Super XV 2012 Week 3 Preview and live match thread

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Thu Mar 08, 2012 6:39 pm

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

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:42 am

Well worked try there for the Highlanders

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:42 am

Try Highlanders. John Hardie over in the corner. Nice work from Poki.

by Full Credit Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:43 am

Not too harsh mate, they've certainly got the personnel to get the job done which is why they are so frustrating to watch, I agree.

I feel for McCutcheon, he could be in a bit of trouble with that ankle. I guess the tah's got through their last game without an injury (club record) so they were long overdue.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:43 am

Amazing how Slade misses the easier kicks and then slots the one from the corner

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:46 am

You guys reckon there could be a citing for that tip tackle on AAC?

by Full Credit Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:51 am

He looked horizontal when he hit the ground (only just).

by Full Credit Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:55 am

The waratahs are getting a lesson in how to attack a breakdown.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:55 am

He still lifted him though?

by Full Credit Sat Mar 10, 2012 7:59 am

Lifting in itself isn't a problem is it? I thought it all had to do with how you put him down.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:02 am

Only switched the Highlanders v Tahs game on just after half time, but seems to have been a pretty tight contest.

Highlanders looking a decent side this year.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:12 am

Full Credit wrote:Lifting in itself isn't a problem is it? I thought it all had to do with how you put him down.

I don't know mate, from what I understand is you may not lift a player past the horisontal

by **Ozzy3213** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:19 am

Jayzus, Jimmy Cowan took a chance there at the end! Shocked

by Full Credit Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:26 am

Oh yes, I was referring to just lifting someone off the ground. Can't go past the horizontal for sure, I though he landed about flat on his back so it was marginal. Might need to see it again but wasn't too concerned with it. Maybe I've been watching too much league lately, they allow a bit more leeway.

Good win to the highlanders, not much between the sides. I though the tah's could have retained the ball a bit more the last 10mins instead of kicking it away so much. Halangahu will be kicking himself for fluffing that sitter conversion.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:31 am

I think I get some points for this one. Maybe even a .5 bonus for being within 5

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:36 am

Still coming 3rd. I shot up a whopping 19 places last week. Very Happy

Should have stuck with the Chiefs as well though, like I did last week.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:42 am

You had a brilliant week last week, did you get them all correct?

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:45 am

Did you see old taylorman, up 10 spots so far this week.

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:55 am

No 7/8, BB. Tipped the Cheetahs. Doh

Old Taylorman is doing well.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:03 am

Yea was 7/8 2 wks ago. 4/4 so far but gaw...had to pick the blues who let me down then.
Reds should win.
Cowans sure telling hansen ' dont pick me ' with that ridiculous panic kick out attempt.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:12 am

Dont worry bout the cricket biltong. We are the best at snapping defeat and we need half a miracle anyway. I have ZERO faith in our cricketers to be normal.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:15 am

the weather might decide this match, me thinks

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:31 am

Gosh im the only one to pick the blues to win.
Going to have to get behind them now.
Rebels are battling ok so far.

by doctor_grey Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:44 am

This was a good read. I was working until about midnight here, came home, put Brumbies-Cheetahs on the tv and then I promptly crashed. Recorded the three matches from today and just started with the Brumbies again. Weather in Canberra looks great.

If you are going to do a thread like this next weekend, I will try to join you. But would need sleep first.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:31 pm

Morning Doc...had a sleep myself...up again for the Wales match.
Missed the end of the Reds match. Sounded a close one...

by Woodstock Sat Mar 10, 2012 12:50 pm

It was a close one and I am not too sure how deserved the Reds were.

The Rebel's have far to many classy players to be called whipping boys now and I feel they will become the better team in Aussie soon.

I am a bit biased, live in NZ but follow the Rebels because of Mr Delve who is doing a great job as stand in captain.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:42 pm

Cmon the blues. My sportguru 100% depends on it.
For once...break all the rules and taboos about form and away and all that jazz and just WIN.
and all will be forgiven Hug

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:54 pm

Sharks win by 12 and linebreaker is again spot on, man I just can't get any luck. Doh

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:41 pm

Blues ahead by doing nothing to deserve it!
Ali still sticking to his "have a go at me if i let you down speech"?
Blimin egg. Binned already and lucky only one try scored.
Ooh. Steyne missed from in front! all the luck so far.

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:51 pm

South Africans never liked Steve walsh and I expect the Bull supporters is cussing so much his ears must be ringing

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:53 pm

Blues getting well and truly drawn in to the bulls driving game. Expect another yellow. Walsh is geeting annoyed at repetitive fouls.
Anscombe keeping us in it.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:56 pm

And again. Amazing some of those passes stuck. Last week they spilled all over the park

by **Biltong** Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:56 pm

Walsh is playing advantage for the Blues a lot.

I get the impression South African teams just don't seem to get the referees.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:13 pm

Compared to the welsh match this is strangely subdued. Messy in the forward exchanges. Stop start.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:34 pm

Blues could well rip this one with 20 to go.
Neither team will be tired as other than the first ten mins. neither has done much.

Poor kicking and just not a lot happening.

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:58 pm

Oh well. Had blues by 5 not 6.
Not the best of games and rangers idiot charge will cost him. Brainless

by **Pal Joey** Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:39 pm

Well done mate. You went against all the grain of tipping and pulled it off!
No. 1

by Taylorman Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:58 pm

Cheers LB. More ignoramus kiwi backing really. I did think Chiefs might win but Blues was really about them doing a lot of soul searching on the way over.
Long way to go thumbsup

by Taylorman Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:11 am

Although Ranger will probably miss a game or two not very sporting of the Bulls fan who seems to have chosen to take it out on our Otahuhu stalwart Keven Mealamu with a bottle apparently.

Now thats just not cricket! furious

by Taylorman Sun Mar 11, 2012 4:39 am

Looking at Rangers effort again at the end its thuggery of the kind we don't need so he deserves a rest to think about things a bit more. No place in the game for that rubbish. Didnt even attempt to tackle and was flying across. He's known as a hard man Ranger and this sort of thing won't help for higher honours.

by yappysnap Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:04 pm

Here's that Mealamu incident from the Bulls-Blues game

http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/03/2407/keven-mealamu-struck-with-bottle-after-bulls-vs-blues-game

It includes footage of the bottle throwing and the crowd abuse.

On a happier note, here's a beast of a hit from Motu Matu'u on Matt Hodgson from the Hurricanes-Force match. Totally legal and a literal cracker!

http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/03/2408/motu-matuu-makes-biggest-hit-of-the-season-on-matt-hodgson

by **Biltong** Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:14 pm

Well there are two things you can take out of that, rene ranger had no intention to tackle Basson, did he get a citing for that shoulder dive?

The guy throwing the bottle is just a bloody idiot. Mealamu had nothing to do with it, they should have allowed him to panelbeat that little excuse of a man.

by **Ozzy3213** Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:48 pm

Ranger has been banned for 2 weeks for it Bitlong.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Thu Mar 15, 2012 2:55 pm

biltongbek wrote:Well there are two things you can take out of that, rene ranger had no intention to tackle Basson, did he get a citing for that shoulder dive?

The guy throwing the bottle is just a bloody idiot. Mealamu had nothing to do with it, they should have allowed him to panelbeat that little excuse of a man.

As Ozzy said, Ranger got a couple of weeks. The bottle thrower is claiming he was "going to Basson's assistance" and merely tried to flick the bottle out of the way Whistle

by **Biltong** Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:55 pm

Thanks, I have been a bit busy this week and haven't followed the super Xv much. Good that ranger got a suspension he could have broken some ribs on Basson there.

The guy with the bottle must have wetted himself when mealamu turned around. Shocked

by Taylorman Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:50 pm

biltongbek wrote:

The guy with the bottle must have wetted himself when mealamu turned around.

by **Biltong** Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:05 pm

Taylorman wrote:
biltongbek wrote:

The guy with the bottle must have wetted himself when mealamu turned around.

If you were that skinny, wouldn't you. Laugh

by Taylorman Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:40 pm

Got your picks up yet Biltong?
Ive not tempted fate and taken the Blues this week especially now Boric and Kaino are out for a while. Ranger as well and a few others all down the gurgler.

Not even sure if Blues have 7 backs over there now.

Can't recall but I think the Canes might tip the Highlanders such is their resolve.

The rest go to form from memory...

by **Pal Joey** Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:18 pm

Yeah, similar to me Taylor.

I would like to see the Blues win but they've taken a big hit after last week. Gone with the Canes too... although I think the Highlanders have a good chance after their start to the season, however I believe your guys will be firing on all cylinders too and have the firepower toscore some points.

Reds and Sharks a toughie. Went with the Reds but have a feeling the Sharks might prevail in Durban.

Good luck... and enjoy the weekend!

by Taylorman Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:38 pm

Thats right- Reds and Sharks- think I went with the Sharks. have to check.
Game of the round maybe...

Going to the Canes match. Said I wouldnt support the Canes after the exodus debacle but from what hes got left Hammet has done well.

A hard taskmaster it seems...did ya catch Justin Marshalls 'putting the tent up' story? Hard case.

Good luck LB...

p.s...France or Wales?

by **Pal Joey** Fri Mar 16, 2012 7:48 am

Taylor... apologies for the 'your guys' bit. You're a Blues fan living in Wellington, right?

I went Wales by 7 although France may be on the warpath seeking some consolation after last week.

More worried about my Italy by 3 now. I'd like to see Scotland win of course but I've a feeling the home support will urge the Azzuri to just edge it.

Also, I've gone for Ireland by 6. Maybe need my head read because England seem to be on the up. Hoping Ireland can break the voodoo on St Pat's Day.

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