Friday, February 20

Chiefs v Brumbies, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Head-to-head: Played 21, Chiefs 7, Brumbies 13, Drawn 1

In New Plymouth: First match at the venue

Last clash: Elimination finals Brumbies 32-30 Chiefs, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Key Stats (Opta Stats)

• The Chiefs managed the most metres (597), breaks (12) and offloads (19) in round one, while the Brumbies topped the charts for carries (126), time in possession (19 min 52 sec) and tries (six); the Brumbies also missed the fewest tackles last weekend (8).

• The Brumbies have won four of their past five regular-season games on New Zealand soil after previously losing seven in a row across the Tasman.

• The past 10 games between these sides have seen the Chiefs follow two defeats with two victories, with the Brumbies triumphant in six of these matches. If that run were to continue, them New Zealanders would win the next two contests against the Canberra-based outfit. Also, the past seven games between the sides have been won by the home team.

Line-ups

• Chiefs: James Lowe; Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear; Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber; Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (captain); Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons; Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Jamie Mackintosh. Replacements: Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick, Tevita Koloamatangi, Augustine Pulu, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu.

• Brumbies: Robbie Coleman; Joe Tomane, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight; Matt Toomua, Nic White (captain); Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler, Scott Fardy; Sam Carter, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Josh Mann-Rea, Scott Sio. Replacements: Stephen Moore, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sean Doyle, Michael Dowsett, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli.

Team News

• The Chiefs have added three All Blacks and one former Test winger Hosea Gear to the side that defeated the Blues in round one. Liam Messam captains the side from blindside, while Aaron Cruden replaces the impressive Damian McKenzie at five-eighth and World Rugby Player of the Year Brodie Retallick starts from the bench. Jamie Mackintosh returns to the front-row, while hooker Quentin MacDonald, who returns to Super Rugby after a season away, is set to make his Chiefs debut from the bench. ITM Cup Player of the Year Seta Tamanivalu is set to make his Chiefs and Investec Super Rugby debut in front of his home crowd. "There is a huge amount of competition for places, and we are excited to have our returning All Blacks back in the mix," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says. "Between our team and the Brumbies, there are plenty of world-class players on display and, with the styles both teams like to play, it will be a real positive game."

• Ita Vaea will make his first start for the Brumbies since 2012, and his first appearance at No.8 since 2011, as one of two changes to the back-row forced by the ankle injury to David Pocock. Jarrad Butler moves from the back of the scrum to replace Pocock, while Vaea's elevation elevation to the starting side sees Sean Doyle move into the match-day 23 for the first time since moving home from Ulser in Northern Ireland. Nic White assumes the captain's armband from Pocock.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The two standout teams of the first round ensure this will be a great encounter. The Chiefs simply because of home ground advantage, and because David Pocock is out for the Brumbies.

Tips - Greg Growden: Chiefs by 3 Sam Bruce: Brumbies Brett McKay: Chiefs Brittany Mitchell: Chiefs Andy Withers: Brumbies.

Rebels v Waratahs, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Head-to-head: Played 8, Rebels 1, Waratahs 7

In Melbourne: Played 4, Rebels 1, Waratahs 3

Last clash: Round 15, 2014 - Rebels 19-41 Waratahs, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Waratahs have never lost their opening two matches of a Super Rugby season.

• The Waratahs managed the best tackling success rate (92%) in the opening round, but won just one turnover, a weekend low. They also won all 10 of their lineouts and stole ball from the Force on four occasions.

• No side lost more lineouts on their own throw than the Rebels in round one (4)

Line-ups

• Rebels:Mike Harris; Dom Shipperley, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English; Jack Debreczeni, Luke Burgess (captain); Scott Higginbotham, Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon ; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Laurie Weeks, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith. Replacements: Ben Whittaker, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Ben Meehan, Bryce Hegarty, Sefanaia Naivalu.

• Waratahs: Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravaro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Stephen Hoiles, Michael Hooper, Jaques Potgieter; Will Skelton, David Dennis (captain), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Replacements: (two to be omitted): Tolu Latu, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Sam Lousi, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Peter Betham.

Team News

• Luke Burgess replaces Nic stirzaker at scrum-half as Rebels coach Tony McGahan made one forced change to the side that defeated the Crusaders in round one. Stirzaker was suspended for one week, for stamping onm Richie Mccaw, so Burgess moves into the starting line-up with second-year half-back Ben Meehan in the matchday 23 for the first time this year.

• Stephen Hoiles replaced Wycliff Palu in the back-row on Thursday after Michael Cheika had orifinally named an unchanged Waratahs side. Palu was ruled out with a knee injury sustained in the shock 25-13 defeat to the Force in round one. Pat McCutcheon and Peter Betham were the only additions to the squad, with the bench to be confirmed. Bernard Foley will win his 50th Super Rugby cap, while Benn Robinson is set to join Phil Waugh as the most-capped Waratahs player when he wins his 136th cap.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Rebels discovered the rewards of holding a tight defensive line and refusing to be overwhelmed by the Crusaders. It could work again against the Waratahs, but surely the defending champions couldn't again be as bad as last weekend, especially at the breakdown.

Tips - Greg Growden: Waratahs by 8 Sam Bruce: Waratahs Brett McKay: Rebels Brittany Mitchell: Waratahs Andy Withers: Rebels.

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Bulls v Hurricanes, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 16, Bulls 8, Hurricanes 8

In Pretoria: Played 8, Bulls 4, Hurricanes

Last clash: Round 8, 2014 - Hurricanes 25-20 Bulls, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Bulls won all nine of their lineouts last weekend, while the Canes won only five of seven lineout throws, a weekend-low success rate of 71%.

• The Hurricanes managed the most turnovers won (10) last weekend and conceded fewer turnovers (7) than any other side.

• The Bulls had the lowest tackling success in round one (80%) having missed 26 of 129 attempted hits.

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jesse Kriel,; Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard; Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl; Pierre Spies (captain), Lappies Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann; Victor Matfield, Jacques du Plessis; Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellett.Replacements: Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Rudy Paige, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jurgen Visser.

• Hurricanes: Jason Woodward; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields; James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott; Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ardie Savea, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.

Team News

• Pierre Spies assumes the captain's armband after replacing Arno Botha at No.8; Botha has been ruled out for two to three weeks after suffering a pectoral injury in the defeat by the Stormers in the opening round of Vodacom Super Rugby. Werner Kruger is another who's been ruled out with injury, resulting in a front-row reshuffle. Trevor Nyakane moves to tight-head prop with Morne Mellett at loose-head. Jesse Kriel is the only change in the backs, replacing Jurgen Visser at fullback.

• Ma'a Nonu has been named to play his 145th Super Rugby match - the All Blacks centre replacing Rey Lee-Lo to make his first Super Rugby appearance for the Hurricanes since re-joining the franchise from the Blues. His selection completes an outstanding backline that features current All Blacks from 9 to 14; Jason Woodward, at full-back, is the odd man out among the backs. Up front, Reggie Goodes starts out loose-head with Ben Franks moving to tight-head and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen benched. Manawatu flanker Callum Gibbins will make his first start for the Canes having been preferred to Ardie Savea.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Hurricanes will certainly be acclimatised after overhauling the Lions on the veldt last weekend, but two in a row at altitude is much harder with the Bulls infuriated by their collapse against the Stormers.

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

Saturday, February 21

Highlanders v Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Head-to-head: Played 26, Highlanders 8, Crusaders 18

In Dunedin (Forsyth Barr): Played 3, Highlanders 1, Crusaders 2

Last clash: Round 19, 2014 - Crusaders 34-8 Highlanders, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• Matt Todd topped the tackle charts in round one, completed all 23 of his attempted hits.

• The Highlanders have lost only three home games since May 2013, winning eight, but two of these defeats were at the hands of the Crusaders.

• The Highlanders' last eight results against fellow New Zealand sides have alternated between wins and losses, with the Highlanders not losing consecutive games against teams in their own conference since April 2013.The Highlanders lost their latest match against NZ opposition - to the Crusaders.

Line-ups

• Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain); Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Nasi Manu (co-captain), , John Hardie, Elliot Dixon; Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin; Ross Geldenhuys, Liam Coltman, Josh Hohneck. Replacements: Ash Dixon, Kane Hames, Ma'afu Fia, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Jason Emery, Marty Banks.

• Crusaders: Israel Dagg ; Robbie Fruean, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Johnny McNicholl; Colin Slade, Mitchell Drummond; Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd (captain), Richie McCaw; Scott Barrett, , Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Tom Taylor, Nafi Tuitavake.

Team News

• Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named seven debutants to face the Crusaders in his team's first outing of the Super Rugby season. Josh Hohneck and Ross Geldenhuys start in the front-row while Waisake Naholo debuts instead of Richard Buckman on the right wing. Ash Dixon, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor and Marty Banks are also poised to play for the Highlanders for the first time from the bench. Shane Christie (hamstring), Richard Buckman (knee) and Pingi Tala'apitaga (knee) were unavailable due to injury.

• Israel Dagg returns to Super Rugby, the All Blacks fullback one one of five changes to the Crusaders' starting line-up after their defeat by Melbourne Rebels in the season-opener. Colin Slade shifts from fullback to fly-half, with Daniel Carter recovering from a leg injury. Scott Barrett will start at lock for the first time in Super Rugby, pairing with Luke Romano as Dominic Bird moves to the bench. Ryan Crotty and Tom Taylor have traded places, while Wyatt Crockett starts in the No.1 jumper with Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala providing prop cover from the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: As with the other 2014 Super Rugby finalists, the Crusaders could never play as badly as they did against the Rebels; the Highlanders are bound to be victims of the obligatory bounce-back.

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

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Reds v Force, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Head-to-head: Played 13, Reds 6, Force 6, Drawn 1

In Brisbane: Played 7, Reds 5, Force 2

Last clash: Round 18, 2014 - Force 30-20 Reds, nib Stadium, Perth

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• The Force have won four and lost none of their past five against the Queenslanders, but they have never won their first two matches of the season.The Reds were last defeated in their first two games of the season in 2009.

• The Reds have lost their past four home games against Australian sides, losing three of those games by just three points.

• The Force last week became the first team to score four tries against the Waratahs since the Hurricanes in June 2012

Line-ups

• Reds: Karmichael Hunt; Chris Kuridrani, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner; James O'Connor, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; James Horwill, Marco Kotze; Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper (captain). Replacements: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.

• Force: Zack Holmes; Luke Morahan, Kyle Godwin, Junior Rasolea, Marcel Brache, Sias Ebersohn, Alby Mathewson; Ben McCalman, Chris Alcock, Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes (captain); Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Francois van Wyk. Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Oliver Hoskins, Steve Mafi, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Luke Burton, Mitchell Scott.

Team News

• James O'Coonor and Adam Thomson have been named to start for the first time for Queensland Reds, the star recruits two of four personnel changes to the side humbled by the Brumbies in the opening round of Super Rugby. Thomson replaces blindside flanker Curtis Browning while O'Connor replaces Karmichael Hunt at fly-half. Former Australian Schoolboys and Under-20 representative Tom Murday replaces Ed O'Donoghue at lock on the bench, with Sam Johnson replacing Duncan Paia'aua after the latter sustained a head knock in Canberra. "Our focus this week has been mainly around getting our set piece and defence right," Reds coach Richard Graham said. "The game usually flows on the back of controlling the collision zone and they start with those two areas."

• Loose-head prop Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance in the starting XV, haVing score the Force's final try off the bench in last weekend's 25-13 win over the Waratahs, He replaces Pek Cowan, who is still under monitoring after he was cleared him of any serious injury having been carried from the field on Sunday. Van Wyk has played three matches off the bench for the Force. Zack Holmes replaces Dane Haylett-Petty at fullback and prop Chris Heiberg and winger Mitchell Scott are in line to debut off the bench. Haylett-Petty has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The first appearance of James O'Connor in the Queensland colours should have the desired effect of revitalising the Reds' rabble against the masters of minimalist football.

Tips - Greg Growden: Reds by 6 Sam Bruce: Reds Brett McKay: Force Brittany Mitchell: Force Andy Withers: Force.

Stormers v Blues, Newlands, Cape Town

Head-to-head: Played 16, Stormers 7, Blues 9

In Cape Town: Played 7, Stormers 3, Blues 4

Last clash: Round 12, 2013 - Blues 18-17, QBE Stadium, Albany

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• Four of the past six contests between these sides have seen a losing bonus point awarded, with each team picking up three wins.

• The Stormers beat a competition-high 26 defenders in round one.

• The Stormers have won 21 of their past 25 home matches, a run that dates back to the start of the 2012 season.

Line-ups

• Stormers: Cheslin Kolbe; Johnny Kotze, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Duane Vermeulen (captain), Michael Rhodes, Rynhardt Elstadt; Ruan Botha, Jurie van Vuuren; Vincent Koch, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff. Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble, Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones.

• Blues: Charles Piutau; Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, Francis Saili, Tevita Li; Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan; Jerome Kaino (captain), Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua; Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis; Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Braid, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Bowden, Lolagi Visinia. ..

Team News

• Duane Vermeulen will play his 100th Super Rugby match having been named to lead the Stormers against the Blues, with just one injury-enforced team change to the starting XV that defeated the Bulls in round one. Jean Kleyn misses out with a hamstring injury, handing a start to fellow lock-cum-flanker Jurie van Vuuren. The latter replaced Klen off the bench at Loftus Versfeld. Fit-again Springboks loose forward Siya Kolisi replaces Van Vuuren in the No.19 shirt - meaning Michael Rhodes and Rynhardt Elstadt will cover lock while giving the hosts two explosive back-row options from the bench.

• All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu and prop Charlie Faumuina will play off the bench, from where Luke Braid will return from double shoulder surgery as coach John Kirwan seemingly chases a bigger impact later in the game. In other changes to the team defeated by the Chiefs, Lolagi Visinia has been dropped to the bench with Ben Lam and Tevita Li preferred on the wings. George Moala has flown home to New Zealand due to a knee problem.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Stormers, after winning on the veldt last weekend, could be a competition smokey. The Blues shouldn't cause too many problems.

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

Sharks v Lions, Kings Park, Durban

Head-to-head: Played 20, Sharks 15, Lions 3, Drawn 2

In Durban: Played 10, Sharks 9, Lions 1

Last clash: Round 9, 2014 - Lions 12-25 Sharks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Key Stats (Opta Sports)

• These sides each made 124 carries last weekend; only the Brumbies (126) made more in round one.

• The Lions made a round joint-high 170 passes, while the Sharks produced the joint-most offloads (19).

• The Sharks have won their past eight home games against the Lions, all by margins of 12+ points.

Line-ups

• Sharks: SP Marais; Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Heimar Williams, Lwazi Mvovo; Patrick Lambie, Cobus Reinach; Tera Mtembu, Renaldo Bothma, Marcell Coetzee; Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lubabalo Mtyanda; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis (captain), Dale Chadwick. Replacements: Kyle Cooper, Thomas du Toit, Matt Stevens, Marco Wentzel, Jean Deysel, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga, Andre Esterhuizen.

• Lions: Andries Coetzee; Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan; Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronje; Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Derick Minnie; Franco Mostert, Martin Muller; Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe, Julian Redelinghuys, JP du Preez, Ruaan Lerm, Faf de Klerk, Elton Jantjies, Harold Vorster.

Team News

• Lubabalo Mtyanda will make his Super Rugby debut for the Sharks, the lock nicknamed 'Giant' one of four changes to the starting side defeated by the Cheetahs. He replaces former England lock Mouritz Botha, while Bismarck du Plessis is named to start after missing the Cheetahs match with a shoulder injury. S'bura Sithole and Tendai Mtawarira (calf) are also missing, the pair replaced, respectively, by Odwa Ndungane and Dale Chadwick. Rising stars Thomas du Toit and Andre Esterhuizen are on the bench.

• Lions coach Johan Ackermann has made three changes to the pack that faced the Hurricanes, with Jacques van Rooyen selected at loose-head prop and Schalk van der Merwe shifting to the bench to provide cover. Jaco Kriel misses due to the recurrence of a groin injury, the flanker replaced by Derick Minnie with Warwick Tecklenburg filling in at right flank. Ackermann named an identical backline, while lock JP du Preez back-rower Ruaan Lerm and centre Harold Vorster are each in line to make their Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: So the Sharks are a bit soft, succumbing to the least-favoured South African team - the Cheetahs - last weekend. There will be enormous dramas if the Sharks falter at home again.

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

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