Friday, May 8

Crusaders v Queensland Reds, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Head-to-head: Played 21, Crusaders 15, Reds 6

In Christchurch: Played 9, Crusaders 8, Reds 1

Last clash: Round 13, 2014 - Reds 29-57 Crusaders, Brisbane

Key Stats

• The Crusaders have won the past three matches against the Reds at an aggregate score of 110-49. The Reds won the previous three but lost the previous 11
• Only the Reds' Adam Thomson (7) and Marco Wentzel of the Sharks (8) have produced more lineout steals than the Crusaders' Luke Romano (6) this season.
• The Reds rank second for lineout success (90%) this season, but the Crusaders have averaged more steals (2.5) than any other side. The Crusaders' opponents have an average success rate of a competition-low 79%.

Line-ups

• Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird; Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Joe Moody, Jimmy Tupou, Richie McCaw, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, Jone Macilai.
• Reds: Lachie Turner; Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, James O'Connor; Nick Frisby, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; James Horwill, Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper (captain) Replacements: Andrew Ready, Sef Fa'agase, Sam Talakai, Marco Kotze, Lolo Fakaosilea, Scott Gale, Ben Tapuai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi

Injuries/Unavailable

• Crusaders: Robbie Fruean (Arm, TBC), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, TBC), Tim Perry (Ankle, TBC)
• Reds: Curtis Browning (Knee, TBC), Quade Cooper (Shoulder, Round 17), Ben Daley (Shoulder, Season), Karmichael Hunt (Adductor / Illness (Round 14), Duncan Paia'aua (Concussion, TBC), Ed Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC)

Team News

• Sidelined by concussion last week, veteran flanker Richie McCaw returns to the Crusaders via the bench this week. Coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes to his run-on side however, with Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird and Nafi Tuitavake coming in at tight-head prop, lock and the right wing, respectively.
• Jake Schatz returns from a four-week lay-off due to an elbow injury, the back-rower's inclusion the only personnel change to the starting line-up that lost to the Hurricanes two weeks ago. Schatz comes into the starting side at the expense of recent debutant Adam Korczyk, with Adam Thomson shifting back to blindside flanker. The Reds also welcome back Ben Tapuai and Jamie-Jerry Taulagi from injury, with both included on the bench. Tapuai missed two matches due to a shoulder injury and Taulagi injured a knee against the Brumbies in round one.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Queensland Rugby Union refuses to raise the white flag, even if most of their fans have given up. And stories keep emerging out of Brisbane that Reds coach Richard Graham could hold onto his job for 2016. As they say, the Queensland sun can send you troppo.

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 20 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders Andy Withers: Crusaders

Richie McCaw is back in the Crusaders line-up after a bout of concussion © Getty Images

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Jake Schatz returns from an elbow injury © Getty Images

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Mike Harris returns after a cork © Getty Images

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Rebels v Blues, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Head-to-head:Played 3, Rebels 1, Blues 2

In Melbourne: Played 1, Rebels 1, Blues 0

Last clash: Round 13, 2013 - Blues 36-32 Rebels, Auckland

Key Stats

• The Blues have lost the most rucks this season, an average of 5.3, but opponents of the Rebels enjoy a better ruck success rate (96%) than against any other side.
• The Blues have scored just one try after 7+ phases of play, a joint-low in the competition, while the Rebels have scored a tournament-high 29% (5/17) of their tries after seven or more phases
• The Rebels have not won by more than 10 points since round three of 2014, and their five wins this season have been achieved by an aggregate margin of 28 points.

Line-ups

• Rebels: Mike Harris; Tom English, Dom Shipperley, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham, Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga'a; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Cadeyrn Neville, Scott Fuglistaller, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty, Telusa Veainu
• Blues: Lolagi Visinia; Melani Nanai, Francis Saili, George Moala, Tevita Li; Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan; Steven Luatua (Captain), Brendon O'Connor, Akira Ioane; Hayden Triggs, Culum Retallick; Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock Replacements: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Prattley, Josh Bekhuis, Joe Edwards, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Hamish Northcott

Injuries/Unavailable

• Rebels: Sean McMahon (Hip, Test), Jonah Placid (Groin, Round 15-16), Laurie Weeks (Knee, Round 16)
• Blues: Dan Bowden (Groin, Round 14-15), Luke Braid (Concussion, TBC), Charlie Faumuina (Rested, Round 14), Bryn Hall (Foot, Round 17), Jerome Kaino (Finger, Season), James Parsons (Rested, Round 14), Charles Piutau (Knee, Season), Patrick Tuipulotu (Leg, Round 13)

Team News

• Tom English, Colby Fainga'a and Mike Harris will start against the Blues, replacing Tamati Ellison, Sean McMahon and Bryce Hegarty respectively. McMahon is rested after a bang on his hip and a heavy schedule this year, while Ellison misses due to general soreness. Harris resumes his starting spot at fullback, after being a late withdrawal last week with a corked thigh. Scott Fuglistaller also returns to the the squad.
• Steven Luatua captains the Blues for the first time, in the absence of Jerome Kaino, while Ihaia West replaces Dan Bowden at first-five. Lolagi Visinia returns to fullback in place of Charles Piutau, with Tevita Li moving to the wing, while, on the bench, Greg Pleasants-Tate and Joe Edwards are set to make their Super Rugby debut and Simon Hickey is primed for his first game of the season.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: As the Rebels enjoy by far their most successful season, they have suddenly taken over the title of Australian giant killers following their triumph over the Chiefs last weekend. Fluke? Hardly. The trend should continue this week against another New Zealand team - especially as the Blues are of inferior quality.

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

  

  Ihaia West will direct the backline in the injury-enforced absence of Dan Bowden © Getty Images

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  James Marshall replaces Beauden Barrett at Hurricanes fly-half © Getty Images

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  Saturday, May 9

  Hurricanes v Sharks, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

  Head-to-head: Played 16, Hurricnaes 7, Sharks 8, Drawn 1

  In Wellington:Played 8, Hurricanes 4, Sharks 3, Drawn 1

  Last clash: Round 2, 2014 - Sharks 27-9 Hurricanes, Durban

  Key Stats

  • The Hurricanes are aiming to become the first side to notch 10 wins this year, having last won 10 in a campaign in 2012. But they did not claim that 10th victory until the final game of the regular season.
  • The home side has won this fixture just once in the past seven matches (D1 L5).
  • The Hurricanes have forced the most missed tackles this season, at an average of 22.7 per game. The Sharks have averaged the most missed tackles (22.5)
  

  Francois Steyn after his six-week spell for a tip tackle © Getty Images

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  Line-ups

  • Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Matt Proctor; James Marshall, Chris Smylie; Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson; James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush; Ben Franks, Motu Matu'u, Chris Eves. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Frae Wilson, Otere Black, Rey Lee-Lo
  • Sharks: Lwazi Mvovo; Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, S'bura Sithole; Lionel Cronje, Stefan Ungerer; Renaldo Bothma, Etienne Oosthuizen, Marcell Coetzee; Marco Wentzel (captain), Stephan Lewies; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Franco Marais, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Mouritz Botha, Kyle Cooper, Conrad Hoffmann, Andre Esterhuizen, Waylon Murray

  Injuries/Unavailable

  • Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett (Knee, Round 17), Dane Coles (Calf, Round 14), TJ Perenara (Rested, Round 14), Julian Savea (Rested, Round 14), Jason Woodward (Ankle, season)
  • Sharks: Jean Deysel (Suspension, Round 16), Ryan Kankowski (Undisclosed, Round 16), Paul Jordaan (Undiscolsed, Round 16), Pat Lambie (Neck, Round 16), SP Marais (Undisclosed, Round 16), Tera Mtembu (Undisclosed, Round 16), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, Season)

  Team News

  • Victor Vito returns from his calf injury, which pushes Brad Shields to the bench, while Blade Thomson move to the blindside. Callum Gibbins drops to the reserves to accommodate Thomson. Chris Eves makes his first start with Reggie Goodes benched. Hooker Dane Coles has also been ruled out with a calf strain, leaving Motu Matu'u to start. TJ Perenara and Julian Savea are rested, replaced by Chris Smylie and Matt Proctor respectively.
  • Gary Gold has made eight changes, six in the backs, with Frans Steyn recalled after suspension at No.12, outside former Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls journeyman Lionel Cronje at fly-half in his first start of the season. Stefan Ungerer is a surprise selection at scrum-half ahead of Conrad Hoffmann, while Odwa Ndungane moving to right wing and Lwazi Mvovo moving into the fullback. S'bura Sithole moves from the right wing to the left position previously occupied by Mvovo. Up front Willem Alberts is rested while Jannie du Plessis returns to the front-row.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: The loss of Beauden Barrett for around a month will hit the Hurricanes hard, but thankfully they first meet a team that is toothless.

  Tips - Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 10 Sam Bruce: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Andy Withers: Hurricanes

  

  Alby Mathewson returns from a knee injury via the bench © Getty Images

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  Force v Waratahs, Perth Oval, Perth

  Head-to-head: Played 14, Force 4, Waratahs 9, Drawn 1

  In Perth: Played 7, Force 1, Waratahs 6

  Last clash:Round 1, 2015 - Waratahs 13-25 Force, Sydney

  Ruck'n Maul: concussions now at critical stage

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  Key Stats

  • The Force have been limited to single figures in the first half of 10 of their 11 games this year.
  • Kurtley Beale (145), Israel Folau (140), Ben McCalman (135) and Bernard Foley (116) are the top four players for carries this season. Dane Haylett-Petty (108) and Kyle Godwin (107) are sixth and seventh on this list respectively.
  • The Force rank first in average time in possession (17m 49s) but second-last in points per game (16.5); only the Reds (13) average fewer points per game.

  Line-ups

  • Force: Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Ryan Louwrens; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Steve Mafi; Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Kane Koteka, Alby Mathewson, Luke Burton, Marcel Brache
  • Waratahs: Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; Dave Dennis, Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Benn Robinson. Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Tala Gray, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Carraro, Peter Betham.

  Injuries/Unavailable

  • Force: Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season), Sam Wykes (Foot, Round 14)
  • Waratahs: Tatafu Polota Nau (Concussion, TBC)
  Tahs about processes, not revenge

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  Team News

  • Michael Foley has made two changes to the Western Force team defeated by the Blues, with Adam Coleman recalled after missing that match with a shoulder injury and Junior Rasolea replacing Luke Burton at inside centre. Alby Mathewson who returns through the bench from a knee injury sustained in round 10.
  • Another knock to the head has sidelined Tatafu Polota-Nau , the veteran hooker now seriously considering his future following yet another concussion. His place in the starting side has been taken by Tolu Latu while Taqele Naiyaravoro returns on the wing at the expense of Peter Betham in the only other change to the Waratahs starting side.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: Can anyone remember the Force winning a game this year? They did. First round against the Waratahs. Will it happen again? Tell 'em they're dreaming.

  Tips - Greg Growden: Waratahs by 20 Sam Bruce: Waratahs Brett McKay: Waratahs Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs Andy Withers: Waratahs

  

  Taqele Naiyaravoro returns for Peter Betham © Getty Images

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  Lions v Highlanders, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

  Head-to-head: Played 15, Lions 5, Highlanders 10

  In Johannesburg: Played 6, Lions 4, Highlanders 2

  Last clash: Round 13, 2014 - Highlanders 23-22 Lions, Dunedin

  

  Marnitz Boshoff reclaims the Lions' No.10 jumper © Getty Images

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  Key Stats

  • The Lions have trailed at half-time in seven of their past eight outings, but went on to win six of those games.
  • Opponents of the Lions have spent the least time in possession per game this season (14m 19s), while the Cheetahs (13m19s) are the only team to have spent less time in possession than the Highlanders (13m41s).
  • The Lions have scored the fewest number of tries when starting out with the ball inside the opposition 22 (4), 10 fewer than the Highlanders (14).

  Line-ups

  • Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Harold Vorster, Alwyn Hollenbach, Courtnall Skosan; Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronje; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel; Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira; Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe Replacements Armand van der Merwe, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer, Robert Kruger, Ruaan Lerm, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Howard Mnisi
  • Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain); Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu (co-captain), Dan Pryor, Gareth Evans; Mark Reddish, Tom Franklin; Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames Replacements: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery

  Injuries/Unavailable

  • Lions: Stephan de Wit (Shoulder, TBC), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Ankle, TBC), Malcolm Marx (Ankle, TBC), Derrick Minnie (Knee, Season), Martin Muller (Calf, TBC)
  • Highlanders: Alex Ainley (Jaw, TBC), Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Knee, TBC), Hayden Parker (Shoulder, TBC), Shaun Treeby (Anlke, TBC), Joe Wheeler (Knee, Season)

  Team News

  • Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made two changes to his forwards, both in the front-row, with Schalk van der Merwe starting at loose-head and Robbie Coetzee included at hooker. Ross Cronje starts at scrum-half with Marnitz Boshoff, who shifts from fullback to fly-half, with Courtnall Skosan returning at left wing and Andries Coetzee moving back to 15. Alwyn Hollenbach has also earned a starting position at inside centre.
  • Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named an unchanged starting XV, with Ross Geldenhuys and John Hardie returning from injury via the bench having been absent since the fifth-round clash against the Waratahs.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: If you really want to be a semi-finalist, these are the games you have to win. Are the Highlanders up to it? Can they win on the veld? They certainly have the potential.

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

  

  Aaron Smith will look for runners against the Lions © Getty Images

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  Juan de Jongh has been bracketed with Huw Jones for the Stormers © Getty Images

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  Stormers v Brumbies, Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

  Head-to-head: Played 16, Stormers 4, Brumbies 11, Drawn 1

  In Cape Town: Played 8, Stormers 3, Burmbies 4, Drawn 1

  Last clash: Round 6, 2014 - Brumbies 25-15 Stormers, Canberra

  

  Nic White returns from an ankle injury © Getty Images

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  Key Stats

  • Damien de Allende (49) is set to become the first player to beat 50 defenders beaten this season, having beaten at least 12 more than anybody else.
  • The Brumbies boast the best lineout success rate this season (91%), while the Stormers' is the second worst (78%). The Brumbies have scored 22 tries from possessions that started with a lineout, a competition high, while the Stormers have scored a competition-low five.
  • These are two of four sides to average fewer than 10 penalties conceded this season. The Brumbies have averaged the most penalties won this season (11.8).

  Line-ups

  • Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh/Huw Jones, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger; Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff Replacements: Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones/Pat Howard
  • Brumbies: Jesse Mogg; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Robert Coleman, Joe Tomane; Christian Lealli'ifano, Nic White; Ita Vaea, David Pocock, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, JP Smith. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Jorden Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Nigel Ah Wong.

  Injuries/Unavailable

  • Stormers: Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, TBC), Michael Rhodes (Hamstring, Round 18), Jaco Taute (Knee, Round 13), Kobus van Wyk (Knee, TBC)
  • Brumbies: Scott Sio (Knee, Round 18), Matt Toomua (Ankle, Round 18)

  Team News

  • Eben Etzebeth returns from his enforced week of Springboks rest, and he will be joined in the Stormers pack by loose-head prop Steven Kitshoff. Vice-captain Juan de Jongh has been named at outside centre, but he has been bracketed with Huw Jones after suffering a hip pointer injury against the Cheetahs.
  • Steve Larkham has made two changes to his starting-line up, with Rory Arnold and Nic White recalled. White returns from a month-long absence due to an ankle injury the past month, while Arnold, left out of the 23-man squad to face the Waratahs last week, returns as a lineout option.

  Greg Growden's Verdict: The Stormers are just hovering outside the finals cut, but they should re-establish themselves against the Brumbies - who are still not quite right without Matt Toomua. A close one.

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

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