Friday, February 27

Highlanders v Reds, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Head-to-head: Played 18, Highlanders 9, Reds 9

In Dunedin: Played 8, Highlanders 7, Reds 1

Last clash: Round 16, 2014 - Reds 38-31 Highlanders, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The past six clashes between these sides have all been settled by seven or fewer points.
• The Reds have a competition-leading lineout success rate (97%), winning 30 of 31 throws. They have also managed the most steals (6).
• The Reds are bottom of the charts for all the main attacking attributes: carries, metres, clean breaks, defenders beaten and offloads.

Line-ups

• Highlanders: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Patrick Osbourne, Marty Banks. Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Mark Reddish, Ross Geldenhuys, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds. Replacements: Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, Joe Wheeler, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Kurt Barker
• Reds: Lachie Turner; Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, Chris Feauai-Sautia; James O'Connor. Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; Marco Kotze, Dave McDuling; Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper. Replacements: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.

Injuries / Unavailable

• Highlanders: Richard Buckman (Knee, round 4), Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Kane Hames (Suspension, round 9), Pingi Tala'apitaga (Knee, TBC)
• Reds: Quade Cooper (Shoulder, round 7-10), Anthony Fainga'a (Knee, TBC), Greg Holmes (Thumb, Round 7), Karmichael Hunt (Stood down, TBC), Eddie Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC), Ben Tapuai (Hamstring, TBC), Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (Knee, Round 8-10)

Team News

• The Highlanders have made just the one change to their backline with Marty Banks replacing Lima Sopoaga at No.10. The Tasman playmaker will be making his first Super Rugby start at fly-half, following a handful of appearances off the bench for the Hurricanes last season. Coach Jamie Joseph has shuffled the tight-five to find an edge up front with prop Brendon Edmonds to make his Super Rugby debut while Ash Dixon and Mark Reddish have been included at hooker and lock, respectively.
• James O'Connor has again been named at No.10 and appears certain to finally make his Queensland debut after last week's false-start against the Force. The star recruit is one of four changes to the side that overcame a tough 48 hours last Saturday night, with Dave McDuling replacing the injured James Horwill at lock while Anthony Fainga's return sees a shift to the wing for Chris Feauai-Sautia. Nick Frisby and Campbell Magnay have dropped back to the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: It will all revolve around Adam Thomson's return to Dunedin. If the former All Blacks back-rower can be as prominent as he was in his first game for the Reds, the visitors are a chance. If not, it will be a long trip.

Tips - Greg Growden: Highlanders by 5 Sam Bruce: Highlanders Brett McKay: Highlanders Brittany Mitchell: Highlanders Andy Withers: Highlanders

Force v Hurricanes, nib Stadium, Perth

Head-to-head: Played 8; Force 1, Hurricane 7

In Perth: Played 3; Force 1, Hurricanes 2

Last clash: Round 10, 2013 - Hurricanes 22-16 Force, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Hurricanes have won the past six matches between the teams, overcoming a half-time deficit in two of the past five.
• The Force's lineout (69%) and scrum (59%) success rates are the lowest in the competition after two rounds.
• The Canes have won the most turnovers so far this year (24), as well as the most scrums (22).

Line-ups

• Force: Luke Burton; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, Marcel Brache; Zack Holmes, Alby Mathewson; Ben McCalman, Brynard Stander, Angus Cottrell; Steve Mafi, Sam Wykes (captain); Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan. Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Rory Walton, Kane Koteka, Ian Prior, Sias Ebersohn, Mitchell Scott.
• Hurricanes: James Marshall; Cory Jane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Chris Smylie; Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea; James Broadhurst, Blade Thomson; Ben Franks, Dane Coles (captain), Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Injuries / Unavailable

• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty (Foot, round 6-7), Matt Hodgson (Hamstring, round 9), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season), Nick Cummins (ankle, round 4)
• Hurricanes:Iopu Iopu-Aso (Shoulder, round 5), Jeremy Thrush (Calf, round 5-7)

Team News

• Pek Cowan will make his return to the Force line-up after he was sidelined with a neck injury in round one, while Lock Steve Mafi gets his first start. Nick Cummins remains sidelined following an ankle surgery.
• Dane Coles captains the Hurricanes for the first time after coach Chris Boyd made five personnel changes to the team that started against the Bulls last week. Regular captain Conrad Smith sits out the match in Perth, replaced by Rey Lee-Lo, while James Marshall replace Jason Woodward at fullback. Chris Smylie replaces half-back TJ Perenara, while No.8 Victor Vito starts for the first time this season. Ardie Savea returns at openside, with Blade Thomson moving to lock and Mark Abbott sitting on the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Hurricanes were the kings of the South African veldt, and their match on the way back home in Perth should see them remain unbeaten as the Force have forgotten they've got a backline.

Tips - Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 7 Sam Bruce: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Andy Withers: Force

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Enter your Super Rugby tips at http://www.footytips.com.au/tipping/superrugby for your chance to win an Auckland Bledisloe Cup travel package. Enter the ESPN Scrum Super Stars tipping league at http://www.footytips.com.au/comps/ESPN_Scrum_Super_Stars to claim bragging rights over the ESPN Scrum rugby journalists including Greg Growden..

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Cheetahs v Blues, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Head-to-head: Played 8; Cheetahs 2, Blues 6

In Bloemfontein: Played 4; Cheetahs 2, Blues 2

Last clash: Round 6, 2014 - Blues 40-30 Cheetahs, Eden Park, Auckland

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The past six matches between these sides have seen an average of 62 points per game.
• The Blues have never lost their first three games of a Super Rugby season.
• The Blues are the only side to land all of their attempts at goal this season. They have also landed the joint-most penalty shots (9).

Line-ups

• Cheetahs: Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks, Francois Venter, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule, Joe Pietersen, Sarel Pretorius, Willie Britz, Oupa Mohoje, Jean Cook, Francois Uys (c), Carl Wegner, Coenie Oosthuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Danie Mienie. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, BG Uys, Maks van Dyk, Boom Prinsloo, Tienie Burger, Tian Meyer, Willie du Plessis, Johan Sadie.
• Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Melani Nanai, Charles Piutau, Hamish Northcott, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (capt), Brendon O'Connor, Luke Braid, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Steven Luatua, Akira Ioane, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Francis Saili

Injuries / Unavailable

• Cheetahs: Jonathan Adendorf (Groin, TBC), Heinrich Brussow (Concussion, TBC), Lood de Jager (Elbow, round 8-10), Sergeal Peterson (Jaw, round 6), Willem Serfontein (Knee, round 12), Elgar Watts (Knee, round 12)
• Blues: Daniel Bowden, Foot, TBC), Blake Gibson, Fractured Jaw, TBC), Keven Mealamu, All Blacks Break, TBC), George Moala, Knee, TBC), Patrick Tuipuloto, All Blacks Break, TBC)

Team News

• The Cheetahs have welcomed back Springboks flyer Cornal Hendricks while Carl Wegner comes in for the injured Lood de Jager. Hendricks' inclusion gives the Cheetahs a pacey back-three with the former Sevens star to play alongside Sprinboks fullback Willie le Roux and another speedster, Raymond Rhule.
• Blues coach John Kirwan has swung the selection axe after back-to-back defeats to the Chiefs and Stormers. In the backs, rookie Melani Nanai replaces Ben Lam on the wing while Lolagi Visinia comes in at fullback; that move sees Charles Piutau move to outside centre with Hamish Northcott shifting one spot closer in and Francis Saili dropping to the bench. All Blacks Charlie Faumuina and Patrick Tuipulotu, meanwhile, make their first starts of the season at prop and lock, respectively.

Greg Growden's Verdict: After a surprise first-round win over the Sharks, the Cheetahs will be fresh from a week's break and should overhaul an opposition who are, as usual, all over the place. Already they're talking of who will replace John Kirwan as Blues coach.

Tips - Greg Growden: Cheetahs by 8 Sam Bruce: Cheetahs Brett McKay: Cheetahs Brittany Mitchell: Cheetahs Andy Withers:Cheetahs

Saturday, February 28

Chiefs v Crusaders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Head-to-head: Played 25; Chiefs 9, Crusaders 16

In Hamilton: Played 14; Chiefs 6, Crusaders 8

Last clash: Round 10, 2014 - Chiefs 17-18 Crusaders, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Crusaders have won all 18 of their scrum feeds this season.
• The Chiefs have managed the most clean breaks this season (20), almost twice as many as the 2014 finalists (11).
• James Lowe has made a competition-high 222 metres over the gainline so far, while the Crusaders' Robbie Fruean is third on this list with 118 metres.

Line-ups

• Chiefs: Tom Marshall; Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe; Aaron Cruden. Augustine Pulu; Liam Messam (captain), Sam Cane, Michael Fitzgerald; Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons; Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Slate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Johan Bardoul, Sean Polwart, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu
• Crusaders: Tom Taylor; Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl; Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond; Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd (captain), Richie McCaw; Scott Barnett, Luke Romano; Nepe Laulala, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Alex Hodgman, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Nathaniel Apa, Nafi Tuitavake.

Injuries / Unavailable

• Chiefs: Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, TBC), Ma'ama Vaipulu (Shoulder, TBC)
• Crusaders: Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Jone Macilai (Arm, TBC), Tim Perry (Achilles, TBC), Kieran Read (All Blacks Break, TBC), Dan Carter, (Leg, TBC)

Team News

• Sonny Bill Williams will be making his return to inside centre - with Charlie Ngatai moving to outside centre - while Sam Cane will also make his return to the blindside flanker position after they were both ruled out before last week's match. Augustin Pulu has been given the nod for the half-back role, and James Lowe moves to left wing with the injury return of Tom Marshall to fullback.
• The Crusaders are without Dan Carter for a second straight week with Colin Slade again deputising for the injured playmaker. The other change in the backline sees Tom Taylor come in at fullback with All Blacks ace Israel Dagg given time off to manage a quad strain. In the pack, Jordan Taufua earns a start at No.8 with Luke Whitelock dropping back to the bench while Nepo Laulala has replaced the suspended Owen Franks at tight-head prop.

Greg Growden's Verdict: Even without Sonny Bill Williams, the Chiefs were highly effective against the Brumbies. They already look a class above the rest, which will be required to stay on top of the Crusaders, who are gradually regaining their footing.

Tips - Greg Growden:Chiefs by 2 Sam Bruce: Chiefs Brett McKay: Chiefs Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs Andy Withers: Chiefs

Rebels v Brumbies, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Head-to-head: Played 8; Rebels 2, Brumbies 6

In Melbourne: Played 4; Rebels 2, Brumbies 2

Last clash: Round 16, 2014 - Brumbies 37-10 Rebels, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Rebels (85%) have the worst tackle success rate in the league after two rounds, and they have conceded more metres (1066) than any other side.
• The Rebels have scored just three points in the first half in each of the past three meetings between the sides, while the Brumbies have scored 10+ first-half points in all eight meetings with the Rebels
• The Brumbies have won six of the past seven matches between the sides.

Line-ups

• Rebels: Mike Harris, Dom Shipperly, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni. Nic Stirzaker, Scott Higginbotham, Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paulo Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu
• Brumbies: Robbie Coleman, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Leali'ifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Ruan Smith, JP Smith, Blake Enever, Jordan Smiler, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Jesse Mogg.

Injuries / Unavailable

• Rebels: Tom Kingston (Knee, TBC)
• Brumbies: David Pocock, Ankle, TBC)

Team News

• The Rebels have made only one change to their side with half-back Nic Stirzaker making his return after a one-week suspension and Luke Burgess moving back to the bench. Rebels foundation player Luke Jones will earn his 50th Super Rugby Cap.
• Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made just one change to the side beaten by the Chiefs with Stephen Moore returning at hooker; the veteran rake also assuming the captaincy from Nic White. Jesse Mogg will make his first appearance for 2015 via the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: You have to admire the Rebels' tenacity and purpose, but lack of talent out wide will restrict them against the Brumbies.

Tips - Greg Growden:Brumbies by 8 Sam Bruce:Brumbies Brett McKay: Brumbies Brittany Mitchell: Brumbies Andy Withers: Brumbies

Bulls v Sharks, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 22; Bulls 12, Sharks 9, Drawn 1

In Pretoria: Played 11; Bulls 6, Sharks 4, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 6, 2014 - Bulls 23-19 Sharks, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Bulls have won seven of the past 10 matches between the teams, and they are the only South African franchise currently in the competition to hold a positive win/loss record over the Sharks (W13 D2 L9).
• The Bulls have conceded the most turnovers so far (34), though the Sharks have coughed up 33 themselves.
• Pieter 'Lappies' Labuschagne has made the most tackles so far this season (38/39). Matt Todd and Michael Hooper are ranked equal-second with 31.

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jesse Kriel, Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard, Handrè Pollard, Rudy Paige, Pierre Spies (c), Lappies Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann, VictorMatfield, Jacques du Plessis, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Mornè Mellett. Replacements: Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling, Marcel van der Merwe, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Tian Schoeman, Travis Ismaiel, Jurgen Visser.
• Sharks: SP Marais, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Patrick Lambie. Cobus Reinaach, Ryan Kankowski, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Dale Chadwick/. Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Marco Wentzel, Jean Deysek, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga/Lionel Cronje, Jack Wilson

Injuries / Unavailable

• Bulls: Arno Botha (Chest, round 5), Werner Kruger (Ankle, round 8-10), Bandise Maku (Chest, Season), Burger Odendaal (Knee, round 5-7), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, season), William Small-Smith (Foot, round 11), Flip van der Merwe (Chest, round 10), Hencus van Wyk (Foot, round 4)
• Sharks: Tendai Mtawarira (Calf, round 4-5)

Team News

• Scrum-half Rudie Paige will make his run-on start for the Bulls after nine appearances from the bench. His elevation comes at the expense of Piet van Zyl who drops out of the squad altogether while Travis Ishmail (on debut), Marcel van der Merwe and Tian Schoeman are changes on the bench.
• Veteran No.8 Ryan Kankowski is a huge inclusion for the Sharks, the back-rower given the green light to return after returning to full fitness. Andre Esterhuizen has replaced Heimar Williams at inside-centre while rising star Jack Wilson is in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Bulls have been the early-round duds, falling away in the set-pieces while Victor Matfield is being criticised by former team-mates who think he's past it. The Sharks also have to start getting their act together.

Tips - Greg Growden:Sharks by 5 Sam Bruce: Bulls Brett McKay: Bulls Brittany Mitchell: Sharks Andy Withers: Bulls

Lions v Stormers, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Head-to-head: Played 19; Lions 5, Stormers 14

In Johannesburg: Played 10; Lions 3, Stormers 7

Last clash: Round 10, 2014 - Lions 3-18 Stormers, Newlands, Cape Town

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Stormers have won 12 of their past 13 matches between the sides.
• Opponents of the Lions have spent the least amount of time in possession so far, an average of 11min 3sec.
• The Stormers won their first three matches of the season in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and went on to win their first six games in each year, finishing first and second on the respective season-ending ladders.

Line-ups

• Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Sampie Mastriet, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Martin Muller, Franco Mostert, Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corné Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Robert Kruger, Derick Minnie, Ross Cronje, Jaco van der Walt, Howard Mnisi.
• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe, Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds, Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom, Duan Vermeulen (c), Michael Rhodes, Nizaam Carr, Ruan Botha, Jurie van Vuuren, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Scarra Ntubeni, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe, Manuel Carizza, Siya Kolisi, Lousi Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones.

Injuries / Unavailable

• Lions: MB Lusaseni (Knee, round 5)
• Stormers: Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, TBC), Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Jaco Taute (Knee, Round 4), Kobus van Wyk (Calf, TBC)

Team News

• Lions coach Johan Ackermann has yielded the selection axe with a heavy hand, making eight changes to the team thumped 29-12 by the Sharks. In the backs, there are starts for Faf de Klerk (scrumhalf), Elton Jantjies (flyhalf), Harold Vorster (inside centre) and Sampie Mastriet (wing) while Ackermann has also opted for an entirely new front-row in Schalk van der Merwe, Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys.
• The Stormers have made just two changes to their starting side with Nizaam Carr and Bongi Mbonambi to start at blinside flanker and hooker, respectively.

Greg Growden's Verdict: Inspired by news that Schalk Burger will soon be back from Japan, the Stormers should have too much experience for the home team.

Tips - Greg Growden:Stormers by 4 Sam Bruce: Stormers Brett McKay: Stormers Brittany Mitchell: Stormers Andy Withers: Stormers

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Enter your Super Rugby tips at http://www.footytips.com.au/tipping/superrugby for your chance to win an Auckland Bledisloe Cup travel package. Enter the ESPN Scrum Super Stars tipping league at http://www.footytips.com.au/comps/ESPN_Scrum_Super_Stars to claim bragging rights over the ESPN Scrum rugby journalists including Greg Growden..

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