Super XV 2012 Week 3 Preview and live match thread

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Round 3 of the 2012 edition of Southern Hemisphere Rugby's provincial rugby showpiece, the Super XV, takes place this weekend. Here is my take on the match-ups:

Australian Conference

	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Reds	2	2	0	0	0	60	41	19	0	8
2	Brumbies	1	1	0	0	1	19	17	2	0	8
3	Waratahs	2	1	1	0	0	56	44	12	2	6
4	Rebels	1	0	1	0	1	19	35	-16	0	4
5	W.Force	2	0	2	0	0	37	54	-17	1	1

New Zealand Conference

	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Highlanders	2	2	0	0	0	50	43	7	0	8
2	Chiefs	2	1	1	0	0	48	37	11	2	6
3	Crusaders	2	1	1	0	0	43	45	-2	1	5
4	Hurricanes	2	1	1	0	0	56	67	-11	0	4
5	Blues	2	0	2	0	0	32	48	-16	1	1

South African Conference

	Team	Played	Wins	Losses	Draws	Byes	Points For	Points Against	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total
1	Bulls	2	2	0	0	0	69	32	37	1	9
2	Stormers	2	2	0	0	0	54	38	16	0	8
3	Lions	2	1	1	0	0	55	55	0	1	5
4	Sharks	2	0	2	0	0	25	33	-8	2	2
5	Cheetahs	2	0	2	0	0	44	78	-34	1	1

Crusaders vs. Chiefs
The Crusaders take their first “home” 2012 game away to Napier (the equivalent match last year was also moved to the Hawkes’ Bay town), allowing some more construction time for their new stadium. Look for Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford to impress in their home town, in a match the Crusaders need to win before their bye next week. The Crusaders went missing at the breakdown in the narrow loss to the Highlanders last week, and will also be looking to cut out their handling errors.

The Chiefs are short of front rowers due to injuries, but Sonny Bill Williams and Richard Kahui will be dangerous in midfield; while Robbie Robinson and Tim Nanai-Williams were lethal on the counter-attack in their win over the Blues last week.

Crusaders by 7.


Force vs. Hurricanes
The Hurricanes make a pit-stop in Perth on their way home from South Africa where they surprised by grabbing a win over the Lions last week, and they will be looking to their mobile pack to counter the influence of David Pocock at the breakdown against the Force.

The Force have started their season with two losses on the road to the Reds and Brumbies, but they are a different prospect at home.

Temperatures in Perth are likely to be close to 30 degrees for kick-off, so fitness will be a key.

Force by 3.


Brumbies vs. Cheetahs
Pre-season this match was shaping up as a battle over last place. The Cheetahs are currently occupying that spot, and it’s hard to see them knocking over the Brumbies who picked up a narrow home win over the Force last week.

The Cheetahs will use their victory over the Waratahs in 2011 as their motivation and confirmation that they can win in Australia, their 23-3 win last year was as much as a surprise to them as to any pundit who has seen the Cheetahs fail with every other attempt to win in Australia.

Brumbies by 8.


Highlanders vs. Waratahs
Two wins from two puts the Highlanders at the top of the New Zealand conference, and after grafting out a solid home win over the Crusaders last week the Southern Men will wanting to inflict some more pain on a Waratahs outfit who walked all over the Rebels last week by dominating up-front. The Highlanders’ pack is a lot better than the Rebels’ one though, so the pressure will be on Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper in midfield to make the most of all the possession they get.

Aaron Smith at half-back is keeping RWC winner Jimmy Cowan benched, and is potentially the kind of half-back that New Zealand have lacked since Graham Bachop.

Bad weather flight cancellations have forced the Waratahs into a 12 hour journey to Dunedin via Auckland, not ideal preparations for facing a baying Otago crowd.

Highlanders by 10.


Reds vs. Rebels
The Reds are already looking like being runaway winners of the Australian conference; even without Quade Cooper, and without having really hit their stride this season. The Rebels had no answer at home to the Waratahs in week 1 and need to have spent their bye week plugging some gaping defensive holes, though hopefully the debut of Kurtley Beale will help.

The Rebels have a very dangerous attacking backline if they can get enough ball, but it’s hard to see them managing that in Brisbane.

Reds by 20


Sharks vs. Lions
The two Currie cup finalists will meet each other in Durban for round three; with the Sharks 0 from 2 and the Lions 1-2 after their disappointing defeat against the Hurricanes last weekend both will be seeking the win. The Sharks with Willem Alberts back to beef up their close quarter running will want to use their first match at home to kick start their campaign.

The Lions have never beaten the Sharks in the Super rugby tournament, and buoyed by their Currie cup victory over the Sharks late last year will be hoping they can repeat the feat.

Sharks by 5.


Bulls vs. Blues
The Blues went missing in action in the Hamilton rain last week, and Loftus Versfeld is a pretty hard place to find yourself again; especially as the Blues have not won at Loftus for almost a decade. Considering the surprise form of the Bulls during their first two matches of the season and the long trip over the Indian Ocean a win is likely to remain elusive.

Jano Vermaak will take the place of suspended Francois Hougaard, but should in no way reduce the Bulls’ chances to dominate the exchanges. Pat Lam has Ma’a Nonu available for selection following his sabbatical in Japan, while first five-eighth Michael Hobbs has returned to New Zealand due to the illness of his father, former All Black captain Jock Hobbs.

Bulls by 10.


Bye: Stormers

[Biltong]

There are a couple of games here that I think could go either way.

I reckon the hurricanes can turn over the force, they seem to look unorganised and show a lot of ill discipline, but the way they went into the break downs against the Lions and the speed and strength they have i their back line makes them unpredictable and very dangerous.

I also have the feeling the cheetahs might just beat the Brumbies.

[Adam D]

http://v2journal.com/super-xv-2012-preview-round-3.html

[Taylorman]

I think the Chiefs can tip over the Saders as well, who, if Weepus kick had have gone over could be sitting bottom of table.

Chiefs and Highlanders have looked very impressive so far and both have momentum from the first two matches. Its in New Plymouth which is home for the Chiefs.

I'm sticking with the Blues one...last...time... and if they upset me tonight I'll be at the airport to...'greet them'.

Reds at home vs Rebels is the biggest easybeat match if there ever is one in sxv and you're right Biltong Canes/ Force, Brumbies / Cheetahs, even Sharks Lions could be close.

Highlanders I think will beat Tah's at home with the form they're in.

Another heavy weekend ahead for me with the 6N as well...

[nganboy]

New Plymouth is home for the Canes
Napier is home for the Canes too
Perth will be like home for the Canes too

[Biltong]

Yeah, I am confident the Canes are going to do it too.

[Full Credit]

The reds were woeful last week and still beat the force by 15 which includes the softest try in the history of rugby when Pocock strolled over untouched. So I'll put my vote in for the Canes as well. The force just seem to have very few options in attack now they've lost Bieber.

[Taylorman]

Thats true nganboy. New Plymouth is about as close as you can get to chiefs catchment that i thought saders had adopted last years policy of playing home away.
Wet as up there now.
3-0 Chiefs after 6 mins.

[Full Credit]

Chiefs looking the goods so far. 13-3 after 27mins. Money-Bill having a field day.

[Taylorman]

Chiefs looking the goods so far. 13-3 after 27mins. Money-Bill having a field day.

I have chiefs for this game but saders now showing their famous ability to be patient. Just have this feeling theyll gradually wear the chiefs down from here, then knock them off.

[Taylorman]

Chiefs just as patient and for the third week in a row saders down to the wire.
Cruden penalty...24-19 and chiefs showing a maturity we're not quite used to yet.
Last 3 mins...

[Taylorman]

Chiefs by 5. had them by 7...

[Biltong]

Yeah, my predictions aren't doing well at all this season.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

biltong, with you there, my SG predictions couldn't be more guff - utterly clueless!

[Biltong]

Yeah, I know some of the games are hard to call, especially in the beginning of the season as we aren't always sure what to expect.

But here and there I try and out guess myself and it has failed every time so far.

Hopefully teams become more predictable, but that isn't really gonna help, becuase they will become more predictable for all of us.

The SA conference so far has been totally opposite of what I expected.

I thought the Sharks will be on top, and the Bulls will struggle.

[Ozzy3213]

Chiefs looking like they could be contenders this year. i was expecting the Blues to be doing better, but still early days.

Stormers and Bulls look a cut above the Sharks in South Africa.

[Biltong]

Yeah, it is shaping up that way, after I watched the Bull's first game against the sharks, all they were doing was kicking up and unders and putting the recievers under pressure to pounce on mistakes, I really thought it was going to be 2009 all over again, but then last weekend, their gameplan was totally different.

The Sharks were supposed to be settled with John Smit being replaced by Bismarck and only Stephan Terblanche leaving the backs, they are playing rugby but it just isn't coming off for them.

[Ozzy3213]

I do like the look of the Sharks blindside though Biltong. Coetzee I think his name is. looks a lively player, although not quite as lively as Potgeiter was for the Bulls last week against the Cheetahs.

[Biltong]

Ozzy, Willem alberts is also back this weekend for the sharks, it will be interesting to see how Coetzee, alberts and Keegan Daniel goes. They should be very mobile and collectively great ball carriers.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Hurricanes lead the Force 10-7 after 20 minutes, the Force have blown a couple of scoing chances

[Ozzy3213]

Force and 'Canes are two of the poorer sides in this years competition.

Think the 'canes will finish bottom of the NZ conference. Force are lucky that the Rebels are still not great as it might mean they manage to finish second from bottom of the Aussie one!

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Force and 'Canes are two of the poorer sides in this years competition.

Think the 'canes will finish bottom of the NZ conference. Force are lucky that the Rebels are still not great as it might mean they manage to finish second from bottom of the Aussie one!

I agree.

Half-time 22-10 to the Canes after a couple of quick tries.

[Ozzy3213]

Good finish in the corner for the 'Canes Kiwi, fella had to really get the dive in.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

A hat-trick of tries for TJ Perenara in his starting debut for the 'Canes secures a bonus point, 29-13 the lead with half an hour left.

If you merged the Brumbies, Force and Rebels you'd get a decent side.

[Full Credit]

If you merged the Brumbies, Force and Rebels you'd get a decent side.

Even then not. The poor old Force, take Pocock out and they would be a total dog's breakfast.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

My Crusaders are struggling this season! Is Brad Thorn a bigger loss than we might give credit for? Are the AB players still burned out from the World Cup? Is this overconfidence from the World Cup? Would Carter and McCaw change the last two results? Ben Franks was outclassed by a young kid. These Chiefs seem to have a lot of young talent and they are damaging some egos. From an AB point of view, I don´t think that´s a bad thing. From a Crusaders point of view it´s vexing, worrying and frustrating. The Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders are all above the Crusaders!! I don´t like this new world we´re living in. It scares me!

[chewed_mintie]

Brilliant result for the Canes!!! Dare I say, whisper it quietly....was Hammett right all along and were we all depressing anti-cantabs about him last year?

Still, only 3 weeks in but the signs are looking promising. Beating the Force there on the way back from SA is a very hard thing to do...

[Taylorman]

Yes agree...canes do look a completely different side and to date blues and saders look the poorer of our 5!.

Carter and mccaw still to return and theres no doubting the saders know how to time their run better than anyone but seeing the chiefs highlanders and now canes as the best performers has somehow gotta be good overall.

Now all we need is for the blues to deck the bulls... Fat chance of that it seems.

[Taylorman]

Did you watch the match Chewed?

The team looked nothing like the Canes of old where not a lot seems to happen until the stars come out to play (or not).

This Canes team looked more like a 15 man side in the saders Highlanders mould. 2 from 3 away is a good start regardless of the opposition and from what Ive seen Canes will be nowhere near the bottom by seasons end. Potential in this side.

[Pal Joey]

Good tipping with the Chiefs, Taylorman.

Brumbies trailing 23-21 to the Cheetahs with 4 mins to go.

[Biltong]

The Cheetahs has simply been blown to pieces in the last 20. By my count there was roughly 6 penalties in the last 20.

Brumbies penalty in front of the posts. kick over Brumbies win.

[Pal Joey]

Lealiifano slots a penalty with seconds to go.

So the Brumbies get home 24-23. They struggled somewhat; being behind for just about all of the game. Some contentious refereeing decisions but from what I saw it went both ways.

[Biltong]

Yeah, I am not going to complain about this one, the south african teams need to learn to play the referee, it is the way of modern rugby.

Jake White seems to have made a difference at the Brumbies, their forward play in the last twenty was very good, they arrived at the ruck as a collective unit and rucked over the ball well, negating Brussow very well.

That is a good method of countering a fetcher.

[Pal Joey]

Yes, he's done well in Canberra. Did you hear he knocked back the England coaching job?

Now for the Highlanders-Tahs game. I've tipped against NSW. Once again a great atmosphere in Dundedin.

[Pal Joey]

Sarel Pretorious has also fitted in well with NSW.

No Cliffy Palu today but the Tahs have some experienced campaigners in their side.

Ah, so you let Bryce get out of that alley way, BB?

[Biltong]

Yeah, I am dissappointed about it from a selfish point of view. I read a few weeks ago he is planning on starting an academy of some sort through the univeristy to entice South African talent to Canberra.

This could see a lot of South Africans run out for OZ in the near future, and a focused effort like that to "steal" SA talent doesn't sit too well with me.

[Biltong]

Has he not yet got his Ozzie papers?

[Pal Joey]

Yeah, I know it's a free market but that doesn't sit too well with me either. A couple or a few yes... but not a whole academy of SA players.

Watching the cricket mate? So they need 260 odd with 8 wickets to spare. It should be an interesting final day tomorrow.

[Biltong]

Yeah I am worried about the weather tomorrow, if we get Taylor and McCullum early we should wrap this up before the weather can make an impact, but I am betting on a draw.

The situation with Jake and his acadamy is we already have the English rugby and cricket teams talking Afrikaans in the change rooms I wouldn't like to see the same thing in OZ.

[Biltong]

Good try by the Highlanders.

[Taylorman]

Evening LB, Biltong...ready for a night, or day of it?
I see we all had Brumbies and we all have the Highlanders. AllBlack1 got the point margin right so goes to the top.

Looks like I need the Highlanders for the most points...

Good luck gents...

The cricket?
We will find a way to fluff that. Certain of that...but I'd love to be proved wrong for once...

[Biltong]

Hi taylorman, yes I really need some of my predictions to go my way. It has been woeful so far.

[Pal Joey]

Evening Taylorman.

Highlanders look good with the ball running it on every occasion.

Bloody boring Tahs... horrible to watch. Too slow and predictable trying to slow things down and stuffing things up as usual.

[Biltong]

It is weird to see Lawrence getting involved in a game, he has awarded some penalties, warned a few AUSTRALIANS (who would have guessed?) and generally just blowing the game.

[Full Credit]

Tahs looking pretty awful with ball in hand. They're missing their battering ram in Cliffy Palu.

[Pal Joey]

Tahs looking pretty awful with ball in hand. They're missing their battering ram in Cliffy Palu.

Nobody knows what we have to go through season after season.

They come across as opportunists with lucky breaks when it's not critical. Then when we really need them to perform... they just don't turn up. Am I too harsh? They are the most inconsistent side I believe. Impossible to get behind 100%. That's why I didn't tip them (though full marks to you FC if they get up) and it's why I prefer to see the more expansive and go-forward side (the Highlanders at the moment) grab the points.

Must be the Wales coming out in NSW... Just get it together - you prima donnas!

[Biltong]

Tahs get a chargedown try.

[Pal Joey]

See...? typical opportunism!!!

[Taylorman]

geez... at a huge cost though...ouch.
How many times are our teams going to concede charge down tries.

[Taylorman]

We just gotta keep hammering away at that defence and the highlanders have so far been very good at that...try...could be the turning?

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