S14 Fantasy League: Round 4
With the Bulls and the Western Force each having byes this week, it’s time to start being strategic with your fantasy league.
The on-fire Chiefs get another boost this week, with the return of fullback Mils Muliaina and Lelia Masaga – their addition to a backline that already includes Richard Kahui and Sitiveni Sivivatu makes them a potent force indeed.
Good news for Stormers’ fans is the return of Schalk Burger, while for the Crusaders – who take on their arch-rivals the Blues this week – another fetcher flank Richie McCaw makes his first full start of the season. He will also take over the captaincy duties from Kieran Read.
Trickiest part of the week for most fantasy league players will be deciding what to do with their traded Bulls – especially kicker Morne Steyn. The Bulls flyhalf is the second most-popular pick on the fantasy league standings, and the most popular kicker.
Potential replacements include the Crusaders’ Dan Carter, who this week goes up against his mate and former teammate Stephen Brett; Stephen Donald, who’s been raking up the points with the high-flying Chiefs; the Reds’ Quade Cooper, who despite a car accident this week is in the team’s starting line-up; and Joe Pietersen from the Stormers, who despite that crucial miss last weekend, has still knocked over a number of penalties and conversions.
Chiefs vs Reds – Friday 5 March 8:35am
Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Romana Graham, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Dwayne Sweeney.
Reds: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Will Chambers, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Brando Va’aulu, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Van Humphries, 4 Adam Byrnes, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Robert Simmons, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Blair Connor
Brumbies vs Lions – Friday 5 March, 10:40am
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.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.
Lions: 15 Michael Killian, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Walter Venter, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Dusty Noble, 10 Burton Francis, 9 JP Joubert, 8 Todd Clever, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 George Earl, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Charles Emslie, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Jacques Lombaard/Robert Kruger, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Carlos Spencer/Wandile Mjekevu, 22 Earl Rose.
Crusaders vs Blues – Saturday 6 March, 08:35am
Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis; 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (capt), 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Peter Borlase, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 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 (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Tom Chamberlain, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 George Pisi.
Waratahs vs Sharks – Saturday 6 March, 10:40am
Waratahs: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 Ben Mowen, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Kurtley Beale, 22 Rob Horne.
Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Andrew Goode, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Deon Carstens.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Jacques Botes, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Waylon Murray.
Stormer vs Highlanders – Saturday 6 March, 5:05pm
Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (captain), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Sireli Naqelevuki.
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 Bronson Murray, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 James Paterson.
Cheetahs vs Hurricanes – Saturday 6 March, 7:10pm
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Frans Viljoen, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Waltie Vermeulen, 4 Nico Breedt, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 David de Villiers, 19 Kabamba Floors, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Danwel Demas.
Hurricanes TBC
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
Hurricanes Lock Left Out After Spat With Barman
Jason Eaton has paid a belated price for berating a barman who refused to serve him drinks during a night out.
Eaton has been stood down from the Hurricanes Super 14 match against the Western Force tomorrow with team management saying only that the lock had breached team protocol and that the suspension was an employment issue.
The Dominion Post understands the action has been sparked by a letter sent to the New Zealand Rugby Union complaining about a verbal exchange at a bar.
It is unclear when the incident happened, but Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said it had not been after the opening match against the Blues. Whatever the case, he was making no apologies for holding his player accountable.
“Jason broke team protocol and we are pretty hard on team protocol so if you break it, those are the consequences,” he said.
“It’s our protocols, that’s why he’s not playing. [It was] serious enough to be not given your jersey.”
Asked if the suspension would be for only one match, Cooper said: “At this stage, yes. He’s got to sit and wait now.
“He’s given someone else an opportunity now in James [Broadhurst], so he has to sit outside the 22 and wait and see what happens.”
He was disappointed a senior player had broken protocol and said the decision not to reveal the offence was not out of the ordinary.
For Eaton, it is a disappointing result after an eye-catching start to the season against the Blues at North Harbour.
The 27-year-old battled back from a serious knee injury last year and appears to be nearing his top form after a solid northern tour with the All Blacks.
The sidelining of Eaton has resulted in Cooper installing a new locking partnership of Bryn Evans and 2.03m rookie James Broadhurst to play the Force, with Michael Paterson moving to the blindside to take the place of Nick Crosswell, who drops out of the 22.
With thanks to Stuff.co.nz
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
Super 14 Team Of The Week
Stirling Mortlock Partners Wynand Olivier In The Midfield
Our friends at SARugby.com keep track of the big performances of each round of the Super 14 and compile a team of the week for each of the 15 rounds of the competition. We also award a player of the week award as well as the ‘Jorrie Muller’ award to keep things entertaining. Have a look and see what you think of their team of the week for round one.
Fullback: James O’Connor (Western Force)
The Force’s wunderkind did brilliantly to keep his team in the mix for a full 70 minutes. He kicked well out of hand and slotted five from six. He did slip a crucial tackle on Huia Edmonds which resulted in a try, but he was still the leading fullback in round one.
Right Wing: Lionel Mapoe (Cheetahs)
Mapoe continued where he left off last year, scoring one of the fastest tries in Super Rugby history – on debut. His opposite number Gerhard van den Heever also enjoyed a good game, but Mapoe beats him to the line.
Outside Centre: Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
Mortlock narrowly shades Jaque Fourie for the outside centre berth. The former Wallaby captain had an average day with the boot, but his hard running and composure played a key role in the Brumbies away win.
Inside Centre: Wynand Olivier (Bulls) – Player of the Week
Olivier was quite simply outstanding. His break in putting Gerhard van der Heever away for a try was the individual play of the weekend. An overall flawless performance by ‘Meisiekind’ who is hands down the best inside centre in South Africa.
Left Wing: Jongi Nokwe (Cheetahs)
Nokwe created the aforementioned try by Mapoe with a wonderful chase and turnover from the kick-off. The Springbok flyer nearly got on the score sheet himself but was denied by Deon Stegmann, who managed to hold him up over the line. Was rewarded for his hard work with a sensational try in the second half where he showed great pace to round Zane Kirchner.
Flyhalf: Morne Steyn (Bulls)
Dan Carter, Quade Cooper and replacement Highlanders pivot Michael Hobbs all staked claims for the No 10 jersey, but Bulls and Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn’s 24-point haul saw him walk away with the honours.
Scrumhalf: Will Genia (Reds)
Piri Weepu and Rory Kockott were instrumental with the boot and replacement Lions No 9 Jacques Coetzee made one hell of an impact off the bench, but Reds and Wallaby scrumhalf did the primary No 9 objectives the best and sparked a crucial penalty try which was nearly enough to see the Reds home.
Eightman: Duane Vermeulen (Stormers)
Vermeulen was machine-like in what was arguably his best game for the Stormers yet. He put it some massive hits in a tireless effort.
Blindside Flank: Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
Smith did the hard yards and scored a try at a crucial time to keep his beloved Cheetahs in the mix…for a while anyway.
Openside Flank: Deon Stegmann (Bulls)
Stegmann was sublime. The promising Bulls loose forward adapted to the new interpretations of the laws better than any other loosie in round one. He also made a freakish try-saving tackle on Jongi Nokwe.
Lock: Josh Bekhuis (Highlanders)
Bekhuis played a blinder against the Crusaders – prompting the commentators to tip him to go on and achieve All Black colours in future. When you consider that Bryn Evans, Kevin O’Neill, Anthony Boric and Isaac Ross have all been capped for the All Blacks in recent times this might not be the boldest prediction ever. Still a great game from the pacy lock.
Lock: Jason Eaton (Hurricanes)
Eaton was one of the vital cogs in the Hurricanes’ win over the Blues in the Super 14 opener. Eaton also showed great pace around the park which was evident with his move to the blindside flank late in the game.
Tighthead Prop: Werner Kruger (Bulls)
The Bulls front row murdered their Cheetahs counterparts in the scrums. The talented tighthead is one of the most underrated players in the country and put some of the doubts over his scrummaging to rest against the highly rated Cheetahs pack.
Hooker: Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
Moore helped set up the Brumbies’ first try and scored one of his own in an all-action display in Perth.
Loosehead Prop: Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
The experienced Bulls and Springbok loosehead completes the most dominant front row of the opening round.
Jorrie Muller Award: Dean Mumm (Waratahs)
Waratahs and Wallaby utility forward Dean Mumm is the first recipient of the Jorrie Muller Award for 2010 for barging into the back of Reds replacement hooker Saia Faingaa in the 75th minute of the Australian derby in Brisbane. He just edges out Bismarck du Plessis who was also foolishly yellow carded in Durban.
SARugby.com Team of the Week – Round 1
1. Gurthro Steenkamp (Bulls)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Werner Kruger (Bulls)
4. Josh Bekhuis (Highlanders
5. Jason Eaton (Hurricanes)
6. Deon Stegmann (Bulls)
7. Juan Smith (Cheetahs)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Stormers)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Morne Steyn (Bulls)
11. Jongi Nokwe (Cheetahs)
12. Wynand Olivier (Bulls) – Player of the Week
13. Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
14. Lionel Mapoe (Cheetahs)
15. James O’Connor (Western Force)
16. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs)
17. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
18. Danie Rossouw (Bulls)
19. James Horwill (Reds)
20. Piri Weepu (Hurricanes)
21. Michael Hobbs (Highlanders)
22. Jaque Fourie (Stormers)
With thanks to SARugby.com
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