in the cut-throat world of test football, there is already a sense of Barrett coming up fast on the rails.
It was impossible not to be taken with Barrett throughout Super Rugby: he kicked effortlessly off both feet, ran well, passed well and looked to be the closest thing to a new Carter. Cruden has a trump card with his running game but the last two weeks have shown him to be still someway off being able to control a test with his boot. By next year, or maybe even by the end of this, the pecking order of Carter-Cruden-Barrett may change to Carter-Barrett-Cruden.
And how that must pain Anscombe, who from tomorrow can legally be confirmed as delisted. The Hurricanes, who used the now-departed Daniel Kirkpatrick as cover this year, are believed to be keen. But, unless there is serious injury to Barrett, Anscombe faces a bleak season - 10-minute cameos and the occasional start.
History shows that few last long once they are labelled "back-up" and that's the problem for Anscombe - he plays the game in a style that's not in tune with the way most coaches in New Zealand want to operate.
Anscombe sat in the pocket for the Blues this year - reducing the effectiveness of Ma'a Nonu outside him. It also made the Blues easy to shut down - defences knowing they could close the space by coming up quickly on the outside.
New Blues coach John Kirwan hasn't unveiled his tactical vision for the team yet, but as one of the world's best attacking wings and having tried hard to generate pace and width while coach of Japan, it's a reasonable guess he'll want much the same in his current role.
Anscombe doesn't really fit that vision which is similar to how the Hurricanes want to play as well. This time next year, it wouldn't be a surprise if Anscombe is on his way to the UK. Anscombe looks better suited to Northern Hemisphere rugby and his accurate goal-kicking and astute tactical kicking would be well received there. He's eligible to play for Wales and there is also possibly the option of heading to Ulster, where his father, Mark, is the coach.
Still only 21, if he heads now, he could be qualified to play for Ireland by the time he's 24 as his eligibility was not captured last year. It's not the future he imagined this time last year but it is at least a future that could feature test rugby."
It may have been a gamble, but it's looking like one of the better transfers. He has a remarkable goalkicking percentage, and has been able to develop running lines in a dangerous Chiefs backline. He is another contender to replace Dan Carter when the legend eventually retires.
Green and Gold Rugby seem to rate him highly aswell stating:
GAGR:
"Plays fullback for the Chiefs but is chosen as flyhalf because that is the position where he started for the Blues on a regular basis last year.
He played in the ITM Cup for Auckland in 2010 straight out of school and was the top points scorer at the 2011 JWC when he represented NZ. But when Sir John Kirwan became the new coach at the Blues after the 2012 season he used a new broom.
Although any first five-eighths would have struggled behind such a poor pack, both Anscombe and Michael Hobbs, got de-listed. Anscombe was steady rather than flashy but he was one of the more consistent Blues’ backs in 2012; and he kicked his goals.
Anscombe moved down State Highway One to Hamilton to back up Aaron Cruden as first five-eighth at the Chiefs, but he got to play fullback instead.
As a first-five he knew a bit about his natural protagonist in the 15 jersey, and but for a few positional lapses, has performed well as a custodian in 2013. From his first game, against the Highlanders, he showed that he has thrived under the mentoring of Chiefs’ coaches, Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith, and he is kicking his goals at 82%.
When he got the news that he was axed by the Blues he said that he wanted to stay in the country because he could learn more in NZ than anywhere else. But the intervention of Rennie, who was not really looking for another first-five, may have stopped the youngster from going offshore
Why? Anscombe has a Welsh passport and father Mark has contacts in Europe – he is Director of Coaching at Ulster."
Rhys Marshall (age 20) Hooker
The young hooker has come in this season and made a number of appearances off the bench. His throwing is accurate, and his scrummaging is solid. But it's his loose play that have the NZ pundits saying that he could be the All Black hooker for a number of years to come.
He was recently featured in GAGR's best young XV of Super Rugby.
"One of the few candidates for the hooking spot, but a good one.
The 20 year-old was a surprise selection by the Chiefs in their 2013 squad because he was under-weight and yet to play provincial rugby. But a stint with the 2012 NZ JWC squad, a lot of gym work, and months with the Chiefs’ training group built him up in both a physical and rugby sense.
As a long term project of the Chiefs he was behind internationals Mahonri Schwalger and Hika Elliot in the pecking order, but has already started in a Super Rugby game. With Schwalger already injured, he found out on the morning of the opening game of the Chiefs’ season, against the Highlanders, that Elliott had failed a fitness test and that he had to run-on. But he kept his nerves under control and played a mature game.
Marshall’s play is similar to that of new All Black hooker, Dan Coles: quick, tough and uncompromising."
Other Chiefs players worth looking out for
Ben Taumefuna (age 21) Tighthead Prop
Ben Afeaki (age 25) Prop
Robbie Robinson (age 23) Full-back
Bundee Aki (age 22) Inside Centre
Charlie Ngatai (age 22) Inside centre
Crusaders
Dominic Bird (age 21) Lock
Dominic Bird came on against the Blues in the first game when there was an injury and hasn't looked back. He was one of the Crusaders best performers that day. I was shocked to learn afterwards that he was only 21, he played with the smarts of a veteran. A number of good locks are being produced by the NZ factory these days, and none better than Bird
Tom Marshall (age 22) Fullback /Winger
Tom Marshall has excelled this year, scoring this belter of a try on his seasonal debut.
Much more to come of this young man.
Jordan Taufua (age 21) Backrow
The player that the Crusader's fans are most excited about. Jordan Taufua hasn't played yet for the Crusaders, but is on the bench this weekend. He is a name to watch out for. He is an openside/ No. 8 spoken in similar terms to Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Big words, but after an impressive display in the ITM cup last year, much is expected of Taufua.
Other Crusaders to watch out for:
Tyler Bleyendaal (age 22) Out-half
Luke Whitelock (age 22) Blindside Flanker
Ryan Crotty ( age 24) Inside Centre
Johnny McNichol ( age 22) Winger
Joe Moody (age 24) Loosehead Prop
Codie Taylor (age 21) Hooker
Highlanders
Ben Smith (age 26) Outside Centre/ Winger / Full-Back
Ben Smith could be the most well known name on this list. But Smith is on the fringes of starting consistently for the All Blacks. I'll leave the video to tell you more.
Kade Poki (age 25) Winger
Poki made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2008 when he played against ACT Brumbies. Aged only 20, he made 10 starts for the team over the course of the season and scored two tries, helping the team to the championship. However, injuries and squad depth limited his chances to build on his freshman season, and he made only 4 more appearances for the Crusaders over the next two seasons.
Poki was left off the Crusaders squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season, and initially not selected by any of the other New Zealand teams. However, an injury to Kurt Baker saw him added to the Highlanders squad on the eve of the season.
Despite initially being an afterthought addition, Poki made the most of his opportunity and claimed a starting spot on the wing for the Highlanders, and emerged as one of the breakout players of the competition. Highlights of this season include a hat-trick in the loss to the Cheetahs.
Other Highlanders to look out for:
Jason Emery (age 19) Outside centre
Elliott Dixon (age 23) no. 8
FumaikiTanaka (age 28) Scrum-half - The first player from Japan to play Super Rugby.
Declan O'Donnell (age 22) Winger *Irish Descent
Ma'afu Fia (age 23) Prop
Hurricanes
Andre Taylor (age 25) Full back/ Winger
Taylor was a World Cup winner with the New Zealand under 20 team in 2008, and had played for the New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Under 17 sides. He also was part of the triumphant New Zealand Maori side that won the 2010 Maori centenary series against the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England.
He first joined the Hurricanes in 2010 on the back of an exciting NPC in which he proved a constant threat for opposition defences. Taylor capped off an excellent season by scoring 27 points in the Turbos’ final game of the 2009 season against North Harbour. He earned five caps for the Hurricanes in his first season, making his starting debut on the wing against the Central Cheetahs.
He was the leading try scorer in the 2012 Super Rugby season with 10 tries. This year Taylor has yet to score, and has been in poor form. But is one to watch in the future to see if he can reach the same heights.
TJ Peranara (age 21) Scrum-half
GAGR:
"Made a good comeback since he broke his ankle playing against the Reds last year in a non-competition match. He was having a top debut season but the injury to the Hurricanes Rookie of the Year ended his rugby in 2012, and any outside hope of an EOYT with the All Blacks.
Perenara is a precocious talent. In 2010 he played for NZ Schools and instead of doing his homework played for Wellington in the ITM Cup. In 2011 he represented NZ when they won the JWC.
He is full of rugby mischief and is deadly on the snipe near the goal-line, even when opponents know what he is going to do."
Ardie Savea (age 19) Openside Flanker
Ardie Savea is the younger brother of All Black winger Julian Savea who came to Irish attention last summer scoring a hat-trick in the first test. Ardie is a young flanker who is going to make his own name.
Here is an article from New Zealand Herald about him;
"These are heady PM days in sport. I'm not meaning the Prime Minister who is talking up tourism and swinging his way through The Hills in Queenstown. These are the post-McCaw days in a loose sense.
The remarkable flanker who has been such a star for the Crusaders and All Blacks was spotted recently in the crowd at the David Letterman Studios in New York.
McCaw is on his sabbatical, taking time out from the game he has adorned at the highest levels for more than a decade. He intends to return in the middle of the year and resume his sporting career. But who knows.
He may be swamped by some other interest in his time out, offered a job he can't refuse or struck down by Cupid's arrow.
The rugby warrior needed a break from the mental strains of his work and this interval will revive his battered frame. Any change helps, as former Wallaby flanker George Smith showed this week when he returned to the Brumbies and perhaps a repeat tilt at the Lions after several years north of the equator.
But in McCaw's absence we can think about what happens if he does not come back, what if his form dips?
The majority of the rugby-watching population will scoff and the All Black selectors will hold similar thoughts.
Not so long ago they might have felt the same way about centre.
But Richard Kahui's decision to leave, the injury to Tamati Ellison, questions about Conrad Smith's durability and rumours about Rene Ranger's exit, have opened up all sorts of conjecture.
The famous black No7 jersey could be the same.
Leading the contenders for the tests against France in June is Sam Cane, who has deputised five times since his selection last season.
Matt Todd and Luke Braid, who went around last night at Eden Park, have been on the edge of national inclusion while there have been others pushing the value and work rate of John Hardie or Karl Lowe.
But it might be another teenage rooster who provokes most inspection from the national panel.
Ardie Savea is cooling his flashing heels because of a high tackle ban.
But when he makes his Super 15 debut, he could emulate elder brother Julian in black.
Savea the younger captained the New Zealand secondary school side, was head boy at Rongotai College and was a standout on the international sevens circuit.
He is a special talent who should be an All Black if he continues to develop.
Savea makes things happen, he has instincts which can't be taught, his game would add another dimension to the All Blacks.
McCaw was nearly 21 when he stepped out for the All Blacks, Cane was even younger but Savea could pip them both."
Other Hurricanes to look out for:
James Marshall (age 24) Fly-half/ Full back
Jeffrey Toomuga-Allen (age 22) Tighthead Prop
Blade Thomson (age 22) Flanker
Before the Scotland game when Paddy Jackson was parachuted into the starting lineup, the RTE panel of George Hook, Conor O'Shea and Brent Pope were in agreement, whatever happens with Jackson during the game, Kidney should stick with him to help his development in the long term.
Fair play to Deccie, that's exactly what he did and rightly so, but now that he's come through those 3 games, what now for Jackson?
Jackson strikes me as a confident young player, and while Newstalk on Wednesday were talking about how he doesn't necessarily need an arm around the shoulder, it's still important that he is managed correctly.
He returned to Ulster colours last Friday and looked a pale shadow of his former confident self from only a few weeks prior.
Now is a very important time in Jackson's development, and if handled wrong he might fade into obscurity.
I have a feeling that come the Autumn, he may have fallen back into not just 2nd choice, but 3rd choice Irish out-half after Ian Madigan. This could shatter his confidence even more than it is now.
Here's what needs to happen to ensure that Jackson comes back sooner with confidence and can continue developing as a player (and lip syncer).
1. Take him off the kicks for Ulster for the rest of this season. While at the same time he needs to work on his kicking. A lot. Not just placekicking but out of hand too. Mark Tainton should be told to go to Ulster and work overdrive with him so when it comes to the summer tour or to next season, he can step up and resume kicking duties for Ulster.
2. He must be selected for the summer tour. None of this summer off business that prevented him from playing in the JWC. Being selected in this tour against opposition that are at a much lower standard will help get his confidence up for the new season. Being around the Irish camp and Kidney will be important this summer, especially as he should be looking to start to dictate things in that squad.
3. He needs to be incorporated into the IRFU player welfare programme asap. While games help his development, he looks jaded, and needs some time off. He's young and eager to fix things, but he's trying to hard and things aren't working. A week off here and there would be good for him. The summer tour is important for his development, and he can't be too jaded for it.
Because everyone in Ireland wants him back to his best, releasing his buddy Luke Marshall through gaps, and controlling the game by knowing when to kick for territory and when to release the talented young Ulster backs. We want wee Jackson back rumblin'.
The main news for the Highlanders is the omission of Kade Poki, who is having a great season.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Buxton Popoali'i, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 John Hardie, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Brad Thorn (c), 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Ma'afu Fia, 18 TJ Ioane, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Fumiaki Tanaka, 21 Lima Sopoaga, 22 Phil Burleigh.
News for the Reds is the injury to Digby Ioane, and the inclusion of Dom Shipperley, Luke Morahan, Liam Gill and Rod Davies. Big Ed is on the bench to allow the resumption of the favoured second row parnership.
Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 James Hanson, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Aidan Toua, 22 Rod Davies.
Saturday, March 30
Wellington Hurricanes vs Southern Kings 3.30am
Captain Conrad Smith and scrum-half TJ Perenara are both injury doubts for the Hurricanes' first clash with South African opposition this season. Smith has been bracketed with Alapati Leiua while Matt Proctor is on standby to start on the right wing if the All Black centre is not passed fit. Chris Smylie will start if Perenara is ruled out, which would give Samisoni Fisilau a chance to make his debut off the bench.
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua , 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara , 8 Victor Vito, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 Mark Reddish, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Chris Smylie21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo.
The Kings continue their tradition of not naming the same captain two weeks in a row.
Kings: 15 George Whitehead, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Ronnie Cooke, 12 Andries Strauss (captain), 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Demetri Catrakillis, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jacques Engelbrecht, 7 Wimpie van der Walt, 6 Devin Oosthuizen, 5 David Bulbring, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Grant Kemp, 18 Rynier Bernardo, 19 Daniel Adongo, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Waylon Murray, 22 Hadleigh Parkes.
Waikato Chiefs vs Auckland Blues 6:35 am
Richard Kahui is back and he is starting. Great to see, he did well of the bench last week. This means there is no place for Tim Nanai-Williams, and Bundee Aki comes into 12 for Horrell who drops to the bench.
Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Patrick Osborne.
This looks to be then Blue's strongest team bar the absence of Charlie Faumina although Anthony Boric might have something to say about that. This is going to be a great game.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Francis Saili, 11 George Moala, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams (c), 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tom McCartney.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Brendon O'Connor, 20 Jamison Gibson-Park, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Jackson Willison.
ACT Brumbies vs Blue Bulls 8:40am
The news from the Bulls is the first start for the IRB JWC player of the tournament 2012, Jan Serfontein. At 19, his future looks very bright, and has made a number of appearances from the bench this year.
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Jürgen Visser, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandrè Kruger, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Morne Mellett.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Francois Venter.
Free State Cheetahs vs Melbourne Rebels 15.05
Cheetahs are completely unchanged from last weeks win in Perth.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Willie le Roux, 13 Johan Sadie, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Riaan Smit, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Francois Uys, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuisen, 18 Rynhard Landman, 19 Johannes Prinsloo, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Ryno Benjamin.
This Rebel's team announcement is completely overshadowed by the news of Beale being stood down indefinitely. Watch out for young Jordy Reid at openside.
Rebels: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Richard Kingi, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Lachlan Mitchell, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 Angus Roberts, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Jordy Reid, 6 Gareth Delve, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Laurie Weeks, 18 Cadeyrn Neville, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Rory Sidey, 23 Tom English.
DSL Stormers vs Canterbury Crusaders 17.10
Dewaldt Duvenage comes in for Nic Groom who impressed last week for the visit of the Crusaders sans Carter, Read et McCaw.
Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Gerhard van den Heever, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Rynhardt Elstadt, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Pat Cilliers.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Don Armand, 19 Nizaam Carr, 20 Nic Groom, 21 Damian de Allende, 22 Jaco Taute.
Israel Dagg is back in what is an important match for the Crusaders to show if they can win without their talismen.
