Super 14 Fantasy League Teamsheets: Round 13
It’s Super 14 crunch-time – the final set of round-robin matches kick off this weekend, with all of six teams vying for second spot on the log.
All the talk this week has centred on the Bulls decision to field a second-choice team for their crucial tie against Stormers at Newlands on Saturday. With the Aussies and Kiwis whinging about the move, the Bulls are able to rest all their first-choice players before the knockout stage commences – it’s what they deserve for comfortably leading the log.
The Crusaders take on the Brumbies without suspended scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i, while the Hurricanes – who play the Waratahs in Friday’s other big clash – welcome back the return of Conrad Smith.
For the Stormers, the return of Joe Pietersen is a welcome boost – he replaces Gio Aplon at fullback, who now moves to wing. The return of Bryan Habana means the sloppy Sireli Naqelevuki has been relegated not only from the first XV, but also from the bench.
Crusaders vs Brumbies, Friday 14 May 9:35am
Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Daniel Bowden, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tim Bateman, 22 Jared Payne.
Brumbies: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Salesi Maafu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 22 Andrew Smith.
Waratahs vs Hurricanes, Friday 14 May, 11:40am
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Patrick McCutcheon, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Dan Palmer.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Daniel Halangahu, 22 Rory Sidey.
Hurricanes: 5 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Paterson, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Bryn Evans 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 John Schwalger. Reserves: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Jason Kawau / Willie Ripia, 22 David Smith.
Sharks vs Force, Friday 14 May, 7:10pm
Sharks: 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 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 Craig Burden, 17 Patric Cilliers, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Andy Goode, 22 Andries Strauss.
Western Force: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Ryan Cross, 11 Cameron Shepherd, 10 David Hill, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Ben McCalman, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ben Whittaker, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements:16 Nathan Charles, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Sam Wykes, 19 Tom Hockings, 20 Justin Turner, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Mark Bartholomeusz.
Blues vs Chiefs, Saturday 15 May, 9:35am
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger/Luke McAlister, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino/Peter Saili, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 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.
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Save Tokula, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Trent Renata, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Tristan Moran, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Luke Braid 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Siale Piutau, 22 Tim Mikkelson.
Reds vs Highlanders, Saturday 15 May, 11:40am
Reds: 15 Ben Lucas, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Will Chambers, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Jake Schatz, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Van Humphries (vice-captain), 4 Radike Samo, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Sean Hardman, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Jack Kennedy, 18 Ezra Taylor, 19 Poutasi Luafutu, 20 Ed Quirk, 21 Brando Va’aulu, 22 Richard Kingi.
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Corne Uys, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Skipper Badenhorst, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Davon Raubenheimer, 20 Marnus Hugo, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Louis Strydom.
Cheetahs vs Lions, Saturday 15 May, 3:00pm
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Corne Uys, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Phillip van der Walt, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Skipper Badenhorst, 1 Wian du Preez.
Replacements: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Davon Raubenheimer, 20 Marnus Hugo, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Louis Strydom.
Lions: 15 Carlos Spencer; 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Marius Delport, 12 Jaco Taute, 11 Deon Van Rensburg; 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Jano Vermaak; 8 Derick Minnie, 7 Franco Van der Merwe, 6 Wikus Van Heerden, 5 George Earle, 4 Nico Luus, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Charles Emslie, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves – 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Gert Muller, 18 David Bulbring, 19 Jonathan Mokuena, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Michael Killian, 22 Bernardo Botha.
Stormers vs Bulls, Saturday 15 May, 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 (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Adriaan Fondse,3 Brok Harris,2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements:16 Deon Fourie, 17 Eusebio Guinazu, 18 Anton Van Zyl,19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Willem De Waal, 22 Tim Whitehead.
Bulls: 15. Tiger Mangweni, 14. Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 13. Stephan Dippenaar, 12. De Wet Barry, 11. Deon Helberg, 10. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9. Heini Adams, 8. Pedrie Wannenburg, 7. Gerrit-Jan van Velze, 6. Derick Kuun, 5. Bakkies Botha (captain), 4. Flip van der Merwe, 3. Bees Roux, 2. Bandise Maku, 1. Jaco Engels
Substitutes: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Dean Greyling, 18. Fudge Mabeta, 19. Okkie Kruger, 20. Ruan Snyman, 21. Francois Brummer, 22.Stefan Watermeyer
Super 14 Fantasy League: Round 12
The Crusaders face a do-or-die match against the Bulls in Pretoria, as the final two weekends of Super 14 action come around.
With the prospect of no Kiwi teams in the semis for the first time since 2001, it’s crunch time for the teams from New Zealand. The Hurricanes still have a small chance of making the knockout stage, but they face the Reds who are in fourth position on the log, and also gunning for the semis. After losing two locks early in last week’s match, the Reds have called up veteran Radike Samo to help bolster the side. Piri Weepu is in the starting line-up this week, for what might be one of his last games for the Hurricanes.
The Crusaders-Bulls encounter is set to be an epic. Danie Rossouw starts ahead of Bakkies Botha in what will be his 100th Super 14 match for the Bulls, while Jaco van der Westhuyzen gets a spot on the bench.
Other key games include the Chiefs-Waratahs and Brumbies-Highlanders matches – both the Aussie teams have a shot at the semis, but the on-form Brumbies have home-grown advantage in their favour this week.
The weekend’s final match sees second on the log Stormers take on the Sharks in Durban – it’s a key game for the Cape side, who are gunning for a home semifinal. The injured Bryan Habana sits out, with Tim Whitehead coming in at wing.
Hurricanes vs Reds, Friday 7 May, 9:35am
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Paterson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Jason Kawau/Willie Ripia, 22 David Smith.
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Will Chambers, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Andrew Shaw, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Van Humphries, 4 Radike Samo, 3 Greg Holmes, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 James Slipper, 18 Ezra Taylor, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Lei Tomiki, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Brando Va’aulu.
Bulls vs Crusaders, Friday 7 May, 7:10pm
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 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 Bakkies Botha, 19 Derick Kuün, 20 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 21 Stephan Dippenaar, 22 Pedrie Wannenburg.
Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Dan Bowden, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Ryan Crotty, 22 Jared Payne.
Chiefs vs Waratahs, Saturday 8 May, 9:35am
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Kevin O’Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Phil Burleigh, 22 Save Tokula.
Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Phil Waugh (capt), Patrick McCutcheon, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Dan Palmer/Jeremy Tilse, Chris Thomson, Dave Dennis, Josh Holmes, Daniel Halangahu, Sosene Anesi
Brumbies vs Highlanders, Saturday 8 May, 11:40am
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Andrew Smith, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 22 Ed Stubbs/Stirling Mortlock.
Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 James Paterson, 13 Ben Smith, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Chris King.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Keith Cameron, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Jayden Hayward.
Lions vs Blues, Saturday 8 May, 3:00pm
Lions 15 Carlos Spencer, 14 Michael Killian, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Tonderai Chavhanga, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Derick Minnie, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 George Earl, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Gert Muller 2 Charles Emslie, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Nico Luus, 19 Justin Wheeler, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Jaco Taute, 22 Bernardo Botha.
Blues 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Paul Williams, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Mailau, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Viliami Ma’afu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Stephen Brett/George Pisi, 22 Anthony Tuitavake.
Cheetahs vs Force, Saturday 8 May, 5:05pm
Cheetahs Hennie Daniller, Corne Uys, Robert Ebersohn, Meyer Bosman (vc), Bjorn Basson, Naas Olivier,Sarel Pretorius, Phillip van der Walt ,Juan Smith (c),Hendro Scholtz, Barend Pieterse , Izak van der Westhuizen ,WP Nel ,Skipper Badenhorst , Wian du Preez
Replacements:Ryno Barnes,Coenie Oosthuizen, Waltie Vermeulen, Davon Raubenheimer, Marnus Hugo ,Riaan Viljoen, Danwel Demas
Western Force: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Ryan Cross, 11 Cameron Shepherd, 10 David Hill, 9 Justin Turner, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Tom Hockings, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Nick Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Sam Wykes, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Chris O’Young, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Mark Bartholomeusz.
Sharks vs Stormers, Saturday 8 May, 7:10pm
Sharks 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jean Deysel, , 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Pat Cilliers, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Jacques Botes 21 Andy Goode, 22 Andries Strauss.
Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Tim Whitehead , 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (captain), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Adriaan Fondse, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Eusebio Guinazu, 18 Anton van Zyl, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Willem de Waal, 22 Joe Pietersen.
Form Or Reputation?
Andries Bekker has been playing his heart out, while Bakkies Botha has missed most of the season due to injury. Who should play for the Boks?
Andries Bekker or Bakkies Botha? Francois Louw or Juan Smith? Gerhard van den Heever or JP Pietersen? Tiaan Liebenberg or Bismarck du Plessis?
It’s the most difficult time of the year to be a national coach, because the Super 14 has given everyone an opinion on who should be picked for the Bok team.
Peter de Villiers will probably go with reputation rather than form, and is that really such a bad thing? Remember how Jake White’s decision to stick with certain players paid off in 2007? Shouldn’t that be where we should be heading with the 2011 RWC around the corner?
Incidently it’s not just in South Africa where this question lingers. With the resurgence at the Reds it’s not so simple to pick a Wallaby team anymore.
As The Sydney Morning Herald’s Greg Growden explains…
For Wallabies coach Robbie Deans a huge question is looming.
Does he pick his first Test team in June on form or reputation?
If form is the prime guide, then Deans will find himself in the difficult position of deciding whether his captain Rocky Elsom, chief playmaker Matt Giteau and his other key go-to man Berrick Barnes are worthy of holding their Test spots. He would also have to ignore his fervent youth policy by selecting the Wallabies’ oldest second-rower Nathan Sharpe, who has been easily the best Australian lock this season.
Luckily for Deans there is still a month to go for several players to lift their levels of performance, but if not he will find himself in a precarious position, and will have to make some brutal decisions that will affect the balance and direction of the Australian team.
On form, Deans would have to base his Test line-up around the Queensland Reds, who have excelled all over the park, and a sprinkling of Force players. Some have been saying just make the Reds XV the Test XV, and that is far from ridiculous.
The standouts have been their half combination of Will Genia and Quade Cooper, which have played several levels above every other Australian No.9-10 pairing this season.
As long as they continue in the same vein, no one will topple them as the Wallabies halves combination. This will turn the No.12 spot into a tussle between Barnes and Giteau, who before this season were assumed to be the Test 10-12 pairing going into next year’s World Cup, with Cooper as their back-up. Now that pecking order has been seriously threatened.
Barnes has not been helped by being switched from five-eighth to inside-centre, while the often stifling Waratahs game plan has appeared to unsettle him. But the past few weeks, Barnes has looked far more assured, and on Saturday night was a crucial reason for the Waratahs’ success, being one of the few on the field who was relaxed under pressure. It was deserving of the man-of-the-match award, just ahead of the Brumbies’ Adam Ashley-Cooper.
In Giteau’s case, his fluctuating performances are not entirely his own fault. His form has gradually improved, but against the Waratahs, Giteau’s effort was ruined by poor performances all around him. Giteau attempted to revitalise the Brumbies play, but no one nearby could help him. Instead, several appeared at a loss in knowing what to do next, as Giteau tried to spark them with charges at the line or tight passes. Giteau, whose Test claims are boosted because of his goalkicking prowess, wasn’t at fault. It was others in the Brumbies’ back line who appeared out of their depth.
The Brumbies are playing like a team without a heart – not surprising considering their dilemmas, including a recent disagreement at training between Elsom and coach Andy Friend, which has since been resolved. There have also been off-field dramas involving Brumbies staff, further destabilising the team.
Maybe that’s why Elsom was again quiet on Saturday night, and if the Test team had to be picked today it would be hard for him to be chosen ahead of Queensland’s Scott Higginbotham, who has been a consistent performer at blindside breakaway.
The great unknown is who will be the outside-centre, and it will revolve around whether Rob Horne can overcome his hamstring problems. If not, Will Chambers is a worthy option. The other key concern is who will be back-up to Genia.
If a form team was picked today: Peter Hynes; Digby Ioane, Will Chambers or Rob Horne, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Richard Brown or Leroy Houston, David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, Dean Mumm, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
How would your form Bok team look?
Super 14 Fantasy League Teamsheets: Round 12
For the Stormers and Crusaders, Friday’s showdown presents a must-win clash – setting up Super 14’s week 12 as key in the run-in to the semis.
There’s minimal change in the Stormers line-up, only injury to JC Kritzinger causing front-row concerns. The Crusaders welcome back marauding hooker Corey Flynn to the starting line-up.
The Brumbies have been hit with a number of setbacks, with both fullback Julian Huxley and centre Stirling Mortlock out due to injury – they take on the high-flying Reds in a the biggest clash of the weekend Down Under.
The travelling Blues, who take on the Cheetahs this weekend, will have to do without Luke McAllister and Rudi Wulf – both of whom have travelled back home to be with their expecting partners.
Fourie du Preez returns to the Bulls starting 15 – and there will be a big Loftus welcome for the returning Bakkies Botha.
Highlanders vs Waratahs, Friday 30 April, 9:35am
Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Robbie Robinson/Mat Berquist, 9 Jimmy Cowan (captain), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thompson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Chris King.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Matt Berquist/Robbie Robinson, 22 James Paterson.
Waratahs: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Josh Holmes, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Dan Palmer.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Patrick McCutcheon, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Sosene Anesi.
Stormers vs Crusaders, Friday 30 April, 7:10pm
Stormers: 15. Gio Aplon, 14. Sireli Naqelevuki, 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. Adriaan Fondse, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. JD Moller
Replacements: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Eusebio Guinazu, 18. Anton van Zyl, 19. Pieter Louw, 20. Ricky Januarie, 21. Willem de Waal, 22. Tim Whitehead
Crusaders: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Daniel Bowden, 22 Jared Payne.
Hurricanes vs Chiefs, Saturday 1 May, 9:35am
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Jason Kawau.
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche/Vern Kamo, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Trent Renata, 22 Phil Burleigh.
Brumbies vs Reds, Saturday 1 May, 11:40am
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Brackin Karauria-Henry, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 Colby Faingaa, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Robbie Coleman, 22 Ed Stubbs.
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Brando Va’aulu, 13 Will Chambers, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Jack Kennedy, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Ezra Taylor, 19 Jake Schatz, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Luke Morahan.
Cheetahs vs Blues, Saturday 1 May, 3:00pm
Cheetahs: 15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Corné Uys, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Frans Viljoen, 7 Juan Smith (c), 6 Hendro Scholtz, 5 Barend Pieterse, 4 Izak van der Westhuizen, 3 WP Nel, 2 Ryno Barnes, 1 Wian du Preez.
Subs: 16 Skipper Badenhorst, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Waltie Vermeulen, 19 Phillip van der Walt, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Riaan Viljoen, 22 Robert Ebersohn.
Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Tom Chamberlain, 6 Jerome Kaino (captain), 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Mailau/ Keven Mealamu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Anthony Tuitavake.
Lions vs Force, Saturday 1 May, 5:05pm
Lions: 15 Carlos Spencer, 14 Michael Killian, 13 Deon van Rensburg, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Tonderai Chavhanga, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Derick Minnie, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 George Earle, 4 Nico Luus, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Charles Emslie/Hannes Franklin, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Jacques Lombaard, 19 Justin Wheeler/Jonathan Mokuena, 20 Jacques Coetzee, 21 Jaco Taute, 22 Bernardo Botha.
Force TBC
Bulls vs Sharks, Saturday 1 May, 7:10pm
Bulls: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 13. Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Francois Hougaard, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield (captain), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Gary Botha, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp
Substitutes: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. Bees Roux, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Derick Kuün, 20. Heini Adams, 21. Stephan Dippenaar, 22. Pedrie Wannenburg
Sharks: 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 John Smit (captain).
Substitutes: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Andries Strauss, 22 Luzuko Vulindlu.
Super 14 Fantasy League Teamsheets: Round 11
It’s Super 14’s Round 11, and the Bulls return to Loftus Versfeld hoping to secure top spot on the log again.
With the bottom-of-log Lions squaring up to the Bulls, one can expect a full house of points for the men from Pretoria. Fourie du Preez has been given a much-needed break, allowing Heine Adams a chance to start, while Jaco Pretorius returns at centre.
The Crusaders suffered a late blow last week when Dan Carter pulled out before kickoff – fortunately for the Canterbury team, the flyhalf is fully fit this week to take his place in the starting line-up.
Injuries have meant a number of reshuffles to the Sharks team. Without Ryan Kankowski and Keegan Daniel, Michael Rhodes gets a start on the bench, while Stefan Terblanche plays out of place in the centre position.
Chiefs vs Cheetahs, Friday 23 April, 9:35am
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 James McGougan, 18 Kevin O’Neill, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Richard Kahui, 22 Jason Hona.
Cheetahs 15. Hennie Daniller, 14. Danwell Demas, 13. Corne Uys, 12. Meyer Bosman, 11. Jongi Nokwe, 10. Naas Olivier, 9. Sarel Pretorius, 8. Davon Raubenheimer, 7. Juan Smith (captain), 6. Barend Pieterse, 5. Izak van der Westhuizen, 4. Hendro Scholtz, 3. WP Nel, 2. Ryno Barnes, 1. Wian du Preez
Substitutes: 16. Adriaan Strauss, 17. Coenie Oosthuizen, 18. Nico Breedt, 19. Philip van der Walt, 20. Tewis de Bruyn, 21. Riaan Viljoen, 22. Robert Ebersohn
Reds vs Stormers, Friday 23 April, 11:40am
Reds: 15 Peter Hynes, 14 Brando Va’aulu, 13 Will Chambers, 12 Anthony Faingaa, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia (captain), 8 Leroy Houston, 7 Daniel Braid (vice-captain), 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Sean Hardman, 17 Greg Holmes, 18 Jack Kennedy, 19 Ezra Taylor, 20 Jake Schatz, 21 Ben Lucas, 22 Luke Morahan.
Stormers: 15.Gio Aplon, 14. Sireli Naqelevuki, 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 (c), 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Adriaan Fondse, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. JC Kritzinger
Reserves: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. JD Moller, 18. Anton Van Zyl, 19. Pieter Louw, 20. Ricky Januarie, 21. Willem De Waal, 22. Tim Whitehead
Force vs Crusaders, Friday 23 April, 1:45pm
Western Force: 15 Mark Bartholomeusz, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Ryan Cross, 11 Cameron Shepherd, 10 David Hill, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe (capt), 4 Ben McCalman, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ben Whittaker, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Sam Wykes, 20 Justin Turner, 21 Sam Harris, 22 Dane Haylett-Petty.
Crusaders: 15 Sean Maitland ,14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Dan Bowden, 22 Colin Slade.
Highlanders vs Hurricanes, Saturday 24 April, 09:35am
Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Jimmy Cowan (c), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Chris King.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Joe Tuineau, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 James Paterson.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Rodney So’oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Patterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements:16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 David Smith.
Waratahs vs Brumbies, Saturday 24 April, 11:40am
Waratahs TBC
Brumbies: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 Colby Faingaa, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Mitchell Chapman, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Brackin Kaurauria-Henry, 22 Alfie Mafi.
Bulls vs Lions, Saturday 24 April, 3:00pm
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Heini Adams, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Derick Kuün, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 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 Deon Stegmann, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Pedrie Wannenburg.
Lions: 15. Carlos Spencer, 14. Michael Killian, 13. Marius Delport, 12. Walter Venter, 11. Wandile Mjekevu, 10. Herkie Kruger, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Derick Minnie, 7. Wikus van Heerden, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. Nico Luus, 3. Gert Muller, 2. Hans van Dyk, 1. JC Janse van Rensburg
Substitutes: 16. Hannes Franklin, 17. Kevin Buys, 18. Wouter Moore, 19. Justin Wheeler, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Deon van Rensburg, 22. Tonderai Chavhanga
Sharks vs Blues, Saturday 24 April, 5:05pm
The Sharks: 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 John Smit (captain).
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Michael Rhodes, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Riaan Swanepoel, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.
Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau/Charlie Faumuina, 18 Andrew Van der Heijden, 19 Viliami Ma’afu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Rene Ranger, 22 Paul Williams.
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