NZ Newswire
Preview of Super Rugby round-four matches (all times NZ):
FRIDAY, March 7
Hurricanes v Brumbies at Westpac Stadium, Wellington 7.35pm
Head to Head: Played 19 Hurricanes 8 Brumbies 11
In Wellington: Played 8 Hurricanes 4 Brumbies 4
Last clash: Round 16 2013 - Brumbies 30 bt Hurricanes 23 at GIO Stadium
The Brumbies have been dealt a huge blow with star flanker David Pocock out for the season. He's the second Brumbies back-rower to suffer a knee injury over the past month after Fotu Auelua. That will both test the Brumbies' depth and rob them of some momentum following last week's away win over the Force.
While former Red Jarrad Butler slides from No.8 to openside, he isn't a specialist and it sets off a chain reaction in the forwards, with Leon Power in at lock, Scott Fardy to blindside flanker and Ben Mowen to No.8. The Hurricanes have made just two changes, Adam Hill at blindside flanker and James Marshall at fullback. They were unlucky not to beat the Stormers in Cape Town last week.
Tip: Hurricanes by 3 points
Queensland Reds v Cheetahs at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 9.40pm
Head to Head: Played 7 Reds 4 Cheetahs 3
In Brisbane: Played 3 Reds 3 Cheetahs 0
Last clash: Round 14 2013 - Cheetahs 27 bt Reds 13 at Vodacom Park
Both of last season's finalists have their defensive concerns after being run off their feet last weekend. The Reds were uncharacteristically out-enthused by the aggressive Waratahs and could not cope with their offloading game. The expansive Cheetahs also struggled to keep up with the new-look Rebels in Melbourne.
Queensland have made five changes, including the benching of Test prop James Slipper with a cork. But it's the promotion of tackle-shedding young gun Chris Feauai-Sautia at No.13 which holds most interest. The Cheetahs have been rocked by news bullocking prop Coenie Oosthuizen is nursing a career-threatening neck injury.
Tip: Reds by 12 points
SATURDAY, March 8
Crusaders v Stormers at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch 7.35pm
Head to Head: Played 19 Crusaders 14 Stormers 4 drawn 1
In Christchurch: Played 8 Crusaders 7 Stormers 0 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 7 2013 - Crusaders 19 bt Stormers 14 at Newlands Rugby Stadium
The Crusaders might have lost their two opening games of the season, but that's nothing new for Super Rugby's most successful franchise. And while Richie McCaw has broken his thumb (Matt Todd in at No.7), Dan Carter is on sabbatical and coach Todd Blackadder has made a whopping seven changes, it's still hard to see them losing at home this week.
They're up against the stuttering Stormers who only just managed to get out of jail at home against the Hurricanes last week after being mauled by the Lions the week before. The Stormers get back Schalk Burger and lock De Kock Steenkamp, but the travel factor will be hard to overcome. Israel Dagg is on the wing for the home side with Colin Slade kept at fullback.
Tip: Crusaders by 8 points
Western Force v Melbourne Rebels at nib Stadium, Perth 9.40pm
Head to Head: Played 6 Force 1 Rebels 5
In Perth: Played 3 Force 0 Rebels 3
Last clash: Round 8 2013 - Rebels 30 bt Force 23 at nib Stadium
The Rebels have never lost to the Force in Perth and they fly west with the added confidence of their most-dominant performance in the club's history. Their five-try defeat of the Cheetahs featured an up-tempo attacking game as well as extra steel up front.
The additions of Luke Burgess and Tamati Ellison to their big, fast backline have brought much-needed experience and smarts. But the Force will be primed to produce their best for inspirational captain Matt Hodgson who is playing his 100th Super match. Hodgson's men were overpowered in the first half against the Brumbies but won the second 14-3 with two late tries. Sub Jayden Hayward was a major part of the revival and starts at fullback this week while Sias Ebersohn replaces Zack Holmes at five-eighth.
Tip: Rebels by 7 points
SUNDAY, March 9
Bulls v Blues at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 4.05am
Head to Head: Played 18 Bulls 6 Blues 11 drawn 1
In Pretoria: Played 8 Bulls 5 Blues 2 drawn 1
Last clash: Round 4 2013 - Bulls 28 bt Blues 21 at Eden Park
'Benchey' Marshall doesn't even get to suit up for the Blues' start to their African safari. Marshall has missed the 23 after being forced to watch all 80 minutes of his team's stirring upset of the Crusaders. The former league star is indeed surplus to requirements for John Kirwan who has a luxury of riches out wide and a solid, composed young performer at No.10 in Simon Hickey.
The Blues have also been bolstered with All Black veterans Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock starting in the front-row. The Bulls have sorely missed Morne Steyne and injured skipper Pierre Spies in an ordinary start to the season but are always hard to toss at Loftus. Winger Akona Ndungane will play his 100th match for the Bulls who can't afford to give the Blues backline time and space.
Tip: Blues by 7 points
Sharks v Lions at Kings Park Stadium, Durban 6.10am
Head to Head: Played 20 Sharks 14 Lions 4 drawn 2
In Durban: Played 10 Sharks 9 Lions 1
Last clash: Round 15 2012 - Lions 38 bt Sharks 28 at Ellis Park
A round-three bye gave Jake White the chance to put his unbeaten troops in cotton wool after their impressive start with wins over the Bulls and Hurricanes. This should be another home win for the Sharks who have class and power right across their 15.
The combination of Pat Lambie and the returning Frans Steyn at 10 and 12 gives White the best of both worlds with creativity and kicking power. Last-start losers against the Bulls, the Lions' preparations have been hamstrung by a prolonged deluge in Johannesburg making their fields waterlogged. Talented five-eighth Elton Jantjies is poised to return from injury for the visitors.
Tip: Sharks by 18 points
Byes: Waratahs, Highlanders, Chiefs.
