SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 8

FIXTURES:

31 Mar Blues v Bulls, Auckland.
31 Mar Waratahs v Cheetahs, Sydney.
31 Mar Force v Stormers, Perth.
1 Apr Hurricanes v Crusaders, Wellington.
1 Apr Chiefs v Highlanders, Hamilton.
1 Apr Sharks v Reds, Durban.

Byes - Brumbies, Cats.


HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Blues tackle the Bulls at Eden park with a win cruicial to their slim playoff chances. To be frank, i think they have blown it but hopefully they can give us a good preformance to put a smile back on our faces. I think they can turn it around, but they will have to contain the Bulls huge pack and go toe to toe with them.
PREDICTION: Blues by 5+.

The tie of the round is between the top two side the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. I can't wait for this one. The Crusaders are coming from a week off and they should be the fresher of the two sides. If any team can stop the Crusaders, the Hurricanes are the ones', but i don't think it will happen this week, the Crusaders should just have enough to take this one.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 8+.

The other all kiwi clash is between the Highlanders and the Chiefs in Hamilton. This is a close one to call, both teams are gaining momentum and starting to put it together, but for this one i am going for the home team the Chiefs.
PREDICTION: Chiefs by 12+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 7

Team Pl Pts
Waratahs 7 28
Hurricanes 7 28
Crusaders 6 27
Brumbies 7 23
Bulls 6 19
Cheetahs 6 18
Highlanders 7 17
Chiefs 6 12
Sharks 7 12
Stormers 6 9
Blues 6 8
Reds 6 7
Cats 7 5
Force 6 0

RESULTS:

24 Mar Hurricanes v Sharks 23-17
24 Mar Waratahs v Blues 43-9
24 Mar Cheetahs v Reds 10-6
25 Mar Brumbies v Chiefs 28-26
25 Mar Highlanders v Cats 16-14
25 Mar Force v Bulls 21-30
Byes - Crusaders, Stormers

ROUND UP:

The Hurricanes moved to the the top of the table along with the Waratahs with a hard earned win over the Sharks. Its always hard returning home from their three match trip to South Africa, but they brushed the long flight off and showed great characther and in the end their stunch defence won them the game. The sharks scored late in the game to earn a bonus point.

The Blues got smashed by the Waratahs. They had all the possesion but did sweet FA with it, they lacked ideas and passion with the Waratahs winning all the 50-50 balls and showing the desire to win. The Waratahs have signaled their intent with this display, can they go one better then last year?

The Cheifs got pipped at the post by the Brumbies. Stirling Mortlocks late try and conversion sealing victory in a great game of footie. After Mortlock's try the Cheifs still had their chances but a forward pass to Sitiveni Sivivatu with the line at his mercy and a dreadful attempt at a drop goal by Stephen Donald just wasn't enough, the Brumbies held on.

The Highlanders got their campaigne back on track when they managed to sneak past the Cats. Leading 16-0, the Highlanders let the Cats score two late tries to make it into a nail biter for the home supporters. The Cats were in the Highlanders half for 70% of the game, but only had the two late tries to show for it, poor decision making and execution was their down fall.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Peter Hewat(Waratahs)
14. Lome Fa'atau(Hurricanes)
13. Stirling Mortlock(Brumbies)
12. Sam Tuitupou(Cheifs)
11. Drew Mitchell(Reds)
10. Mat Rogers(Waratahs)
9. Piri Weepu(Hurricanes)
8. Rodney So'oialo(Wellington)
7. Phil Waugh(Waratahs)
6. Hale T-Pole(Highlanders)
5. Dan Vickerman(Waratahs)
4. Johan Ackerman(Sharks)
3. Carl Hayman(Highlanders)
2. Adam Frier(Waratahs)
1. Heinke Van der Merwe(Sharks)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 7

FIXTURES:
24 Mar Hurricanes v Sharks, Wellington
24 Mar Waratahs v Blues, Sydney
24 Mar Cheetahs v Reds, Bloemfontein
25 Mar Brumbies v Chiefs, Canberra
25 Mar Highlanders v Cats, Invercargill
25 Mar Force v Bulls, Perth

Byes - Crusaders, Stormers.

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Hurricanes take on the much improved Sharks on Friday night. This could go either way. The Canes have just finished their tour of South Africa while the Sharks are well into their tour in NZ. Can the Canes get their jet lag out of them and stop the Sharks momentun. I think the classey Canes backs will have to much for the Sharks to contain, i expect a close game:
PREDICTION: Canes by 5+.
The Blues travel to Sydney to take on the Waratahs. Who knows what the Blues will do? The Tahs are playing really well, controlled by the impressive Mat Rogers at first five. It could be a road to far for the Blues?
PREDICTION: Waratahs by 10+.
The Brumbies would of been disapointed with the result against the Blues. The Cheifs are fresh from a week off and they will put more misery on the Brumbies.
PREDICTION: Cheifs by 4+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 6

Team Pl Pts
Crusaders 6 27
Hurricanes 6 24
Waratahs 6 23
Brumbies 6 19
Bulls 5 15
Cheetahs 5 14
Highlanders 6 13
Chiefs 5 11
Sharks 5 11
Stormers 6 9
Blues 5 8
Reds 5 6
Cats 6 4
Force 5 0

RESULTS:
17 Mar Crusaders v Cats 43-15
17 Mar Force v Waratahs 7-32
17 Mar Bulls v Hurricanes 23-26
18 Mar Blues v Brumbies 26-15
18 Mar Highlanders v Sharks 11-26
18 Mar Stormers v Cheetahs 25-31
Byes - Chiefs, Reds

ROUND UP:

Three converted tries by the Crusaders in the final 15mins destroyed the Cats in Christchurch. The Cats put in a brave performance and held their own for an hour, but the table topping Crusaders sent on their big guns, Richie McCaw and Chris Jack, and in the end eased to victory, scoring 6 tries to 2 in the process.

The Blues got finally got their season going by disposing of the Brumbies 26-15, in a game full of errors the Blues outscored the Brumbies by 3 tries to 2. The Brumbies had all the 1st half possesion, but found themselves going in at half-time 18-0 down. The Blues scored 1st after half-time, leaving the Brumbies with an up hill battle. They did reply with some style but the Blues just did enough.

The Sharks got the surprise result of the round by seeing off the Highlanders 26-11 in Dunedin. Ex Otago boy, Tony Brown tormented his old team mates with a great performance. He controlled the game for the Sharks. Brown nailed 3 pens and 2 cons to secure the Sharks or any South African teams first win away from home this year.

The Hurricanes sneaked another close win 26-23 against the Bulls in Pretoria thanks mainly to the creativity of their backs and the power of their loose trio. The Bulls lacked any ideas from number 10 out and if they are going to have any chance of wining the competition they will have to look at thier game plan. Crash, bang, one out rugby will not win it and besides that its just so boring to watch.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:
15. Isaia Toeava(Hurricanes)
14. Odwa Ndungna(Sharks)
13. Anthony Tuitavka(Blues)
12. Rua Tipoki(Blues)
11. Scott Hamilton(Crusaders)
10. Dan Carter(Crusaders)
9. Piri Weepu(Wellington)
8. Rodney So'oialo(Wellington)
7. Richie McCaw(Crusaders)
6. Jerry Collins(Hurricanes)
5. James Ryan(Highlanders)
4. Klein Jan Tromp(Cats)
3. Carl Hayman(Highlanders)
2. John Smit(Sharks)
1. Tony Woddcock(Blues)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 6

FIXTURES:

March 17, Crusaders v Cats, Christchurch
March 17, Force v Waratahs, Perth
March 17, Bulls v Hurricanes, Pretoria
March 18, Blues v Brumbies, Auckland
March 18, Highlanders v Sharks, Dunedin
March 18, Stormers v Cheetahs, Cape Town

Byes-Chiefs & Reds

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Crusaders will dispose of the Cats without breaking into a sweat. They should get their 4 try bonus. They will probably rest key players and give squad members game time. I expect Dan Carter to be missing from the starting line up, he has had a few minor injuries over the past few weeks.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 25+.
The Hurricanes finish their trip to South Africa with a tough game against the Bulls. It will be a big ask for the Canes to win back to back games in SA. I think they can do it. they are playing well as a team and are showing great team spirit. Hopefully that will be enough to see them through.
PREDICTION: Canes by 4+.
The Blues tackle the high flying Brumbies. The Blues are fresh from their week off. The Brumbies came through a tough, physical game against the Sharks. Hopefully the week off has given the Blues time to re-group.
PREDICTION: Blues by 1+.
The Highlanders return to NZ after a successful trip to SA. They will be keen to get their home campaign off with a bang and start to push for a play off place. They will have to much pace for the Sharks. It will be good to see Tony Brown back in Dunedin but it won't be his day.
PREDICTION: Highlanders by 9+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 5

TEAM: pld pts
Crusaders 5 22
Hurricanes 5 20
Brumbies 5 19
Waratahs 5 18
Bulls 4 14
Highlanders 5 13
Chiefs 5 11
Cheetahs 4 10
Stormers 5 8
Sharks 5 7
Reds 5 6
Blues 4 4
Cats 5 4
W.Force 4 0

RESULTS:

Chiefs v Crusaders 19-25
Waratahs v Cats 50-3
Brumbies v Sharks 35-30
Reds v W.Force 29-18
Bulls v Highlanders 23-16
Stormers v Hurricanes 19-23

The Crusaders started this weeks fixtures off with a hard fought out win against the Cheifs in Hamilton, cementing their place at the top of the table.
The Hurricanes left it late, two tries in the final 5 mins secured the points, with Hosea Gear scoring the final try to put the Stormers away.
The Highlanders were also piped at the post by the rested Bulls. Fresh from their week off the big Bulls pack showed their power. Both teams are still the the hunt for a playoff spot.
Try of the round goes to Hosea Gear, has late show for the Hurricanes was a great team effort. They showed great composure with the Stormers looking to have done enough with only 5 mins left. Its not over until the fat lady sings!!!

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Leon Macdonald (Crusaders)
14. Mark Gerrard (Brumbies)
13. Jean De Villers (Stormers)
12. Sam Tuitupou (Chiefs)
11. Ma'a Nonu (Wellington)
10. Dan Carter (Crusaders)
9. Piri Weepu (Wellington)
8. Rodney So'oialo (Wellington)
7. Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
6. Pedrie Wannenburg (Bulls)
5. Dan Vickerman (Waratahs)
4. Chris Jack (Crusaders)
3. Carl Hayman (Highlanders)
2. Adam Frier (Waratahs)
1. Deon Carstens (Sharks)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 5

FIXTURES:

Chiefs v Crusaders
Waratahs v Cats
Brumbies v Sharks
Reds v Force
Bulls v Highlanders
Stormers v Hurricanes

Byes - Blues, Cheetahs

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO?

The game of the round is the Chiefs/Crusaders game in Hamilton on Friday night. This is by far the toughest test for the table topping Crusaders. The Chiefs have the backs to trouble any defence, but they will need to be in top form this weekend. I think the Crusaders are getting better with every game they play, which is frighting for the other teams in the competition and they should come out on top.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 8+.

The Highlanders continue in South Africa with a trip to Pretoria to face the Bulls. The Bulls are coming into the game after a week off. Thier huge pack need to be fireing on all cylinders to take this one. I am going to pick the Bulls for this one, but the Highlanders will pick up a bonus point or two in a close game.
PREDICTION: Bulls by 3+.

The Hurricanes will be hoping for better fortune against the Stormers in Cape Town after blowing a 15 point lead with only 20mins to play against the Cheetahs. They did pick up a bouns point for their trouble. If the Stormers can keep their discipline they could run the Canes close. But don't hold your breath, i expect the Canes to have lurnt from their loss to the Cheetahs and win this one by a lenght.
PREDICTION: Hurricanes by 13+.

The Blues have a bye, hopefully they can regroup and come together as a team. At least they cannot lose this weekend.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 4

TABLE:

Crusaders 4 18
Hurricanes 4 16
Brumbies 4 14
Waratahs 4 13
Highlanders 4 12
Chiefs 4 10
Bulls 3 10
Cheetahs 4 10
Stormers 4 7
Sharks 4 6
Cats 4 4
Blues 4 4
Reds 4 2
Force 3 0



RESULTS:

Cheetahs 27 Hurricanes 25
Highlanders 30 Stormers 15
Crusaders 39 Blues 10
Waratahs 31 Sharks 16
Brumbies 28 Cats 7
Chiefs 35 Reds 17

The Highlanders are the team to watch out for, no one is talking them up, they are just getting on with their business. After their 30-15 win over the Stormers, that was their 2nd win in South Africa and with the Crusaders out of the way they have a favourable run in.
The Cheetahs deserve a big mention. After 60mins of play against the Hurricanes they found themselves 25-10 down. they showed great resolve and character to pull the Canes back and pip them by 2pts, 27-25
Not many good tries to talk about this week. My favorite goes to Ritchie Mccaw, just because he had the presence of mind to place the ball at the foot of the post pads. The try was a good team try with many forwards involved in picking and driving.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Mils Muliana (Chiefs)
14. Soseni Anesi (Chiefs)
13. Sterling Mortlock (Brumbies)
12. Mat Giteau (Brumbies)
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu Chiefs)
10. Dan Carter (Crusaders)
9. Kevin Senio (Crusaders)
8. Mose Tuiali'i (Crusaders)
7. Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
6. Troy Flavell (Blues)
5. Mark Chisholm (Brumbies)
3. Carl Hayman (Highlanders)
2. Anton Oliver (Highlanders)
1. Tony Woodcock (Blues)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 4

FIXTURES:

Chiefs v Reds
Brumbies v Cats
Waratahs v Sharks
Crusaders v Blues
Stormers v Highlanders
Cheetahs v Hurricanes

BYE W.Force & Bulls

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO?

The Chiefs are back home for the first time this year. They should be to strong for the Reds, the back three for the Chiefs are looking rally sharp and hard to contain. If the pack can lay the foundations there could be a try feast?
PREDICTION Chiefs by 10+.

The Crusaders/Blues match is always hard to predict, the Blues always raise their game down in Christchurch. The Crusaders were very fortunate to come away with the result against the Sharks and i cannot see them making that mistake again. PREDICTION: Crusaders by 4+.

The Highlanders continue their tour of South Africa with a difficult game against the Stormers. The Stormers recorded a well earned draw against the inform Brumbies last time out. The Highlanders are a well drilled team, who are playing well for each other. I think they will sneak this one.
PREDICTION: Highlanders by 2+.

The Hurricanes start their road trip with a game against the Cheetahs. The Canes disposed of the Cats last week without getting out of first gear. They should have the all round class to start their tour with a win.
PREDICTION: Hurricanes by 10+.