Reds Chase Historic Victory
Queensland Reds: Rampant
There is plenty at stake for the Reds in their impending match against the Brumbies.
The nerves are jangling but Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie insists it’s business as usual for the high-flying Reds in the countdown to their most significant Super rugby match in almost a decade.
Widely written off pre-tournament as title pretenders, the fourth-placed Reds can take another giant stride towards securing their first playoff berth since 2001 with an historic victory over the sixth-placed Brumbies in Saturday night’s high-stakes derby at Canberra Stadium.
The Reds’ dreadful 1-14 record against the Brumbies in Super rugby includes none from eight in the nation’s capital, but McKenzie says past results are totally irrelevant to his free-spirited class of 2010.
“Those sort of records, while undesirable, are always there to be changed,” he said on Friday. “So to change a bit of history would be nice this weekend.
“I’ve won lots of games down here – but obviously in different capacities.”
Indeed, the hoodoo-busting McKenzie has made a career of rewriting history, both as player and coach.
High among his list countless firsts achieved during a five-year reign as NSW coach were plotting the Waratahs’ maiden win in Canberra in 2005 before taking the sky blues to a first Super final the same season.
And just like those trailblazing Waratahs, McKenzie says his history-chasing Reds had embraced every challenge to confront them this campaign and were approaching their latest assignment with equal relish.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” McKenzie said.
“The players have been a bit nervous for the past few weeks, (not just this week).
“Collectively since the Sharks game we’ve been walking a bit of a tightrope so it’s not like this week is any different.
“The last three games we’ve had a fair bit of pressure.
“We’ve got a very excited fan base and sponsorship base. Queensland’s pretty excited about what’s going on in terms of the rugby.
“But that’s been great. It’s been a lot of fun and we’re making sure we enjoy the occasions, enjoy the moments as we go along.
“We’re not getting bogged down in pressure.”
Skipper Will Genia shared McKenzie’s quiet confidence.
“It’s obviously been mentioned that we haven’t won here since rugby went professional (in 1996) so it’s definitely something that we’re looking forward to breaking,” he said.
Despite the Reds having knocked off all three sides above them on the ladder, the level-headed Genia said there was no chance of his side underestimating the Brumbies, who have lost back-to-back matches to fall out of the four.
“It’s definitely going to be a tough challenge,” he said.
“The Brumbies, with their team on paper, if they click, they can beat any team in the competition.
“Last year they came off a massive loss to the Hurricanes and ended up beating us by 50 points.
“You’ve got to nullify their threats and they’ve got threats all over the park, guys like Matt Giteau, Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper …”
While the Reds could lose and still make the semi-finals, anything but victory would cruel the Brumbies’ playoff hopes as they sit precariously seven points adrift of the top four with just three rounds remaining.
With thanks to stuff.co.nz
S14 FANTASY LEAGUE: Ready For Round Three
Losses for three of the contenders last week means there’s lots to play for as Super 14 Round Three kicks off.
The Waratahs, Brumbies and Crusaders all suffered setbacks last week – and it will be interesting to see if they can stage comebacks this weekend. The Crusaders welcome back Richie McCaw, but only from the bench this week – he should get a starting spot next week.
High flyers the Bulls will be without star flanker Pierre Spies this weekend as he is being rested – let’s hope this doesn’t come back to bite them in their match against the Waratahs.
Both the Hurricanes and Chiefs had massive wins last weekend, but while the Hurricanes can look forward to the return of Rodney So’oialo, the Chiefs will be without Sione Lauaki, who is out of the game due to a two-week suspension.
For the struggling Western Force, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the dark tunnel – they’re at home this weekend, and will welcome back Mark Bartholomeusz, and Scott Staniforth.
Crusaders vs Sharks – Friday 8:35am
Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 Brad Thorn, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Joe Wheeler, 19 Richie McCaw, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.
Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Adrian Jacobs, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Deon Carstens, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Keegan Daniel, 21 Andrew Goode, 22 Riaan Swanepoel.
Stormers vs Brumbies – Friday 7:10pm
Stormers: 15. Joe Pietersen, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Juan De Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Peter Grant, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Pieter Louw, 5. Andries Bekker (captain), 4. De Kock Steenkamp, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. JC Kritzinger
Substitutes: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Eusebio Guinazu, 18. Anton van Zyl, 19. Pieter Myburgh, 20. Dewaldt Duvenage, 21. Lionel Cronje, 22. Sireli Naqelevuki
Brumbies: 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7. George Smith, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander
Substitutes: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Guy Shepherdson, 18. Justin Harrison, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Tyrone Smith
Hurricanes vs Lions – Saturday 8:35am
HURRICANES: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Paterson, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (capt), 1 John Schwalger. Reserves: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18, Nick Crosswell, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Andre Taylor.
Lions – Earl Rose; Tonderai Chavhanga, Deon Van Rensburg, Doppies La Grange, Wandile Mjekevu; Carlos Spencer, JP Joubert; Todd Clever, Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), George Earl, Franco Van der Merwe, Ross Geldenhuys, Hannes Franklin, Heinke Van der Merwe.
Substitues – Charles Emslie, Kevin Buys, Jacques Lombaard, Robert Kruger, Jacques Coetzee, Walter Venter, Michael Killian.
Reds vs Blues – Saturday 10:40am
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Rod Davies, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Van Humphries, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Leroy Houston, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Tim Walsh, 22 Will Chambers.
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 John Afoa.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Viliami Ma’afu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Lachie Munro.
Force vs Chiefs – Saturday 1:05pm
Western Force: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Scott Staniforth, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Mitch Inman, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Sam Wykes, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Ben McCalman, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Tom Hockings, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Pek Cowan, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Tyrrell, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Richard Stanford, 19 Luke Jones, 20 Chris O’Young, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Dane Haylett-Petty.
Chiefs: 15 Mike Delany, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Romana Graham, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams.
Cheetahs vs Highlanders – Saturday 5:05pm
HIGHLANDERS: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Jimmy Cowan (capt); 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 John Hardie, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 James Paterson.
Cheetahs: Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas, Lionel Mapoe, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Naas Olivier, Tewis de Bruyn, Frans Viljoen, Juan Smith (captain), Heinrich Brüssow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez.
Substitutes: Ryno Barnes, Coenie Oosthuizen, Waltie Vermeulen, Ashley Johnson, Sarel Pretorius, Sias Ebersohn, Hennie Daniller.
Bulls vs Waratahs – Saturday 7:10pm
Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever. Stephan Dippenaar, Wynand Olivier, Francois Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuun, Victor Matfield (capt.), Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Substitutes: Bandise Maku, Bees Roux, Deon Stegmann, Dewald Potgieter, Heini Adams, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jaco van der Westhuyzen/John Mametsa.
Waratahs team: Sosene Anesi; Lachie Turner, Tom Carter, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Substitutes: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Will Caldwell, Locky McCaffrey, Josh Holmes, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne
Team Of The Week
Quade Cooper
Here is the SARugby.com Team of the Week for Round 2 of the 2010 Super 14.
Fullback: Riaan Viljoen (Cheetahs)
Viljoen’s 70 odd metre score was one of the tries of the weekend and inspired the Cheetahs to their first win away from home in almost three years. The Griquas fullback, who toured with the Springboks at the end of last year, has displaced Hennie Daniller in the No 15 jersey and his debut Super Rugby season is shaping up to be a memorable one.
Right Wing: Tamati Ellison (Hurricanes)
Ellison starred for the Hurricanes in their bonus point win over the injury-ravaged Western Force. He set up three of the Canes’ seven tries with penetrating runs and visionary grubbers.
Outside Centre: Richard Kahui (Chiefs)
Kahui exposed the Lions’ shaky midfield with a hat-trick of tries. Morgan Turinui turned back the clock with a slick outing against the Crusaders but the All Blacks centre cracks the nod albeit against ‘easier’ opposition.
Inside Centre: Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
Olivier continued his fine form with a solid all-round performance. He defended well and crossed the gain line with good hard running. He doesn’t look like the most powerful guy in the world but he showed his strength when he powered over for a try from the scrum.
Left Wing: Bryan Habana (Stormers)
Habana flourished in his first Super Rugby game at Newlands with a brace of tries. Young Lions wing Wandile Mjekevu showed fancy footwork to score a hat-trick in the try-fest at Coca Cola Park but Habana’s double was far more crucial.
Flyhalf: Quade Cooper (Reds) – Player of the Week
In a weekend where flyhaves kept the scorers busy it was Quade Cooper who beat off the challenge from Stephen Donald and Morne Steyn for a spot in the SARugby.com Team of the week. Cooper scored a record 31 points – a brace, five penalties and three conversions – in a flawless display as he marshalled the Reds to a sensational 41-20 bonus point win over the Crusaders. He troubled the ‘Saders backs all match with his fleet footwork and slick distribution. As close a perfect pivot performance as you get.
Scrumhalf: Will Genia (Reds)
Cooper’s partner in crime Will Genia was just as impressive going up against All Black scrumhalf Andy Ellis. The kid has it all – his service was crisp, he constantly caught the Crusaders off guard around the fringes and he pinned the visitors back in their own half cleverly in the final stages of the match.
Eighthman: Ryan Kankowski (Sharks)
A shining light in an otherwise dark and dull Sharks side. The warm conditions suited his style perfectly and he made the most of it with several lethal runs.
Blindside Flank: Francois Louw (Stormers)
Louw has a brilliant first half in particular which included a try but it was his exemplary work rate and spirited defence that was most impressive.
Openside Flank: Rocky Elsom (Brumbies)
The Wallaby captain was superb in his comeback game for the Brumbies. His power and momentum carried him over for the opening try of the match. He was ever-present and physical at the breakdown. Elsom isn’t really an openside flank, but – along with Louw – was a stand-out performer this weekend.
Lock: Andries Bekker (Stormers)
The lanky lock was one of the stars for the Stormers in a robust performance. He ruled the lineouts, had a number of strong runs and captained the team well when he took over from Schalk Burger in the 20th minute. Bekker really stood out on defence and seems to have upped his workrate at ruck time.
Lock: Flip van der Merwe (Bulls)
Van der Merwe had a massive game for the Bulls. He had big boots to fill with both Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw sidelined but he rose to the occasion. He played the enforcer role brilliantly and really caught the eye.
Tighthead Prop: John Afoa (Blues)
Tighthead props are normally praised for their scrummaging ability and work in the tight loose, but this week we are crediting Blues tighthead John Afoa for his quick thinking and knowledge of the rules – along with some silky running and passing – in setting up the try that swung the game in Dunedin in his side’s favour. Afoa was way ahead of Paul Williams when the fullback cleared the ball, but realised that he was on side courtesy of a charge down by one of the Highlanders. Afoa picked up and headed for the line – feeding Williams at the perfect time for a match changing score. Narrowly shades out Neemia Tialata for the number 3 jersey.
Hooker: Andrew Hore (Hurricanes)
Hore showed all his class and experience as he lead the Hurricanes from the front in their demolition of the Force in Wellington. Hore tackled strongly, ran the ball up and was solid at the set-pieces.
Loosehead Prop: Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
The big Springbok loosehead looks to be getting back to full form and fitness and that will send shivers down the spines of all the teams still to face the Bulls this season. A cornerstone of the Bulls foward effort.
Jorrie Muller Award: The Sharks
The Sharks collectively deserves the Jorrie this week for once again succumbing to the Cheetahs. This bogey team thing has spiralled out of control. The latest defeat spoiled John Smit’s 100th Super Rugby cap and sees the Sharks embark on a nightmare five-match Australasian tour with successive home losses. It could be a very long season for the Durban-based franchise…
1. Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls
2. Andrew Hore (Hurricanes)
3. John Afoa (Blues)
4. Flip van der Merwe (Bulls)
5. Andries Bekker (Stormers)
6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies)
7. Francois Louw (Stormers)
8. Ryan Kankowski (Sharks)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds) – Player of the Week
11. Bryan Habana (Stormers)
12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls)
13. Richard Kahui (Chiefs)
14. Tamati Ellison (Hurricanes)
15. Riaan Viljoen (Cheetahs)
16. Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers)
17. Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes)
18. James Horwill (Reds)
19. Liam Messam
20. Ricky Januarie (Stormers)
21. Morne Steyn (Bulls)
22. Wandile Mjekevu (Lions) / Rod Davies (Reds)
With thanks to SARugby.com
Super 14 Wrap – Week 2
Bryan Habana and Phil gets into a scuffle during Saturday's Super 14 encounter between the Stormers and the Waratahs at Newlands.
The Lions and the Chiefs set a new record for the highest scoring game (137 points) in Super Rugby on Friday night after the Waikato franchise defeated the hosts 72-65 in Johannesburg.
The previous record was 118 points when Natal defeated the Otago Highlanders 75-43 in Durban in 1997. It was also the first time in history where a team scored 65 points and were defeated in a Super Rugby game.
Each team scored nine tries at Coca Cola Park with the second half producing 85 points.
There were two hat trick try-scorers in this match. Nineteen year-old winger Wandile Mjekevu, who earned his second Super 14 cap for the Lions and All Black centre Richard Kahui, each added three tries for their side.
The Chiefs’ victory in Johannesburg kept them in third position on the log and also ensured that they ended their two-week South African tour undefeated. They travel to Perth for their next Super 14 match which will be against the Western Force on Saturday.
The Lions managed to secure two bonus points for scoring four tries and losing within seven points. The Johannesburg franchise departed for Wellington on Sunday and will start preparations for their game against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
The Bulls ran in six tries and secured their second win in the 2010 Super 14 after defeating the Brumbies 50-32 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Flyhalf Morne Steyn scored a brace of tries while centre Wynand Olivier, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and winger Gerhard van den Heever added the other five-pointers for the hosts. Steyn also kicked five conversions and five penalties.
Rocky Elsom, George Smith and Pat McCabe scored tries for the Brumbies while Stirling Mortlock kicked four penalties and a conversion.
The victory for the Bulls ensured that they ended round two in pole position on the log. Their next match will be against the Waratahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
While the Chiefs and the Lions scored 18 tries on Friday, only three tries were scored at Newlands when the Stormers defeated the Waratahs 27-6 on Saturday evening. Springbok winger Bryan Habana added a brace of tries for the Cape franchise and Stormers flanker Francois Louw scored the other try of the match.
The Waratahs mounted many attacking plays and threw everything they had at their opponents, but failed to break the rock-solid defensive effort by the hosts. The visitors were kept on the back foot thanks to the superb tackling by the Stormers. This resulted in the visitors conceding numerous penalties at the breakdown.
Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen converted three of his four penalty attempts at goal. Waratahs utility back Berrick Barnes kicked two penalties.
In Durban, the Cheetahs handed the Sharks their second home defeat (20-25) in the Super 14 when these sides met at the Absa Stadium on Friday evening.
Cheetahs fullback Riaan Viljoen, who scored a brilliant 60-metre solo try and Sharks No 8 Ryan Kankowski were the only try-scorers in this match.
Naas Olivier converted Viljoen’s try and also kicked three penalties and a superb 40-meter drop goal. Viljoen also added two penalties for the visitors.
Rory Kockott scored 15 points for the Sharks by kicking five penalties which included a three-pointer in the final minute of the match to hand the hosts a bonus point for losing within seven points.
The Sharks are currently in 11th position on the log with two points after round two. They begin their five week Australasian trip on Saturday when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Cheetahs will host the Highlanders in their second home game of the season at Vodacom Park on Saturday.
In the weekend’s other big upset the Reds broke an 11 year drought by defeating the Crusaders 41-20 in Brisbane on Friday. Flyhalf Quade Cooper added 31 points for the Queenslanders by scoring two tries, converting three tries and kicking five penalties.
In the first game of Round 2 Blues winger Paul Williams scored a brace of tries to steer the Auckland franchise to a 19-15 win over the Highlanders in this New Zealand derby played at the House of Pain, while the Hurricanes ran in seven tries to secure their first win at home in the 2010 Super 14 in their match against the Western Force in Wellington on Saturday.
S14 Fantasy League – Big Names Back
Round two is around the corner, with a number of star players back after injury layoffs – here are the teamsheets.
The Brumbies will be relieved to welcome back their star-signing Matt Giteau at flyhalf, as well as Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom. For the struggling Sharks, the return of Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf will offer some hope in a hard-to-call clash with the Cheetahs in Durban on Friday night.
For last year’s finalists the Chiefs, powerful No 8 Sione Lauaki is back in the team, and joined by centre Callum Bruce.
No such good news for the Western Force, who are still without long-term absentees Cameron Shepherd, Mark Bartholomeusz, David Pocock, Richard Brown and Andre Pretorius. Now there’s further disaster, as Wallaby centre Ryan Cross has been withdrawn due to injury concerns.
It’s still early days in the Super 14, and some games seem pretty hard to pick a winner this weekend. Chose wisely for your Fantasy League team…
Round 2 Teamsheets
Highlanders vs Blues, Friday 8:35am, Dunedin
Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 James Paterson, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 John Hardie, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Fetu’u Vainikolo.
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Rudi Wulf, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Rene Ranger.
Reds vs Crusaders, Friday 11:40am, Brisbane
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Digby Ioane, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Rod Davies, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Robert Simmons, 19 Leroy Houston, 20 Richard Kingi, 21 Tim Walsh, 22 Will Chambers.
Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Brad Thorn, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Sean Maitland.
Sharks vs Cheetahs, Friday 6:00pm, Durban
The Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Adrian Jacobs, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Willem Alberts, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Andries Strauss.
Cheetahs: 15 Riaan Viljoen, 14 Danwel Demas, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Tewis de Bruyn, 8 Frans Viljoen, 7 Juan Smith (captain), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 David de Villiers, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Sarel Pretorius, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Hennie Daniller.
Lions vs Chiefs, Friday 8:00pm, Johannesburg
Lions: Earl Rose; Tonderai Chavhanga, Deon van Rensburg, Doppies la Grange, Wandile Mjekevu; Carlos Spencer, JP Joubert; Todd Clever, Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), Willem Stoltz, Franco van der Merwe, Ross Geldenhuys, Hannes Franklin, Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: Charles Emslie, JC Janse van Rensburg/Kevin Buys, Jacques Lombaard, Jonathan Mokuena, Jacques Coetzee, Burton Francis, Michael Killian.
Chiefs: 15 Mike Delany, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Sione Lauaki (captain), 7 Luke Braid, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams.
Hurricanes vs Western Force, Saturday 8:35am, Wellington
Hurricanes: 15. Cory Jane, 14. Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. David Smith, 10. Willie Ripia, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Victor Vito, 7. Scott Waldrom, 6. Michael Paterson, 5. James Broadhurst, 4. Bryn Evans, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore (captain), 1. John Schwalger
Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Rodney So’oialo, 19. Karl Lowe, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Andre Taylor
Western Force: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Josh Tatupu, 11 Haig Sare, 10 Sam Harris, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Sam Wykes, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Ben McCalman, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Tom Hockings, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Pek Cowan, 1 Matt Dunning.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Tyrrell, 17 Nic Henderson, 18 Richard Stanford, 19 Luke Jones, 20 Chris O’Young, 21 Stefano Hunt, 22 Joelin Rapana.
Bulls vs Brumbies, Saturday 5:05pm, Pretoria
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Bees Roux, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Derick Kuün, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 John Mametsa.
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Justin Harrison, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.
Stormers vs Waratahs, Friday 7:10pm, Cape Town
Waratahs: 15. Sosene Anesi, 14. Lachie Turner, 13. Tom Carter, 12. Kurtley Beale, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Berrick Barnes, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (captain), 6. Ben Mowen, 5. Kane Douglas, 4. Will Caldwell, 3. Al Baxter, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson
Substitutes: 16. Damien Fitzpatrick, 17. Sekope Kepu, 18. Hendrik Roodt, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Josh Holmes, 21. Daniel Halangahu, 22. Rory Sidey
Stormers: 15. Joe Pietersen 14. Gio Aplon 13. Jaque Fourie 12. Juan De Jongh 11. Bryan Habana 10. Peter Grant 9. Ricky Januarie 8. Duane Vermeulen 7 Francois Louw 6. Schalk Burger (C) 5. Andries Bekker 4. De Kock Steenkamp 3. Brok Harris 2. Tiaan Liebenberg 1. JC Kritzinger
Reserves 16. Deon Fourie 17. Eusebio Guinazu 18. Anton Van Zyl 19. Pieter Louw 20. Dewaldt Duvenage 21. Lionel Cronje 22. Sireli Naqelevuki
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