SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 12

FIXTURES:

28 Apr Highlanders v Waratahs, Dunedin.
28 Apr Cats v Force, Jo'burg.
29 Apr Hurricanes v Chiefs, Wellington.
29 Apr Brumbies v Reds, Canberra.
29 Apr Cheetahs v Blues, Bloemfontein.
29 Apr Bulls v Sharks, Pretoria.
29 Apr Stormers v Crusaders, Cape Town.

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Highlanders take on the Waratahs, with nothing more than a win needed to keep alive their playoff hopes alive. Both teams come into the game after a week off. I think the Highlanders will cause the Tah's a few problems.
PREDICTION: Highlanders by 8+.

In Wellington the Hurricanes will not have it easy against the Chiefs. I think the Cane's will win it but its going to be a close one, looking forward to this one!!
PREDICTION: Hurricanes by 2+.

The Blues countinue their tour of South Africa, where they play the Cheetahs. Both side are down on form, but maybe the Blues will have the edge with the Cheetahs returning from their trip down under.
PREDICTION: Blues by 3+.

The Crusaders start their tour in Cape Town. I don't think they will make the same mistake as last week, they will over run the Stormers and get the show back on track.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 10+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 11

Team Pl Pts
Crusaders 10 42
Waratahs 10 38
Hurricanes 10 34
Brumbies 10 32
Bulls 10 28
Sharks 10 27
Chiefs 10 27
Blues 10 22
Highlanders 10 22
Cheetahs 10 20
Stormers 10 18
Reds 10 17
Cats 10 6
Force 10 4

RESULTS:
21 Apr Chiefs v Cheetahs, 33-32
21 Apr Reds v Stormers, 20-24
21 Apr Force v Crusaders, 23-23
22 Apr Brumbies v Hurricanes, 21-16
22 Apr Sharks v Blues,32-15
22 Apr Bulls v Cats, 46-17

Byes - Highlanders, Waratahs.

ROUND UP:

The Chiefs looked like they were going to put on a big score against the Cheetahs, after 15mins they were 21-3 up and in cruise control. In entertaining game each team scored 4 tries to claim a bonus point with the Cheetahs gaining another for losing by less than 7 points.

The Force produced the result of the round by holding title favorites The Crusaders 23-23. Playing with only 14 men and conceding 2 tries during that period the Force held on. But i think this is what the Crusaders needed to keep them on their toes. They know they have to be on their game at all times.

The Hurricanes produced a late charge but just couldn't do enough to claim victory over the Brumbies, but they did get a vital bonus point which could prove the difference at the end of the round robin stage.

The Sharks remained in the hunt for a place in the Super 14 semi-finals with an impressive 32-15 win over the Blues in Durban on Saturday. The bonus point for four tries ensured the Sharks kept up the pressure on the leading pack. No one is tallking about any South African teams making the playoffs, watch out for the Bulls and the Sharks, they can beat any team on their day.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Isaia Toeava(Hurricanes)
14. Odwa Ndungane(Sharks)
13. Stirling Mortlock(Brumbies)
12. Wynand Olivier(Bulls)
11. Mark Gerrard(Brumbies)
10. Morne Steyn(Bulls)
9. George Greagan(Brumbies)
8. Liam Messam(Chiefs)
7. George Smith(Brumbies)
6. David Pussey(Force)
5. Jason Eaton(Hurricanes)
4. Nathan Sharpe(Force)
3. Angus Scott(Force)
2. Tian Liebenberg(Cheetahs)
1. Gareth Hardy(Force)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 11

FIXTURES:

21 Apr Chiefs v Cheetahs, Hamilton
21 Apr Reds v Stormers, Brisbane
21 Apr Force v Crusaders, Perth
22 Apr Brumbies v Hurricanes, Canberra
22 Apr Sharks v Blues, Durban
22 Apr Bulls v Cats, Pretoria

Byes - Highlanders, Waratahs

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Chiefs tackle the Cheetahs in Hamilton, the Cheetahs will be going hard out to get something out of the game and it could be a real tricky one for the Chiefs. They have got to step up a few gears from here on in. This is a must win for them.
PREDICTION: Chiefs by 8+.

The Crusaders travel to Perth to take on the Force. This is not going to be the walk in park everyone expects for the Crusaders. The Force are back home and have nothing to lose. But the Crusaders will give them the respect they deserve and will be to strong for them in the end.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 12+.

The Hurricanes have the tie of the round, when they travel to Canberra to take on the Brumbies. The Brumbies will be hurting from their defeat in Sydney and will be looking to get back on track. The Hurricanes are gunning for a home playoff spot and to continue their momentum. This is going to be a close one.
PREDICTION: Brumbies by 4+.

The Blues start their tour of South Africa against a Sharks team that is now starting to get some form. This is a tough ask for the Blues who have been up and down all year, they do have a slim chance of a playoff spot but that will end here.
PREDICTION: Sharks by 10+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 10

Team Pl Pts
Crusaders 9 40
Waratahs 10 38
Hurricanes 9 33
Brumbies 9 28
Bulls 9 23
Sharks 9 22
Chiefs 9 22
Blues 9 22
Highlanders 10 22
Cheetahs 9 18
Reds 9 16
Stormers 9 14
Cats 9 6
Force 9 2

RESULTS:
14 Apr Blues v Force, 39-8
15 Apr Crusaders v Cheetahs, 53-17
15 Apr Chiefs v Stormers, 30-20
15 Apr Reds v Bulls, 20-19
15 Apr Cats v Sharks, 8-36
16 Apr Highlanders v Hurricanes, 13-29
16 Apr Waratahs v Brumbies, 37-14

ROUND UP:

The Blues inflicted the heaviest defeat on the Force to date and have set themselves up for their tour. They will be missing Troy Flavell(Shoulder injury) and Rua Tipoki. Tipoki is banned for 16wks for use of the elbow, was it worth 16wks, i didn't think so. I think he has paid for his past reputation and has been made an example of. Whats your thoughts on it?

The Crusaders made light work of the Cheetahs, breaking through the 50 point mark. The big question is, can anyone stop this Crusade to the first ever Super 14 winners. On this form i say no, but in the playoffs anything can happen, can anyone step up?

The Chiefs came from behind with 13 points scored in he last 15mins to clinch victory over the Stormers. Can this be a spring board for the Chiefs to push for a playoff spot. I personly don't think the Chiefs have played to their full potential yet, its time to step up now, every game is vital.

The Hurricanes produced a dazzling second half performance, scoring 24 unanswered points to claim unimpressive victory over the Highlanders. With the victory it keeps the Canes home playoff spot alive, with them hot on the heels of the Waratahs.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Isaia Toeava(Hurricanes)
14. Rico Gear(Crusaders)
13. Julian Huxley(Reds)
12. Ma'a Nonu(Hurricanes)
11. Lote Tuqiri(Waratahs)
10. Dan Carter(Crusaders)
9. Piri Weepu(Hurricanes)
8. George Smith(Brumbies)
7. Schalk Burger(Stormers)
6. Reuben Thorne(Crusaders)
5. Jason Eaton(Hurricanes)
4. Bakkis Botha(Bulls)
3. Carl Hayman(Highlanders)
2. Schalk Britz(Stormers)
1. Benn Robinson(Waratahs)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 10

FIXTURES:

14 Apr Blues v Force, Auckland.
15 Apr Crusaders v Cheetahs, Christchurch.
15 Apr Chiefs v Stormers, Maunganui.
15 Apr Reds v Bulls, Brisbane.
15 Apr Cats v Sharks, Jo'burg.
16 Apr Highlanders v Hurricanes, Dunedin.
16 Apr Waratahs v Brumbies, Sydney.

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

The Blues take on the Western Force at Albany. They have started to get it together and they should have to much fire power for the Force. I think the Blues will set up a good platform up front to unleash their backs.
PREDICTION: Blues by 12+.

The Cheetahs get the chance to take the scalp of the unbeaten Crusaders. But that is not going to happen, i don't think this Crusaders are playing aswell as they can, but still no one has given them to much trouble. They will only get better when finals footie comes along, thats pretty daunting for the other teams.
PERDICTION: Crusaders by 15+.

The Chiefs take on the Stormers and will be kicking themselves for not got the maxinum points from the game against the Bulls. They need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. the way the Stormers have been going its not going to happen.
PREDICTION: Chiefs by 10+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 9

Team Pl Pts
Crusaders 8 35
Waratahs 9 33
Brumbies 8 28
Hurricanes 8 28
Bulls 8 22
Highlanders 9 22
Chiefs 8 18
Cheetahs 8 18
Sharks 8 17
Blues 8 17
Stormers 8 14
Reds 8 12
Cats 8 6
Force 8 2

RESULTS:

7 Apr Crusaders v Waratahs 17-11
8 Apr Highlanders v Force 25-22
8 Apr Chiefs v Bulls 26-26
8 Apr Blues v Stormers 32-15
8 Apr Brumbies v Cheetahs 53-20
8 Apr Cats v Reds 16-23

Byes - Hurricanes, Sharks.

ROUND UP:

The Crusaders won the top of the table clash with the Waratahs with a great 1st half performance, they controlled all phases and at one stage looked like they were going to runaway with it. The Waratahs showed their credentials in the 2nd half, but huge defence from the Crusaders put them to the top of the table, at the expense of the Waratahs.

The Highlanders had a scare against the Force, the Force showing that they are getting better with every game and surely their first ever win is only around the corner. The game was no spectacle, it was littered with mistakes and thats about that!!!

The Chiefs came from 15pts down to secure a draw against the Bulls, they scored 2 tries a conversion and a penalty in the final quarter to get back to level terms. In the end the Bulls held on with the Chiefs looking for that final score to clinch victory, but it didn't happen.

The Blues comfortable beat the Stormers and are starting to get it together. They scored 4 tries in the process 2 of them coming in the last 10mins. It was no classic with not much skill on show, the only bright spark was Rua Tipoki who looked dangerous every time he got the ball.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Leon Macdonald(Crusaders)
14. Rico Gear(Crusaders)
13. Rua Tipoki(Blues)
12. Aaron Mauger(Crusades)
11. Lote Tuqiri(Waratahs)
10. Dan Carter(Crusaders)
9. George Gregan(Brumbies)
8. Mose Tuiali'i(Crusaders)
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. Tony Woodcock(Blues)

SUPER 14 - PREVIEW - ROUND 9

FIXTURES:

7 Apr Crusaders v Waratahs, Christchurch.
8 Apr Highlanders v Force, Dunedin.
8 Apr Chiefs v Bulls, Hamilton.
8 Apr Blues v Stormers, Auckland.
8 Apr Brumbies v Cheetahs, Canberra.
8 Apr Cats v Reds, Jo'burg.

Byes - Hurricanes, Sharks

HOW I THINK THE NZ TEAMS WILL GO:

Its another top of the table clash for the Crusaders, the table topping Waratahs head down to Jade Stadium. This should be a classic, two positive side who like to play open rugby. But i just think the Crusaders have the better of the Tah's up front, they will be to strong for them. I think the Crusaders would like to stamp their authority on the competition with this game.
PREDICTION: Crusaders by 14+.

The Highlanders have got the Western Force coming to town. The Australians are down on their luck and that want change this weekend. The Highlanders will be looking to get their show back on the road and i think they will do with some ease.
PREDICTION: Highlanders by 20+.

The big question is, Can the Blues win two on the trot????????????????????????????
I think they will do it quiet comfortably. The Stormers left it late against the Force in round 8. The Blues looked like they were back on track, with an impressive win over the Bulls, with their forward pack looking dominent against a well respective Bulls pack.
PREDICTION: Blues by 8+.

The Bulls head from Auckland down to Hamilton to face a very confident Chiefs side. The Chiefs looked classy against the Highlanders. If they can stop the Bulls forward pack like the Blues did, then this could be a big victory for them.
PREDICTION: Chiefs by 15+.

SUPER 14 - ROUND 8

Team Pl Pts
Waratahs 8 32
Crusaders 7 31
Hurricanes 8 28
Brumbies 7 23
Bulls 7 19
Highlanders 8 18
Cheetahs 7 18
Sharks 8 17
Chiefs 7 16
Stormers 7 14
Blues 7 12
Reds 7 8
Cats 7 5
Force 7 1

RESULTS:

31 Mar Blues v Bulls 30-17
31 Mar Waratahs v Cheetahs 26-3
31 Mar Force v Stormers 25-26
1 Apr Hurricanes v Crusaders 11-20
1 Apr Chiefs v Highlanders 16-13
1 Apr Sharks v Reds 36-28

Byes - Brumbies, Cats

ROUND UP:

The Blues got back into winning ways and showed alot more promise than they have all year, can they back it up in the next round though? The Blues pack more than contained the big Bulls pack and after losing the battle upfront, the Bulls had no plan B. The Blues backline looked sharper, lead by the impressive Rua Tipoki.

The top of the table clash between Hurricanes and Crusaders turned out to be an evenly matched contest, the Crusaders just edging it, scoring 2 tries to 1. But all 3 tries were just awesome, full of skill and class. The Crusaders just had the edge it set pieces which laid the foundations for their victory.

In Hamilton the Chiefs held off the Highlanders 16-13. With Mils Muliaina moving to the No.13 jumper, the Chiefs had a real game breaker. But the Chiefs held off a late charge from the Highlanders and in the end deserved to hold on for victory. These two side will have a huge say on who makes the playoffs.

MY TEAM OF THE WEEK:

15. Cameron Shepherd(Western Force)
14. Rico Gear(Crusaders)
13. Mils Muliaina(Chiefs)
12. Rua Tipoki(Blues)
11. Lote Tuqiri(Waratahs)
10. Dan Carter(Crusaders)
9. Ruan Pienaar(Sharks)
8. Sione Lauaki(Chiefs)
7. Richie Mccaw(Crusaders)
6. Luke Watson(Sharks)
5. Jason Eaton(Hurricanes)
4. James Ryan(Highlanders)
3. Carl Hayman(Highlanders)
2. Cory Flynn(Crusaders)
1. Tony Woodcock(Blues)