Super Rugby
Super Rugby preview, team news, line-ups: Round 7
ESPN Staff
March 27, 2015
Greg Growden and Sam Bruce preview Super Rugby Round 7

Friday, March 27

Hurricanes v Rebels, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Head-to-head: Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1

In Wellington: Played 1, Won 1

Last clash: Round 13, 2014 - Rebels 15-25 Hurricanes, Melbourne

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • The Hurricanes' last home match against the Rebels, in May 2012, represents their highest ever points haul (66) in a Super Rugby match. The Rebels have never conceded more points in a game.
  • The three matches between these sides have produced 197 points in total, with final scores of 25-15 (2014), 66-24 (2012) and 42-25 (2011).
  • Opponents of the Hurricanes have spent longer in possession (16min 29sec) than against any other side this season.

Line-ups

  • Hurricanes: Jason Woodward; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Matt Proctor; James Marshall, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields; James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush; Ben May, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Adam Hill, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder.
  • Rebels: Mike Harris; Tom English, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham co-captain), Scott Fuglistaller (co-captain), Sean McMahon; Cadeyrn Neville , Luke Jones; Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Radike Samo, Colby Fainga'a, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Jonah Placid
Mitch Inman of the Rebels scores a try, Rebels v Lions, Super Rugby, AAMI Park, Melbourne, March 20, 2015
Mitch Inman makes his 50th appearance for the Rebels © Getty Images
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Injures/Unavailable

  • Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett (Rested, Round 8), Dane Coles (Shoulder, Round 8), Ben Franks (Rested, Round 8), Iopu Iopu-Aso (Shoulder, Round 8), Ardie Savea (Finger, Round 13), Julian Savea (Rested, Round 8),
  • Rebels: Dom Shipperley (Hand, Round 11-13)

Team News

  • TJ Perenara will make his 50th run-on start for the Hurricanes, partnering James Marshall in the halves after Chris Boyd opted to rest Beauden Barrett. Ben Franks and Julian Savea have also been rested. Matt Proctor comes in for Savea, while Jason Woodward has been given another start at fullback. Manawatu's Otere Black will also get his first chance for the Hurricanes, should he come off the bench.
  • Rebels centre Mitch Inman becomes the fifth Rebels player to reach 50 caps for the franchise, while co-captain Scott Higginbotham makes his 100th Super Rugby appearance. Laurie Weeks will also overtake former player Hugh Pyle as the most-capped player in franchise history, moving to 59 Rebels caps. Jack Debreczeni, Ben Meehan and Cadeyrn Neville return to the line-up, while Sefanaia Naivalu makes his first run-on appearance and Radike Samo and Tom Sexton are each in line to make their Rebels debut.

Greg Growden's verdict: I never would have thought the often flaky Hurricanes would be top of the ladder after six rounds. But they are. And that should continue for another week as the Rebels are starting to look weather-beaten.

Tips - Greg Growden: Hurricanes by 9 Sam Bruce: Hurricanes Brett McKay: Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell: Hurricanes Andy Withers: Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have rested Beauden Barrett © Getty Images
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The Reds' Quade Cooper leaves the pitch with a shoulder injury, Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Super Rugby, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 17, 2014
Quade Cooper is back in Reds colours for the first time since he dislocated a collar-bone in May 2014 © Getty Images
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Reds v Lions, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Head-to-head: Played 16, Won 11, Lost 4, Drawn 1

In Brisbane: Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2

Last clash: Round 6, 2014 - Lions 23-29 Reds, Johannesburg

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • The Lions won this fixture last year, but they have never managed consecutive victories against the Reds. They also won two of their past three visits to Suncorp Stadium, though this run dates back to 2007.
  • The Reds (7.8) and Lions (13) rank last and second last for average points this season.
  • The Reds are the only side yet to score a try in the opening quarter of a match this season.

Line-ups

  • Reds: Lachie Turner; Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, James O'Connor; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Curtis Browning, Adam Thomson; Dave McDuling, James Horwill; Sam Talakai, James Hanson, James Slipper (captain). Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Ben Daley, Greg Holmes, Marco Kotze, Michael Gunn, Nick Frisby, Ben Tapuai, Chris Feauai-Sautia.
  • Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Sampie Mastriet; Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Derick Minnie; Franco Mostert, Robert Kruger; Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Jacques van Rooyen, Julian Redelinghuys, Martin Muller, Jaco Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Marnitz Boshoff, Howard Mnisi.

Injures/Unavailable

  • Reds: Karmichael Hunt (Suspension, Round 8), Duncan Paia'aua (Concussion, TBC), Eddie Quirk (Knee, TBC), Beau Robinson (Calf, TBC), Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (Knee, Round 8-10)
  • Lions: Nil

Team News

  • Quade Cooper, James O'Connor, Samu Kerevi and Lachie Turner return from injury in the Reds' starting backline, while props Greg Holmes and Ben Daley have been named on the reserves bench. In addition to those changes, Reds Elite Development Squad member Michael Gunn has been named to debut as a reserve flanker.
  • Robbie Coetzee starts at hooker as one of six changes to the Lions team that defeated Melbourne Rebels. Ross Cronje returns to the starting XV at scrum-half inside with Elton Jantjies, who shifts back to fly-half from inside centre. Harold Vorster returns to the starting line-up at inside centre, while Andries Coetzee starts at fullback. Sampie Mastriet shifts to left wing, making way for Ruan Combrinck who starts at right wing.

Greg Growden's verdict: Could there at last be some Brisbane joy for the messed-up Reds? The Rebels should have beaten the Lions last round, but they didn't after falling away badly in the final minutes. The Reds aren't much better than the Rebels, but they have the benefit of a week off in which they have hopefully rediscovered their football brains.

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

Marnitz Coetzee (left) is on the bench while Andries Coetzee starts at 15 for the Lions © Getty Images
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Saturday, March 28

Chiefs v Cheetahs, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Head-to-head: Played 8, Won 5, Drawn 3

In Hamilton: Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1

Last clash: Round 8, 2014 - Cheetahs 43-43 Chiefs, Bloemfontein

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • The Chiefs' last home match against the Cheetahs provided their largest ever Super Rugby winning margin (42 points), while the latest meeting between the sides provided the highest-scoring draw in Super Rugby history. The 43-43 result in Bloemfontein also marked the third draw in nine meetings between the teams.
  • The Chiefs have the best tackling success rate in the competition (89%), while the Cheetahs' is the third worst (84%).
  • These sides have identical try-scoring records the in second, third and fourth quarter of matches this season, but the Chiefs have scored two more (4) in the opening 20 minutes of matches.

Sonny Bill Williams has overcome concussion © Getty Images
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Line-ups

  • Chiefs: Damian McKenzie; Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai/Seta Tamanivalu, Sonny Bill Williams, Tom Marshall; Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber; Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (captain); Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons; Ben Tameifuna, Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Marty McKenzie.
  • Cheetahs: Clayton Blommetjies; Cornal Hendricks, Johan Sadie, Michael van der Spuy, Raymond Rhule; Joe Pietersen, Shaun Venter; Boom Prinsloo, Jean Cook, Heinrich Brussow; Francois Uys (captain), Steven Sykes; Maks van Dyk, Stephan Coetzee, BG Uys. Replacements: Torsten van Jaarsveld, Caylib Oosthuizen, Danie Mienie, Carl Wegner, Willie Britz, Tian Meyer, Willie du Plessis, Ryno Benjamin.

Injures/Unavailable

  • Chiefs: Hikawera Elliot (Suspended, Round 8), Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, TBC), Tim Nanai-Williams (Finger, TBC), Brodie Retallick (Shoulder, Round 8-10)
  • 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), Sarel Pretorius (Paternity Leave, Round 8), Willem Serfontein (Knee, Round 8), Ewald van der Westhuizen (Nerve, TBC), Elgar Watts (Knee, Round 8)

Team News

  • Sonny Bill Williams returns to the Chiefs' starting line-up after missing the loss to the Sharks with a concussion, while Pauliasi Manu returns from injury alongside Quentin MacDonald and Ben Tameifuna in an all-new front-row. Tom Marshall moves onto the left wing, while Andrew Horrell is included on the bench with Siate Tokolahi and Marty McKenzie.
  • The Cheetahs have made eight changes while resting two of their Springboks - Willie le Roux and Coenie Oosthuizen - as per their agreement with SA Rugby; Francois Venter is also rested. Clayton Blommetjies moves from the right wing to replace fullback Le Roux, with Springboks winger Cornal recalled from his rest. Michael van der Spuy replaces Venter at inside centre while Shaun Venter replaces scrum-half Tian Meyer. Boom Prinsloo returns at No.8 with Jean Cook moving to the blindside. Francois Uys returns from injury to captain the side while Maks van Dyk replaces Oosthuizen at tight-head and Stephan Coetzee replaces hooker Torsten van Jaarsveld.

Greg Growden's verdict: A tricky assignment for the Chiefs after a tough South African road tour, especially with the Cheetahs having already spent more than a week in New Zealand. An upset loss is in the offing, but the class of the Chiefs should just get them through. It will be tighter than many people expect.

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

Boom Prinsloo is one of eight changes for the Cheetahs © Getty Images
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Highlanders v Stormers, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Ash Dixon of the Hurricanes is tackled, Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, May 17, 2013
Former Hurricanes hooker Ash Dixon replaces Liam Coltman in the Highlanders front-row © Getty Images
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Head-to-head:Played 17, Won 8, Lost 8, Drawn 1

In Dunedin: Played 7, Won 4, Lost 2, Drawn 1

Last clash: Round 12, 2014 - Stormers 29-28 Highlanders, Cape Town

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • Opponents of the Stormers have averaged the second fewest passes this season (107.6), while opponents of the Highlanders have averaged the fewest kicks from hand (15.8).
  • The elusive Highlanders have forced the worst tackling success rate from their opponents (82%) this season.
  • The Stormers have forced the worst scrum success rate from their opponents (69%), the South Africans stealing more scrums against the head than any other team this year on average.

Line-ups

  • 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'apitanga, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Jason Emery.
  • Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Kobus van Wyk, Juan de Jongh (captain), Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Nizaam Carr, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi; Manuel Carizza, Jean Kleyn; Vincent Koch, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff. Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Michael Rhodes, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones

Injures/Unavailable

  • Highlanders: Richard Buckman (Knee, TBC), Ma'afu Fia (Knee, TBC), Kane Hames (Suspension, Round 9)
  • Stormers: Rynhardt Elstadt (Leg, TBC), Jean de Villiers (Knee, Season), Johnny Kotze (Shoulder, TBC), Jaco Taute (Knee, TBC), Jurie van Vuuren (Shoulder, TBC), Duane Vermeulen (Rested, Round 8)

Team News

  • Otago openside flanker James Lentjes will make his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders, with Dan Pryor benched as Shane Christie and John Hardie are both sidelined by injury. Former Hurricanes hooker Ash Dixon replaces Liam Coltman in the front-row as the only other change to the starting side defeated last week by the unbeaten Super Rugby leaders.
  • Schalk Burger wins his 100th Stormers cap as he makes his first start of 2015 in a reshuffled back-row. Nizaam Carr replaces the rested Duane Vermeulen at No.8 with Siya Kolisi named at No.6. Nic Groom and Demetri Catrakilis replace benched Louis Schreuder and Kurt Coleman in the halves while hooker Bongi Mbonambi (for Neil Rautenbach), prop Oli Kebble (for Ali Vermaak), lock Eben Etzebeth (for Ruan Botha) and flanker Mike Rhodes (for Burger) all come on to the bench.

Greg Growden's verdict: The best match of the round. The Stormers are helped by having had a week off, ensuring they should be acclimatised after their long trip from South Africa. If the Highlanders win this, it is an indicator they are of finals quality. I believe they are.

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

Schalk Burger makes his first start of 2015 © Getty Images
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Waratahs v Blues, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

In praise of David Pocock
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Head-to-head: Played 19, Won 7, Lost 12

In Sydney: Played 9, Won 6, Lost 3

Last clash: Round 11, 2014 - Blues 21-13 Waratahs, Auckland

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • With regard to turnovers won, the Waratahs (4.6) and Blues (5.2) are the worst and third-worst performing teams in Super Rugby this season.
  • The Blues (16min 25sec) and the Waratahs (16min 11sec) rank first and third respectively for average time spent in possession this season.
  • Only the Round 6 leaders, the Hurricanes (7), have scored more final-quarter tries than the Waratahs (6) this season; the Blues have scored an equal-worst one in the same period

The Waratahs' Tatafu Polota-Nau walks out for the Super Rugby Grand Final Captain's Run, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, August 1, 2014
Tatafu Polota-Nau is back on the Waratahs' bench © Getty Images
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Line-ups

  • Waratahs: 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: Hugh Roach, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Jono Lance, Peter Betham. (two to be omitted)
  • Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Francis Saili, Melani Nanai, Dan Bowden, Jimmy Cowan; Jerome Kaino (capt), Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua, Patrick Tuipulotu, Hayden Triggs, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi/Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Culum Retallick, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Pita Ahki.

Injures/Unavailable

  • Waratahs: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Knee, TBC), Tatafu Polota Nau.
  • Blues: Blake Gibson (Jaw, Round 7), Bryn Hall (Foot TBC).

Team News

  • Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting side, but he has recalled Tatafu Polota-Nau to the bench after the hooker missed the Brumbies battle with lingering effects of a head knock.
  • Off-season recruit Dan Bowden will make his first Super Rugby start in five years after he was named as the latest player to take on the Blues' troublesome fly-half role. The Auckland-based side will be boosted with the return of skipper Jerome Kaino from concussion, with Steven Luatua moving to flanker and Luke Braid dropping back to the bench. The other changes see Charles Piuatau move from centre to fullback and George Moala coming into the midfield.

Greg Growden's verdict: At last the Waratahs showed something of value during the Brumbies match, and that will boost everyone's confidence in Tahland. They are now in second gear. Expect third gear against an ordinary opposition. They just have to keep their traps shut.

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

Daniel Bowden will makes his debut for the Blues © Getty Images
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The Sharks named Frans Steyn at No.10 © Getty Images
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Sharks v Force, Kings Park, Durban

Head-to-head: Played 8, Won 7, Lost 1

In Durban: Played 4, Won 4

Last clash: Round 14, 2013 - Force 13-23 Sharks, Perth

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • The Sharks' six-match winning streak against the Force is their current second-best winning streak against a single opponent.
  • The Sharks have the worst tackling success rate in the competition (84%). The Force are little better at just 85%.
  • The Force have averaged the fewest lineout steals (0.3), while the Sharks have come up with the most (2.2 average).

Line-ups

  • Sharks: SP Marais; Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo; Frans Steyn, Conrad Hoffmann; Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel (captain), Renaldo Bothma; Marco Wentzel, Mouritz Botha; Jannie du Plessis, Kyle Cooper, Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: Monde Hadebe, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Daniel du Preez, Stefan Ungerer, Fred Zeilinga, Waylon Murray
  • Force: Luke Morahan; Marcel Brache, 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, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Angus Cottrell, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Dane Haylett-Petty

Injures/Unavailable

  • Sharks: Bismarck du Plessis (Suspended, Round 12), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, Season)
  • Force: Matt Hodgson (Hamstring, Round 9), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season)

Team News

  • Frans Steyn was included at fly-half after the SANZAR appeal into the decision to rescind his red card for a tip-tackle was postponed. Jean Deysel returns from an ankle injury to captain the side in Bismarck du Plessis' absence. Kyle Cooper replaces the suspended hooker.
  • Dane Haylett-Petty is set to return from a foot injury, from the bench, at Kings Park. The fullback is the only change to the Force's matchday squad that lost narrowly to the Bulls in Pretoria last week.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Force put up a fair effort against the Bulls on the veldt, and playing at sea level will be easier. But they don't have the attacking might or depth to be anything more than an occasional threat.

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

Dale Haylett-Petty is the only change to the Force squad © Getty Images
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Dan Carter will wear the Crusaders' No.10 jumper this week, with Tom Taylor in 12 © Getty Images
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Bulls v Crusaders, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 21, Won 7, Lost 14

In Pretoria: Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4

Last clash: Round 5, 2013 - Crusaders 41-19 Bulls, Christchurch

The Bulls' Trevor Nyakane charges at the Stormers, Bulls v Stormers, Super Rugby, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, February 14, 2015
The Bulls' Trevor Nyakane returns at tight-head © Getty Images
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Key Stats (Opta Stats)

  • The past eight contests between the sides have been won by the home side on the day, each winning four.
  • The Crusaders have won more scrums per game (8.2) at a better success rate (95%) than any other side in Super Rugby this season. They have also scored more tries that originated from a scrum (6) than any other side so far. The Bulls are one of four sides yet to score a try from a possession that originated with a scrum.
  • The Crusaders have scored five tries after winning a turnover, more than any other team in Super Rugby this season.

Line-ups

  • Bulls: Jesse Kriel; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson; Handre Pollard, Rudy Paige; Pierre Spies (captain), Arno Botha, Deon Stegmann; Victor Matfield, Jacques du Plessis; Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellett. Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Dean Greyling, Marcel van der Merwe, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Piet van Zyl, Tian Schoeman, Jurgen Visser
  • Crusaders: Israel Dagg: Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Nemani Nadolo; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read (captain), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Mitchell Drummond, Colin Slade, David Havili

Injures/Unavailable

  • Bulls: Carlo Engelbrecht (Ankle, Round 15), Werner Kruger (Ankle, Round 8-10), Bandise Maku (Chest, Season), Burger Odendaal (Knee, Round 7), Duncan Matthews (Knee, Season), Akone Ndungane (Hand, Round 10), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, Season), William Small-Smith (Foot, Round 11), Roelof Smit (Ankle, Round 8-9), Flip van der Merwe (Chest, Round 10), Callie Visagie (Chest, Round 8)
  • Crusaders: Robbie Fruean (Arm, TBC), Willi Heinz (Leg, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, Round 10), Jone Macilai (Arm, TBC), Tim Perry (Achilles, TBC)

Team News

  • Victor Matfield returns to the second-row, with Grant Hattingh moving to the bench. Trevor Nyakane returns at tight-head with Morne Mellett at loose-head, while Dean Greyling and Marcel van der Merwe move to the bench. Lappies Labuschagne was ruled out due to injury, with Arno Botha coming in at flank and Hanro Liebenberg on the bench. The backline is unchanged for the fourth successive match.

  • The Crusaders side features five changes to the starting line-up that defeated the Cheetahs in Christchurch, with Richie McCaw, most notably, returning to play at openside while Matt Todd provides loose forward cover from the bench. Dan Carter will also play at fly-half, with Tom Taylor moving into second five-righth and Colin Slade benched. There are two rotations in the front row, with prop Joe Moody and hooker Ben Funnell replacing Wyatt Crockett and Codie Taylor.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Crusaders are gradually regaining their footing, but they remain considerably below their best. Nonetheless a big win against the Cheetahs should be the confidence booster they needed before hitting the veldt.

Tips - Greg Growden: Crusaders by 7 Sam Bruce: Crusaders Brett McKay: Crusaders Brittany Mitchell: Crusaders Andy Withers: Bulls


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