Friday, April 10

Blues v Brumbies, Eden Park, Auckland

Head-to-head: Played 20, Blues 11, Brumbies 9

In Auckland: Played 11, Blues 7, Brumbies 4

Last clash: Round 8, 2014 - Brumbies 26-9 Blues, Canberra

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Blues have averaged more rucks lost per game than any other side this season (5.3), while the Brumbies have forced a worse ruck success rate (91%) from their opponents than any other team.
• The Brumbies have managed more opening-quarter tries (7) than any other side this season, while the Blues have scored the joint-fewest (1).
• The Blues are on a nine-match losing streak, their worst ever run of form.

Line-ups

• Blues: Charles Piutau; Frank Halai, Pita Ahki, George Moala, Melani Nanai; Dan Bowden, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jerome Kaino (captain), Brendon O'Connor, Luke Braid; Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis; Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Francis Saili.
• Brumbies: Robbie Coleman; James Dargaville, Henry Speight, Christian Leali'ifano; Matt Toomua, Nic White; Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Blake Enever; Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Ita Vaea, Michael Dowsett, Lausii Taliauli, Nigel Ah Wong.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Blues: Blake Gibson (Jaw, Round 8), Bryn Hall (Foot, TBC), Tony Woodcock (Concussion, TBC)
• Brumbies: Tevita Kuridrani (Shoulder, Round 16), Rory Arnold (TBC).

Team News

• Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has made four changes as he continues to hunt a first win of 2015. Three of those changes come in the pack where All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipolutu is joined in the run-on side by flanker Luke Braid and hooker James Parsons, with Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua and Keven Mealamu dropping to the bench. The only change to the backline sees Melani Nanai replace Tevita Li on the left wing.
• The Brumbies will field the same run-on side that defeated the Cheetahs with Stephen Larkham making just the one change to the bench for the Eden Park clash. Prop JP Smith has come in for Alan Alaalatoa on the pine.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Blues have to win eventually, and this could be the game - especially as the Brumbies are suffering mid-season splutters. However, class, and a better backline, should allow the visitors to successfully negotiate this tough assignment.

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

Crusaders v Highlanders, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Head-to-head: Played 27, Crusaders 19, Highlander 8

In Christchurch: Played 14, Crusaders 11, Highlanders 3

Last clash: Round 2, 2015 - Highlanders 20-26 Crusaders, Dunedin

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Crusaders have won their last six against the Highlanders; another victory would equal their best run of seven wins on the bounce against the Dunedin-based side.
• The Crusaders have scored 11 of the 25 tries this year in the third quarter of matches; no other side has scored more than seven in the same period.
• Only the Waratahs (6) have conceded more five-pointers than the Highlanders (5) in the third quarter.

Line-ups

• Crusaders: Israel Dagg; David Havili, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo; Colin Slade, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Jimmy Tupou; Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Richie McCaw, Mitchell Drummond, Dan Carter, Nafi Tuitavake
• Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain); Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu (co-captain), James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon; Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin; Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds. Replacements: Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery

Injuries/Unavailable

• Crusaders: Robbie Fruean (Arm, Indefinite), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, Round 10), Jone Macilai (Arm, TBC), Tim Perry (Ankle, TBC)
• Highlanders: Alex Ainley (Jaw, TBC), Richard Buckman (Knee, Round 9), Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), John Hardie (Ankle, TBC), Ross Geldenhuys (Thumb, TBC)

Team News

• Owen Franks will play his 100th Super Rugby match after being included as one of three changes to the Crusaders' starting pack. He and Joe Moody are the starting props this week, with Alex Hodgman and Nepo Laulala providing cover from the bench. Jimmy Tupou starts at lock this week alongside Sam Whitelock, with Scott Barrett is in the reserves. Dan Carter is also on the bench having returned from paternity leave, while Richie McCaw remains among the reserves having been rotated last week
• Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has kept faith with the team that beat the Stormers by naming an unchanged line-up for the Southern Derby after a week off for the bye.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Crusaders are starting to gain momentum, but this will be hard. They have to overcome a long trek back from South Africa and the Highlanders are fresh from a bye week. But these are the type of games where the hardened excel.

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 3 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders Andy Withers: Crusaders

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Saturday, April 11

Waratahs v Stormers, Allianz Stadium

Head-to-head: Played 17, Waratahs 7, Stormers 9, Drawn 1

In Sydney: Played 7, Waratahs 4, Stormers 3

Last clash: Round 8, 2014 - Stormers 11-22 Waratahs, Cape Town

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Waratahs have won fewer turnovers per game (5.2) than any other side this season, while opponents of the Stormers have averaged fewer turnovers won (5.4) than against any other opponent.
• The Stormers have managed more scrum steals than any other side this season, and they have forced a lower success rate (74%) at the opposition feed than any other team.
• Only Damian de Allende (29) has beaten more defenders than Israel Folau (26) this season.

Line-ups

• Waratahs: Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravoro, Matt Carraro, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; Dave Dennis (captain), Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham, Jono Lance (two to be omitted)
• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (captain), Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Nizaam Carr, Michael Rhodes, Schalk Burger; Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Siya Kolisi, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones

Injuries/Unavailable

• Waratahs: Nil
• Stormers: Juan de Jongh (Ankle, TBC), Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, TBC), Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Jaco Taute (Knee, TBC), Kobus van Wyk (Hamstring, TBC), Duane Vermeulen (Rested, Round 11)

Team News

• Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting side for the match against the Stormers, with Adam Ashley-Cooper and Tatafu Polota-Nau named to return from injury via the bench. Two players will be omitted from the bench.
• Juan de Jongh has recovered from an ankle injury to captain the Stormers after he was an 11th-hour withdrawal from the team last weekend. Nizaam Carr returns to the No.8 position in place of rested Duane Vermeulen in a new-look loose trio that sees Schalk Burger pack down at No.6 and Michael Rhodes making his first start since picking up a knee injury against the Lions at the end of February. Vincent Koch drops to the bench as Springboks tight-head Frans Malherbe makes his first start of 2015.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Stormers know how to unsettle the Waratahs, who are still playing well within themselves. Not enough big-name Waratahs are firing, but they have been blessed by Stormers No.8 Duane Vermeulen being forced out of the visitors' line-up due to an enforced Springboks rest period.

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

Force v Cheetahs, nib Stadium

Head-to-head: Played 8, Force 5, Cheetahs 3

In Perth: Played 3, Force 2, Cheetahs 1

Last clash: Round 13, 2014 - Cheetahs 16-23 Force, Bloemfontein

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Force have since lost six matches in a row, bu they have not lost seven in a row since losing the opening nine matches of their first season in Super Rugby. The Cheetahs have lost their past five. and have not lost six in a row in a single season since the beginning of 2009.
• The Cheetahs have averaged fewer carries (76.9) than any other team this season, while opponents of the Force have averaged the fewest as well (86.6).
• The Cheetahs have averaged the most missed tackles (22.6) this term, but opponents of the Force have the best tackling success rate (90%).

Line-ups

• Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson; Ben McCalman, Kane Koteka, Steve Mafi; Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes (captain); Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Angus Cottrell, Chris Alcock, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Marcel Brache
• Cheetahs: Willie le Roux, Cornal Hendricks, Johann Sadie, Francois Venter, Raymond Rhule, Joe Pietersen, Sarel Pretorius; Willie Britz, Boom Prinsloo, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Carl Wegner, Coenie Oosthuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, BG Uys. Replacements: Stephan Coetzee, Danie Mienie, Maks van Dyk, Steven Sykes, Tienie Burger, Tian Meyer, Willie du Plessis, Ryno Benjamin.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Force: Matt Hodgson (Hamstring, Round 10), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season)
• Cheetahs: Tienie Burger (Concussion, TBC), Lood de Jager (Elbow, Round 15), Armandt Koster (Back, TBC), Hilton Lobberts (Knee, Round 15), Sergeal Peterson (Jaw, Round 9-10), Willem Serfontein (Knee, TBC), Ewald van der Westhuizen (Nerve, TBC), Elgar Watts (Knee, TBC)

Team News

• Dane Haylett-Petty returns to Western Force's starting line-up for the club's 10th season anniversary match. Haylett-Petty, who returned from a six-week foot injury off the bench against the Sharks a fortnight ago, starts at the back with Luke Morahan to start on the wing. On the bench, Chris Alcock returns to the Force's match day 23 while Marcel Brache will provide coverage for the outside backs. The Force have elected to give Matt Hodgson one more week on the comeback trail from a serious hamstring injury.

• The Cheetahs have made just two changes to the side beaten by the Brumbies last week, the biggest of which sees livewire half-back Sarel Pretorius return to the starting line-up. The other change comes up front where BG Uys has replaced Danie Mienie at loosehead prop.

Greg Growden's verdict: No wonder the Force are doing all they can to keep hold of Ben McCalman. If he heads to the Waratahs next year, the Force have basically nothing. With him, they are something, as will be shown in this game

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

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Lions v Sharks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Head-to-head: Played 21, Lions 3, Sharks 16, Drawn 2

In Johannesburg: Played 10, Lions 2, Sharks, 6, Drawn 2

Last clash: Round 2, 2015 - Sharks 29-12 Lions, Durban

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Sharks have won just two of their past six away games, but both were achieved in South Africa.
• The Sharks have scored the most tries in the second quarter of matches this season (7), while the Lions have scored the joint-fewest (1).
• The Sharks are the only side yet to score a try in a possession that has lasted 7+ phases. They have conceded five tries when possession has gone 7+ phases, with only the Reds (6) worse in this department.

Line-ups

• Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Mark Richards, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley, Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Robert Kruger, Derick Minnie, Lohan Jacobs, Marnitz Boshoff, Howard Mnisi.
• Sharks: Odwa Ndungane; S'bura Sithole, Waylon Murray, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo; Fred Zeilinga, Cobus Reinach; Ryan Kankowski, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee; Marco Wentzel (captain), Mouritz Botha; Lourens Adriaanse, Franco Marais , Dale Chadwick Replacements: Monde Hadebe, Thomas du Toit , Matt Stevens , Etienne Oosthuizen, Willem Alberts, Conrad Hoffmann, Lionel Cronje, Jack Wilson

Injuries/Unavailable

• Lions: Nil
• Sharks: Bismarck du Plessis (Suspended, Round 12), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, Indefinite)

Team News

• Riding high after four straight victories, Lions coach Johann Ackermann has moved to ensure his side maintain their intensity by shuffling his side this week. Ackermann has made four changes in total with Julian Redelinghuys and Jaco Kriel starting at prop and blindside flanker, respectively, while halfback Faf de Klerk and winger Mark Richards have also been promoted - the latter on debut.
• Gary Gold has rung the changes after the Sharks were humbled by the Crusaders, with Fred Zeilinga replacing Patrick Lambie with the latter sidelined for six weeks by a neck injury. Renaldo Bothma regains the No.7 jumper in place of suspended Jean Deysel, while Willem Alberts has recovered from his long-term injuries to claim a spot on the bench. Gold said: "I believe in these players, we have a great group of guys. We are just not playing well at the moment and nobody can deny that. We are just going to have to show some character. We are going to have to step up to the plate. It is as simple as that."

Greg Growden's verdict: The Lions continue to astound, and they are the most unlikely of finals possibilities if they beat the Sharks. The Sharks are a mess and tough to watch, but surely they must get their act together eventually.

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

Bulls v Queensland Reds, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 16, Bulls 6, Reds 10

In Pretoria: Played 7, Bulls 5, Reds 2

Last clash: Round 6, 2013 - Reds 23-18 Bulls, Brisbane

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Reds have won three of the past four meetings between the sides, but they have lost the past five in Pretoria - including their heaviest Super Rugby loss of all-time, and the Bulls' largest win (92-3, May 2007). The Bulls also scored 61 points in their latest home meeting with the Reds and in a run of five consecutive home victories over the Queenslanders, they have mustered 257 points at an average of more than 51 per game.
• Opponents of the Bulls maintain a better scrum success rate (95%) than against any other team.
• Opponents of the Reds average a 76.9% ball retention rate at scrum time, while only the Stormers (73.9%) and Chiefs (76.7%) have forced their opponents into losing possession more often.

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jesse Kriel; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Burger Odendaal, Bjorn Basson; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Rudy Paige; Pierre Spies (captain), Arno Botha, Deon Stegmann; Grant Hattingh, Jacques du Plessis; Trevor Nyakane, Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Morne Mellett, Marcel van der Merwe, Flip van der Merwe, Hanro Liebenberg, Piet van Zyl, Tian Schoeman, Jurgen Visser
• Reds: Karmichael Hunt; Lachie Turner, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, Chris Feauai-Sautia; Nick Frisby, Will Genia; Adam Thomson, Liam Gill, Curtis Browning; Rob Simmons, Dave McDuling; Greg Holmes, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper Replacements: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Marco Kotze, Tom Murday, Adam Korczyk, Ben Tapuai, Chris Kuridrani

Injuries/Unavailable

• Bulls: Carlo Engelbrecht (Ankle, Round 15), Travis Ismaiel (Ribs, Round 11), Werner Kruger (Ankle, Round 14), Lappies Labuschagne (Shoulder, Round 10), Bandise Maku (Chest, Season), Victor Matfield (Knee, Round 12), Duncan Matthews (Knee, Season), Akone Ndungane (Hand, Round 10), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, Season), William Small-Smith (Foot, Round 11) Adrian Strauss (Round 10, Rested)
• Queensland Reds: Quade Cooper (Shoulder, Round 17), James Horwill (Suspended, Round 9), Duncan Paia'aua (Concussion, TBC), Eddie Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC), ake Schatz (Elbow, TBC), Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (Knee, Round 9-10)

Team News

• Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has made two changes to his starting team that will take on the Reds, with Adriaan Strauss rested in compliance with the Springboks agreement and Arno Botha replacing Hanro Liebenberg in the back-row flank after recovering from a hamstring strain. Callie Visagie replaces Strauss in the front-row while Liebenberg replaces Roelof Smit on the bench. Flip van der Merwe replaces Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg on the bench after missing the first half of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.

• Rob Simmons returns from a shoulder injury to play his first game of the Super Rugby season, replacing suspended James Horwill among six changes to the starting side that lost to Melbourne Rebels last week. Hooker Saia Fainga'a returns to the starting side, with James Hanson moved to the bench, while injury to Jake Schatz has forced a shuffle in the back-row. Curtis Browning starts at blindside flanker with Adam Thomson shifting to Number 8. In the backs, Nick Frisby replaces injured Quade Cooper at fly-half, while James O'Connor's recurring calf injury sees Lachie Turner shift to the wing and Karmichael Hunt returns to the starting line-up at fullback.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Reds' dismal season won't get any better on the South African high veldt. They are now down to bare bones.

Tips - Greg Growden: Bulls by 15 Sam Bruce: Bulls Brett McKay: Bulls Brittany Mitchell: Bulls Andy Withers: Bulls

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