Super XV 2012 Week 3 Preview and live match thread

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

First topic message reminder :

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]

For this weekends matches on both the six nations and Super rugby, I closed my eyes and made a pick. Thinking about it has not worked so far.

So hoping my new theory will work.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

I agree Biltong, this week´s picks are seriously tough for the 6n. I am so disillusioned with the Crusaders and this bye has come at the worst time for them. I hope they come back next week hopping mad with their pride hurt.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

I agree Biltong, this week´s picks are seriously tough for the 6n. I am so disillusioned with the Crusaders and this bye has come at the worst time for them. I hope they come back next week hopping mad with their pride hurt.

Here here. Carter is due back for the 1st match at Rugby League Park too

Though it's up front that isn't quite gelling, replacing Brad Thorn is tough.

[kiakahaaotearoa]

Which makes me worry about the Irish tests Kiwi. We won´t have Kaino either for those matches and that´s two enforcers who leave a big gap behind. I agree our front row in particular needs a good kick up the behind. The Franks have been frankly woeful.

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