Super XV: Round 15 Preview

Draw (all times are local)
Hurricanes vs Western Force Friday, 27 May - 7:35PM (8.35AM BST)
Highlanders vs Lions Saturday, 28 May - 7:35PM (8.35AM BST)
ACT Brumbies vs Stormers Saturday, 28 May - 7:40PM (10.40AM BST)
Sharks vs Waratahs Saturday, 28 May - 5:05PM (4.05PM BST)
Bulls vs Cheetahs Saturday, 28 May - 7:10PM (6.10PM BST)
Reds vs Crusaders Sunday, 29 May - 4:10PM - Match of the Round - kicks off 7.10AM Sunday BST
BYE: Blues, Chiefs, Rebels
Competition Background
NZ-centric short preview http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/opinion/5050932/Toby-Robsons-Super-Rugby-Team-Talk
Sydney Morning Herald Super Rugby power rankings http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/super-14-power-rankings
Rugby Heaven full previews http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/super-rugby/fixtures#week-15
Points Tables http://livescores.smh.com.au/rugby/super15/super15-ladder.html
"Highlights" for the stats geeks like me http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10728459
Matches info

Hurricanes vs Force
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Andre Taylor, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Chris Eaton, Victor Vito (captain), Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Dane Coles, John Schwalger. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Mark Reddish, Piri Weepu, Jayden Hayward, Julian Savea.

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Rory Sidey, David Smith, James Stannard, Mark Swanepoel, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Sam Wykes, Tim Fairbrother, Nathan Charles, Kieran Longbottom. Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Matt Dunning, Tom Hockings, Richard Brown, Chris Cottee, Mitch Inman, Alfie Mafi.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/hurricanes-v-force-20110526-1f63t.html#ixzz1NScvyhlG

Hurricanes with their backline stars back should won comfortably. OTOH, they are the Hurricanes.
Best odds:
Hurricanes 1/9 Draw 33/1 Force 15/2

Highlandersvs Lions
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Kendrick Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Siale Piutau, Lima Sopoaga, Jimmy Cowan; Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Mo Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh (capt). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, John Hardie, Aaron Smith, Matt Saunders, Robbie Robinson

Lions: Jaco Taute, Dylan Des Fountain, Doppies la Grange (captain), Butch James, Deon van Rensburg, Elton Jantjies, Jano Vermaak, Josh Strauss, Michael Rhodes, Derick Minnie, Franco van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Patric Cilliers, Bandise Maku, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Edgar Marutlulle, Jacobie Adriaanse, Warren Whiteley, Cobus Grobbelaar, Rory Kockott, Alwyn Hollenbach, Michael Killian

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/highlanders-v-lions-20110526-1f644.html#ixzz1NSeIB0k8
Best odds:
Highlanders 2/17 Draw 33/1 Lions 8/1

Saffa sides struggle on tour and the Lions are cellar dwellers (though have looked better since Jantjes unseated Butch James at 10), expect the House of Pain to live up to its nickname in it's penultimate Super Rugby match. Highlanders are unbeaten at home (Dunedin or Invercargill) so far this season.

Brumbies vs Stormers
Brumbies: Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Tyrone Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau (captain), Josh Valentine, Ita Vaea, Julian Salvi, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Jono Owen. Reserves: Anthony Hegarty, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Peter Kimlin, Michael Hooper, Patrick Phibbs, Robbie Coleman, Andrew Smith.

Stormers:Conrad Jantjes, Gio Aplon, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh, Bryan Habana, Peter Grant/Kurt Coleman, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nick Koster, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger (captain), Andries Bekker, Rynhardt Elstadt, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Tiaan Liebenberg, Steven Kitshoff, Anton Van Zyl, Duane Vermeulen, Ricky Januarie, Jean de Villiers, Johann Sadie



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/brumbies-v-stormers-20110526-1f645.html#ixzz1NSeYPKEF
Best odds:
Brumbies 3/1 Draw 25/1 Stormers 1/3

As long as tour fatigue isn't setting in expect the Stormers to pick up where they left off in Auckland, Rocky Elsom is facing an uphill battle to play again this season due to ankle problems.

Sharks vs Waratahs

Sharks: Louis Ludik, JP Pietersen, Stefan Terblanche, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie, Conrad Hoffmann, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Alistair Hargreaves, Steven Sykes, Eugene van Staden, Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit (captain).

NSW Waratahs: Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Sosene Anesi, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Ben Mowen, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm (captain), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Al Baxter, Pat O'Connor, Hugh Perrett, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu, Atieli Pakalani.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/sharks-v-waratahs-20110526-1f64m.html#ixzz1NSf3jAq1

Best odds:
Sharks 4/7 Draw 22/1 Waratahs 17/10

Home advantage should tell, though with both teams sitting in 2nd in their conference the match is critical for both teams. Interesting to see John Smit starting at prop too.

Bulls vs Cheetahs
Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter , Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling. Reserves: Gary Botha, Rossouw de Klerk, Flip van der Merwe, Danie Rossouw, Dustin Jinka, Francois Brummer, Gerhard van den Heever.

Cheetahs: Riaan Viljoen, Riaan Smit, Robert Ebersohn, Corne Uys, Philip Snyman, Sias Ebersohn, Sarel Pretorius, Davon Raubenheimer, Ashley Johnson, Kabamba Floors, Martin Muller, Francois Uys, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss (captain), Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: Ryno Barnes, Lourens Adriaanse, Izak van der Westhuizen/Hendrik Roodt, Johan Wessels, Tewis de Bruyn, Naas Olivier, Hennie Daniller.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/bulls-v-cheetahs-20110526-1f66n.html#ixzz1NSfieOpA

Best odds:
Bulls 4/11 Draw 25/1 Cheetahs 10/3

Cheetahs have improved through the season, but the Bulls know a loss will probably put them out of the playoffs

Reds vs Crusaders
Queensland Reds: Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (captain), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Reserves: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Ian Prior, Will Chambers, Dom Shipperley
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Brent Ward, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Willi Heinz, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald/David Hall, Ben Franks, Luke Romano, Matt Todd/Joe Wheeler, Steve Alfeld, Mat Berquist, Ryan Crotty

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/reds-v-crusaders-20110526-1f673.html#ixzz1NSg8Z8ey

Best odds:
Reds 5/4 Draw 20/1 Crusaders 11/13

Can the Reds' forwards secure enough ball from a near international-strength pack for their sublime backline to put the Crusaders away? SBW returns for the red & blacks, but the outside backs have been ravaged by injury, Brent Ward having been called up from amateur club rugby. Steve Walsh's injury woes (calf) continue, he's been replaced as referee by Stu Dickinson. And ticket sales are approaching 50,000 which would be an Aussie Super Rugby record.

But is it as good as the Heineken Cup?

:run1:

Reds v Crusaders could be a classic. Is it on Sky???

Glas a du wrote:But is it as good as the Heineken Cup?

:run1:

It'd be hard for a match to come close to Saturdays' final (which was one of the best finals the HEC's had) . But these are pool rounds. So if you compare with some of the Heino pool games before Xmas
:run2:

LDCPete wrote:Reds v Crusaders could be a classic. Is it on Sky???

Penfro?!?

I hope so.

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Glas a du wrote:But is it as good as the Heineken Cup?

:run1:

It'd be hard for a match to come close to Saturdays' final (which was one of the best finals the HEC's had) . But these are pool rounds. So if you compare with some of the Heino pool games before Xmas
:run2:

Fair enough. They were not all classics.

Just bumping the article up the list. Some teams info and opinion links added

So 2 late tries gets the Hurricanes home over the Western Force 34-28. Pretty good effort from the Force, away from home with a very makeshift backline.

Canes needed that Kiwi, they have been dire this season. Good to see Nonu get a couple of tries.

LDCPete wrote:Canes needed that Kiwi, they have been dire this season. Good to see Nonu get a couple of tries.

Munsty watched the game LDCP, we'll have to quiz him about it tonight

Is Munsty along tonight as well? Cracking, should be a good night.

Reds v Crusaders is on Sky Sports 7 am Sunday, can't wait for it, I reckon it could be a real awesome game. Cooper vs. Carter would be worth the entrance money alone.

'saders pack should have the upper hand, but the Reds back division can hurt anyone.

LDCPete wrote:Is Munsty along tonight as well? Cracking, should be a good night.

Reds v Crusaders is on Sky Sports 7 am Sunday, can't wait for it, I reckon it could be a real awesome game. Cooper vs. Carter would be worth the entrance money alone.

'saders pack should have the upper hand, but the Reds back division can hurt anyone.

Yep, Munsty's in town. I agree with you on the game Sunday, I'll certainly be setting my alarm.

I shan't need an alarm I wouldn't think, I expect my littlies will have me up well in time for kick off!

Phew, upset win to the Lions this morning, last gasp try gets them home.

Highlanders 22 - Lions 26.

That could put a big spanner in the works for the Southerners' season

Really poor performance from the Highlanders considering the linebreaks they had. However i thought the ref was poor in that on numerous occasions both sides should have seen yellow cards. poor officiating

Poor match for both sides but the lions probably just deserved it...

Over in Canberra the Stormers' defence has held through.

Brumbies 3 - Stormers 16

how close are the stormers to making the play offs?

The top half of the table (anyone else needs a miracle)

1. Reds Australian Conference Leader 54 (played 12)
2. Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 54 (played 13)
3. Stormers South African Conference Leader 52 (played 13)
4. Crusaders Wildcard 48 (played 13)
5. Waratahs Wildcard 45 (played 12)
6. Highlanders Wildcard 44 (played 13)
7. Sharks 43 (played 12)
8. Bulls 40 (played 12)

Stormers' run in is: Rebels in Melbourne, at home to the Bulls and away to the Cheetahs. They should beat the Rebels, which ought to leave them clear in SA

cheers Kiwi suprised at the fact the bulls are so far down, but the stromers are probably my favorite SA team.

This afternoon's games in the Republic:

Sharks 26 - Waratahs 21
Bulls 32 - Cheetahs 21

Which makes the top 8 (remember the playoffs involve 6 teams)
1. Reds Australian Conference Leader 54 (played 12)
2. Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 54 (played 13)
3. Stormers South African Conference Leader 52 (played 13)
4. Crusaders Wildcard 48 (played 13)
5. Sharks 47 Wildcard (played 13)
6. Waratahs Wildcard 46 (played 13)
7. Bulls 45 (played 13)
8. Highlanders 44 (played 13)

Crusaders play the Reds tomorrow morning UK time. The Bulls vs Waratahs game next weekend becomes critical for the Aussies' hopes

The Reds manage to edge a cliff-hanger in front of 48000 fans in Brisbane 17-16.

Which makes the top 8 (remember the playoffs involve 6 teams)
1. Reds Australian Conference Leader 58 (played 13)
2. Blues New Zealand Conference Leader 54 (played 13)
3. Stormers South African Conference Leader 52 (played 13)
4. Crusaders Wildcard 49 (played 14)
5. Sharks 47 Wildcard (played 13)
6. Waratahs Wildcard 46 (played 13)
7. Bulls 45 (played 13)
8. Highlanders 44 (played 13)

I think that might be the biggest crowd for an Australian franchise in Super Rugby???

Wildcard places are tight, Highlanders will rue conceding that late one against the Lions!

Next weeks fixtures look interesting...

Fri 3 Highlanders v Force, Carisbrook, Dunedin
19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST

Fri 3 Melbourne Rebels v Stormers, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST

Fri 3 Bulls v Waratahs, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
19:10 local, 17:10 GMT, 18:10 BST

Sat 4 Hurricanes v Lions, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
17:30 local, 05:30 GMT, 06:30 BST

Sat 4 Blues v Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland
19:35 local, 07:35 GMT, 08:35 BST

Sat 4 Reds v Brumbies, Lang Park, Brisbane
19:40 local, 09:40 GMT, 10:40 BST

Sat 4 Cheetahs v Sharks, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
17:05 local, 15:05 GMT, 16:05 BST

You'd have to fancy the Highlanders to beat the Force, giving them 48/49 points which will initially see them up to 5th and into a play off place, and the Stormers to then cement top spot in the SA conference by beating the Rebels.

Then it's the big one of the round with the Bulls having to be favourites at Loftus and could well put a couple of nails into the 'Tahs play off hopes coffin.

Sharks have a tough one as well away in Bloemfontain. They need to win that as it is so tight for the quarter final spots.