Super 14 season 2009

So, another season about to get under way.

Apart from it being hard to imagine playing in this heat, I am looking forward to this weekend action.

Hurricanes and Crusaders are again looking very solid and most likely contenders for the title out all NZ teams IMO. Hurricanes will hugely benefit from their provincial teams doing really well in Air New Zealand Cup.

Although Blues have a good forward pack, they're lacking a pivot at flyhalf. Lets face it, both Lavea and Goperth are not solid enough to guide this side, and Hobbs is way too green (I really hope I am wrong). It is disappointing, because apart from number 10, we have world class players across all other positions.

Highlanders could be a suprise package of this season. They pushed every team they've played last season with the squad that had no "names". Keeping an eye on them for sure.

Out of Aussie sides, I think both Waratahs and Force will have a good go at the top 4.

I think old Lions and Cheetas will end up in the bottom of the table again IMO. No doubt that both Bulls and Sharks will be once again hard to beat at home. Feel free to add to SA side info, as a)don't know how they went in their pre-season games, b) don't care.

Sorry, but Super 14 can fuck right off imo....so not ready for Rugby yet.

When I am, in a couple of months, go the Blues

Does it start this weekend?

It's fairly disgraceful that our money team can't find a first-five. Ridiculous! Just buy one ffs! I suppose there are a few contenders playing in the Northern Hemisphere though

PFunk:

WEEK 1
Friday February 13 Highlanders v Brumbies Dunedin 19:35
Friday February 13 Force v Blues Perth 11:45
Friday February 13 Lions v Cheetahs Johannesburg 06:10 am
Saturday February 14 Crusaders v Chiefs Christchurch 5:30 pm
Saturday February 14 Hurricanes v Waratahs Wellington 7:35 pm
Saturday February 14 Stormers v Sharks Cape Town 4:00 am
Saturday February 14 Bulls v Reds Pretoria 6:10 am

That virtual super 14 still on ? You guys wanna have a competition?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is.

Do it. I think it's now called SkySport virtual rugby, or something like that.

Yea it's on. The fantasy rugby section looks more interesting though... I'm doing both lol. The website is http://jimungo.com/ (yes really), and if anyone wants to add me my name is 'gprowl'.

I dont think much of your predictions Roman Blues will go great this season with HARBOURS Gopperth running the ship. They will make the semis and prob the final I think

Im honestly not really sure about a Robbie-less Crusaders, but Im tempted to predict mid table. Big call with their talent pool I guess though

Highlanders? lol u must be nuts.

No Australian team will make the semis, ACT the best of a bad bunch. You cant succesfully spread Aussies weak talent pool across 4 franchises

The Bulls will suck, I think the Sharks will go well again and make the finals and my dark horse to make the semis is the Stormers

So Finals

Sharks
Stormers
Blues
ummm errrrr arrrrrrr I dont really like anyones else Canes/ACT/Crusaders

So anyone want to play virtual rugby / fantasy rugby?

Where's the fantasy league running?

Yeah they only have a guy with more national titles than any other 10 in NZ.

Just about any regular provincial number 10 would have won those titles behind those forward packs in those seasons vadz

Having said that......Tas isnt horrible and wont let the Blues down when/if Jimmy is away

I think I read someplace Carlos was having problems in the UK and was thinking about coming home? How awesome would THAT be

nobody mention teh Chiefs

we have a pretty solid tight 5 this year, no big names but plenty of hard workers (Elliot,savage,may,lynn,etc) and our back row is solid as its ever been since marty left.

i think you will be suprises how well we go this year. god knows we need to!

fantasy rugby is running on the same website, http://www.jimungo.com

Dude I support the chiefs

but we've heard the same story EVERY FUCKING YEAR

ya losing to the Force like that last year was pretty unforgivable. Chiefs = injury prone excuse makers or chokers. Surely there is no more underachieving NZ franchise

Lolz, I forgot about the Chiefs.

They always look promising on the paper. But to be honest weak forward pack. Apart from Messam and Lauaki (maybe Latimer), they have nothing. Elliot was the best recruit. Front row is average. Even with backs like Muliaina, Kahui and looks like Leonard is back (who I still believe NZ's no 1 halfback) and Donald, they will never see the ball and spend most of the time defending as their forwards can't secure the ball. Sivivatu has always been my most unfavorite winger.

yes but surely ONE of these years its going to come to fruition!!

do not underestimate our front row this year. like i said our tight 5 may not be flashy, but they are all very hard workers who can get the job done..

Yeah but that hard working style that works at NPC level doesnt really cut it @ Super Rugby, its too....basic

Dont get me worng I dont really hate the chiefs like I hate Waikato BUt they have just been talking up way too much in the past .........and its getting kinda tiresome to watch them get pumped up each seaon, only for them to end up flopping about expelling air like some sort of demented floored goldfish

+ you have Luaki. ewwwww

lol I am v blazed

I don't see why people get disappointed with the Chiefs - they've only made the playoffs once and that was because the brumbies felt sorry for them and kicked the ball out instead of going for the try that would leave the Chiefs in 5th...

Tucks, don't get me wrong, I want the Chiefs to do well. I think all of the countries involved in Super 14 are looking at them and going "awww ".

It's been summed up pretty well before, Chiefs have too many inconsistent players and weak tight 5. No matter how hard they work, they haven't been able to actually get any work done.

yeah the fantasy rugby looks way better than virtual rugby. Instead of just picking the winning margins you can pick a team and you get points based on their performance

Someone create a mini league? I've already created another one so I can't do it

Name: biggie
Pass: biggie

I'll be supporting the Force again

Gonna be checking out their game vs the Chiefs on March 3rd, gonna be great fun

Although I do have to support the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues for other reasons...

Canes
Sharks
Force
Crusaders


Semi-finalists this year

Crusaders
Sharks
Tahs

and blues or canes to round top 4

Hahahaha

Just joined that fantasy rugby team, although to be honest I just picked my favorite players... Didn't really bother with the stats

I didn't look at stats either. Very unlike me to be so un-analytical but we'll see how it goes.

I tried biggie/biggie and it said the team didn't exist?

Same...

Well, Lavea gets his chance to shut everyone up...

Blues
Paul Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowrey, Onosa'i Auva'a, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.


Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Chris Smiley, Jimmy Gopperth, Jamie Helleur.

Oh and stoked as hell for Chris Lowrey to start.

By the look of that team, I probably should have checked the injury lists before doing my fantasy team

LAVEA
AVEA
VEA
EA
A

Epic. Fucking epic.

Interesting call with Slade going ahead of Brett:

15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Jared Payne, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Kade Poki, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis; 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Isaac Ross, 18 George Whitelock, 10 Kahn Fotuali'i/Steve Alfeld, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Adam Whitelock.

I would imagine it will be an unpopular choice....

Another interesting call with Hurricanes:

HURRICANES: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Ma'a Nonu,11 Hosea Gear, 10 Piri Weepu, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Rodney So'oialo [c], 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Dane Coles, 1 John Schwalger. Reserves: 16 Ged Robinson 17 Jacob Ellison 18 Jeremy Thrush/Api Naikatini 19 Karl Lowe 20 Dan Kirkpatrick 21 Jason Kawau 22 David Smith.

With all that talent in 10 in Wellington region, Cooper is putting AB's halfback at 10...



Chiefs are playing Crusaders:

CHIEFS: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Dwayne Sweeney, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O’Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben May, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 James McGougan, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Colin Bourke, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Callum Bruce.


And Highlanders playing Brumbies:

HIGHLANDERS: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Johnny Leota/Jayden Hayward, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan (c); 8 Steve Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Clint Newland, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Chris King, 18 George Naoupu, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Hayward/Brett Mather, 22 Kenny Lynn.

Predictions - Crusaders will take it over Chiefs. Brumbies will be way too strong for Highlanders (although I hope Highlanders give them whipping). I tip Waratahs to give Hurricanes a thumping. Blues should take points from game against Force, but it will be a close one.

Those commentators really didn't like Lavea, did they?

Good to see seven or eight Magpies in those teams.


need to ditch the Highlanders and move that franchise to Hawkes Bay.

Based on what logic? Of the old guard, the Chiefs were the least successful team in the competition, so why not ditch them instead?

7) Chiefs 13 7 34 Points

11) Highlanders 13 3 19 Points

Highlanders have made the semis 3 times and the final once.

The Chief's have made the semis just once, the worst of all Super 14 teams besides the newcomers.

Lavea = MVP

I found it very amusing when he threw a mildly bad pass and they're all like "Oh that was a shocker he threw it behind the guy!"

ya I thought that was pretty weird too....give the man a chance. Kinda odd how media picks on certain players, maybe Lavea + others dont make themselves as available as others for comments or W/E

Predictable round.

By the look of things Blues will be playing their development players for the rest of the SA tour... Bummer about Stanley too.

Man, Crusaders just keep on turning quality players. Or is it their game style? Who knows, but they have the formula right.

It felt like Chiefs brought the game, but felt off in the second half and looked like they din't want to be on the field.

lol Hurricanes lol! And Maestro, Waratahs are very much looking like they can make semis or even more. Their scrum was impressive I thought, against Hurricanes.

Highlanders need to learn to seal the deal ffs. It so frustrating watching them!

Blues are going to get mauled this weekend in Pretoria!

If they don't, it will show how useless Bulls really are.

Looks like the NZherald picks competition, or the website for it at least, might be heaps better than the shitty jimungo one.

Worth a look...

Neither site updated yet


What year is it again?

I use testrugby.com

best one i have used so far. check it out

Man, that new virtual site is kaka.

42 pts in round one though. Yuh!

Best pic from the weekend:



"Look Ellis, this is what halfback supposed to do."

I thought Leonard was awesome on the weekend, considering he was behind an awefull pack.

I have 126 atm But most of the boys are beating me :S

Pretty good by picking players by their looks though

ooops... Im on fantasy not virtual...

same as me

Half of my fantasy team is injured or not playing because of paternity leave...

Breaking news: Chiefs captain Mils Muli hurts his back and is out of this weeks clash, he was injured "picking up a piece of paper"

lol Chiefs

Yeah it's true. I can't really give shit to Chiefs for being injury prone tho...

David Smith is shorter than me! I'm 176cm.

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4853791a22439.html

Oh the teams for the weekend:

FRIDAY

Hurricanes v Highlanders at Wellington, 7.35pm

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, David Smith, Tamati Ellison (captain), Jason Kawau, Hosea Gear, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Piri Weepu/Alby Mathewson, Victor Vito, Scott Waldrom, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Dane Coles, John Schwalger. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Api Naikatini, Karl Lowe, Mathewson/Willie Ripia, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith

Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Johnny Leota, Kendrick Lynn, Daniel Bowden, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Chris King. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, George Naoupu, Tim Boys, Scott Cowan, Jayden Hayward, Brett Mather

NSW Waratahs v Chiefs at Sydney, 9.40pm

Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Timana Tahu, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Ben Mowen, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Dan Palmer, Chris Thomson, Scott Fava, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter.

Chiefs: Mike Delany, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Colin Bourke, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, James McGougan, Craig Clarke, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Dwayne Sweeney, James Wilson

ACT Brumbies v Crusaders at Canberra, 9.40pm

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Clyde Rathbone, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Stephen Hoiles (captain), George Smith, Julian Salvi, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Nic Henderson. Reserves: John Ulugia, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani, Peter Kimlin, Josh Holmes, Tyrone Smith, Matt Toomua, Shawn Mackay, Mitchell Chapman.

Crusaders: Stephen Brett, Jared Payne, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (captain), Ross Filipo, Isaac Ross, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Ryan Crotty, Adam Whitelock.

SUNDAY

Bulls v Blues at Pretoria, 4am

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (captain), Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Pedrie Wannenburg, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, JP Nel.

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams, Jimmy Gopperth, Chris Smylie, Chris Lowrey, Josh Blackie, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain)/Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: McCartney/Francis Smith, Tony Woodcock, Dean Budd, Onosa'i Auva'a, Grayson Hart, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley.

Lavea is not even on the bench... Strange call. Benson's bro is on the bench tho. Another Pony makes it to Super Level, nice work.

Oh deer poor Blues I feel sorry for them!

Yay! Hopefully get to watch the chiefs and the force tonight

I take it all back.. the chiefs were fucking woeful tonight. i dont know why i bother year in year out. Its just plain shit. absolute fucking shit. Makes you wonder how Ian Foster is STILL coaching this team.


FUCK YOU IAN FOSTER!! WE GAVE WALES WARREN GATLAND FOR YOU! YOU PIECE OF SHIT. DIE IN HELL

and Alec de Malmance you need a bullet. Dont walk past me in the street you fat fuck. il probably find the nearest chair at smash you over the fucking head you cunt.

































END RANT

Oh crap, I didn't even see the end of the Chiefs game... But that was awful :S

The S14 gets more yawntastic every year. What a load of rubbish these games are. Needs more sport on actually worth watching on a Friday night.

Like ice hockey

was fun watching the capitols beat the canadiens the other day. didnt even know the capitols had a team this year..

You have to wonde the same thing about Colin Cooper, he has arguably some of the most talented squads in the competition to work wit and has delivered 1 final and no titles. Surely you must get to the point where making the playoffs just isnt good enough anymore.

Agree Jono. He has so much talent but they still look like a bunch of disorganised premadonas. Hurricanes were lucky to win that game over a below average Highlanders team. Highlanders just need to believe in themselves. It just seems they to a certain point of the game and drop off the intensity...

Chiefs, omg. They're probably the only team in the competition that is capable of making other teams look bad, while loosing to those teams. Aussie commentators were trying to stand up for Chiefs in their comments. I meant when Aussies start to pity a team, that must be bad.

Friday Night Lights?

:>

NPC coming soon anyway!

Reaction called it might. Bulls mauled the blues!

Yup, they got dealt an ass wipping.

Some good rugby played in this round.

Pierre Spies made the blues look like little boys! Man that guy is powerful!

The first two rounds of the S14 have done nothing but serve as a reminder to me of how truly shithouse this comp is.

Hey bud, where did you find the starting line-ups for the weekends matches?

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/

I'm on the holiday, so can't be fucked putting it up.

Sharks-Chief game was awesome. Sharks' defence was incredible in that 2nd half

Chiefs were so fucking unlucky though... surely it's a case of benefit of the doubt going to the attacking team

Heh, 3/3 for my team, so I'm hardly going to complain

Chiefs got some absolute shocking refereeing going their way, but that's irrelevant. A team with as much talent in the backline as the Chiefs NEEDS TO SCORE MORE POINTS. It disgusts me.

In other news, Lavea steers the Blues to another away win, keeping his 100% record for the year

LOl @ THE BLUES BILLBOARD JUST AROUND FROM EDEN PARK/CNR BOND ST AND NEW NORTH ROAD


surely that wont stay up for long......

WHAT'S ON IT? POST US A PIC

sharks

Fuck, what a horrible rugby Blues are playing... Set pieces aren't working, constant handling errors...

Teams for the weekend:

FRIDAY

Blues v Cheetahs at Albany, 7.35pm

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Michael Hobbs, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Justin Collins, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Jay Williams, Onosa'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Jamie Helleur, Winston Stanley

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Corne Uys, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Tewis de Bruyn, Hendro Scholtz (captain), Wayne van Heerden, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, Bees Roux, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Kobus Calldo, Francois Uys, Kabamba Floors, Sarel Pretorius, Piet van Zyl, Fabian Juries.

ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra, 9.540pm

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Stephen Hoiles (captain), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Nic Henderson, Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Ben Alexander, Sitaleki Timani/Shawn Mackay, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Clyde Rathbone

Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachlan Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Ben Mowen, William Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Dan Palmer/Jeremy Tilse, Chris Thomson, David Dennis, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu, Luke Doherty.

SATURDAY

Crusaders v Western Force at Christchurch, 5.30pm

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Kahn Fotuali'i, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (captain), Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Dan Perrin, Owen Franks, Ross Filipo, Nasi Manu, Tyson Keats, Hamish Gard, Blair Cook

Force: Drew Mitchell, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor, Cameron Shepherd, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Tamaiti Horua, David Pocock, Richard Stanford, Nathan Sharpe (captain), David Pusey, Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pekahou Cowan. Reserves: Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, Tom Hockings, Matthew Hodgson, Chris O'Young, Junior Pelesasa, Haig Sare.

Highlanders v Chiefs at Invercargill, 7.35pm

Highlanders: Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Jackson Willison, James Wilson, Stephen Donald, Toby Morland, Liam Messam, Serge Lilo, Tanerau Latimer, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Mark Burman, Sione Lauaki/Colin Bourke, Brendon Leonard, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney

Queensland Reds v Sharks at Brisbane, 10.05pm

Reds: Mark McLinden, Blair Connor, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes (captain), Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas; Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Scott Higginbotham, Hugh McMeniman, Adam Byrnes, Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Ben Daley. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Jack Kennedy, Ezra Taylor, Poutasi Luafutu, Will Genia, Anthony Faingaa, Rod Davies.

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Ruan Pienaar, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain), Steven Sykes, John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Deon Carstens, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Berg, Skholiwe Ndlovu, Ross Cronje, Riaan Swanepoel, Luzuko Vulindlu.

SUNDAY

Stormers v Lions at Cape Town, 4am

Stormers: Percy Montgomery, Nick Koster, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Willem de Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw. Replacements: Deon Fourie, JD Moller, AJ Venter, Francois Louw, Dewaldt Duvenage, Tonderai Chavhanga, Peter Grant.

Lions: Louis Ludik, Ashwin Willemse, Jaque Fourie, Barry Goodes, Henno Mentz, Andre Pretorius, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Ernst Joubert, Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), Jannes Labuschagne/Gerhard Mostert, Anton van Zyl, Gert Muller, Willie Wepener, Lawrence Sephaka. Reserves: Hansie van Dyk, Jacobus Christo, Janse van Rensburg, Franco van der Merwe, Todd Clever, Chris Jonck, Earl Rose, Jannie Boshoff.

Fark, Crusaders are as badly digging into their reserves as Blues...

Teams for the weekend (for those who care ).

FRIDAY

Hurricances v Bulls at Wellington, 7.35pm

Hurricanes: Tamati Ellison, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Scott Waldrom, Karl Lowe, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Api Naikatini/Bryn Evans, Faifili Levave, Willie Ripia, Jason Kawau, David Smith

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Gerhard van den Heever, Morne Steyn, Fourie Du Preez (captain), Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Chilliboy Ralepelle, Rayno Gerber, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, Jaco Pretorius

SATURDAY

Highlanders v Cheetahs at Dunedin, 5.30pm

Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Daniel Bowden, Kendrick Lynn, Matthew Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), George Naoupu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Chris King. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh, Hayden Triggs, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Johnny Leota, Lucky Mulipola

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Corne Uys, Meyer Bosman, Fabian Juries, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Tewis de Bruyn, Hendro Scholtz (captain), Francois Uys, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Wayne van Heerden, Bees Roux, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Kobus Calldo, Nico Breedt, Kabamba Floors, Sarel Pretorius, Piet van Zyl, Hanno Coetzee

Chiefs v Blues at Hamilton, 7.35pm

Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Michael Hobbs, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Justin Collins, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau/Charlie Faumuina, Anthony Boric/Jay Williams, Onosa'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams/Winston Stanley.

NSW Waratahs v Crusaders at Sydney, 9.40pm

Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Dean Mumm, Will Caldwell, Chris Thomson, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Dan Palmer, Luke Doherty, Ben Mowen, Brett Sheehan, Daniel Halangahu, Timana Tahu

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (captain), Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Dan Perrin, Owen Franks, Michael Paterson, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Hamish Gard, Blair Cook

Western Force v Sharks at Perth, 11.45pm

Force: James O'Connor, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross, Junior Palesasa, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Tamaiti Horua, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Tom Hockings, Ben Castle, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Luke Holmes, AJ Whalley, David Pusey, Richard Stanford, Chris O'Young, Josh Tatupu, Haig Sare

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Riaan Swanepoel, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, John Smit, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira, Albert van den Berg, Justin Downey, Ross Cronje, Monty Dumond, Luzuko Vulindlu

SUNDAY

Lions v ACT Brumbies at Johannesburg, 4am

Lions: to be named

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Josh Holmes, Julian Salvi, George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Nic Henderson, Sitaleki Timani, Shawn Mackay, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Clyde Rathbone

lol @ 2 consequetive team sheet posts, no one really gives a %$#@ about Super Rugby it seems. In the meantime the NRL thread ......

Jesus Christ, I TRIED to watch the Bulls vs. Hurricanes game tonight. The referee reduced the game to an unwatchable farce. After enduring 50 minutes of it and seeing five yellow cards and one red card from a pompous half-wit of a referee, I gave up.

How the fuck can rugby union seriously expect that the sort of rubbish served up tonight can compete with other winter sports???

That ref was overkill.

Team for the weekend:

Waratahs: Sam Norton-Knight, Lachie Turner, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Halangahu, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Ben Mowen, Will Caldwell, Dean Mumm, Dan Palmer, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Chris Thomson, Luke Doherty, Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Timana Tahu.

SATURDAY

Highlanders v Bulls at Palmerston North, 5.30pm

Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Daniel Bowden, Kendrick Lynn, Matthew Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), George Naoupu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Clint Newland, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Gerhard van den Heever, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (captain), Pierre Spies, Pedrie Wannenburg, Dewald Potgieter, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Werner Kruger, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, JP Nel

Crusaders v Stormers at Christchurch, 7.35pm

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Adam Whitelock, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman/Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Thomas Waldrom, Nasi Manu, Kieran Read (captain), Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Dan Perrin, Owen Franks, Michael Paterson, Jonathan Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Crotty/Hamish Gard, Kade Poki

Stormers: Percy Montgomery, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Peter Grant, Sireli Naqelevuki, Willem de Waal, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, AJ Venter, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller, Hilton Lobberts, Francois Louw, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Dylan des Fountain, Conrad Jantjes

Queensland Reds v Chiefs at Brisbane, 10.05pm

Reds: Mark McLinden, Blair Connor, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Rod Davies, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas, Leroy Houston, Daniel Braid, Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill (captain), Van Humphries, Laurie Weeks, Sean Hardman, Ben Daley. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Jack Kennedy, Scott Higginbotham, Poutasi Luafutu, Brendan McKibbin, Anthony Faingaa, Charlie Fetoai

Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Hika Elliott, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, James McGougan, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney

SUNDAY

Sharks v ACT Brumbies at Durban, 4am

Sharks: Stefan Terblanche, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Riaan Swanepoel, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, Keegan Daniel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (captain), Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: John Smit, Deon Carstens, Albert van den Berg, Justin Downey, Charl McLeod, Godfried Dumond, Luzuko Vulindlu.

Brumbies: Mark Gerrard, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock, Tyrone Smith, Clyde Rathbone, Christian Lealiifano, Joshua Holmes, Julian Salvi, George Smith (captain), Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Maafu, Shawn Mackay, Peter Kimlin, Patrick Phibbs, Gene Fairbanks, Alfi Mafi, Matt Toomua (one to be omitted)

Lions v Hurricanes at Johannesburg, 6.10am

Lions: Louis Ludik, Ashwin Willemse, Jaque Fourie, Doppies la Grange, Henno Mentz, Andre Pretorius, Jano Vermaak, Ernst Joubert, Todd Clever, Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), Anton van Zyl, Jannes Labuschagne, Lawrence Sephaka, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe. Reserves: Hansie van Dyk, Gert Muller, Gerhard Mostert, Willem Alberts, Chris Jonck, Earl Rose, Shandre Frolick.

Hurricanes: Tamati Ellison, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Fairbrother, Dane Coles, John Schwalger. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Willie Ripia, Jason Kawau, Cory Jane

Oops, missed the Blues...

Blues: Paul Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Jamie Helleur, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Onosa'i Auva'a, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tevita Mailau. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Anthony Boric, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Rene Ranger

PREDICTION

NO SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM WILL WIN THIS WEEKEND

23/03/2009 - 29/03/2009

A FKN BAD WEEK TIO BE A SAFFA

IMO

lol, apart from Bulls and Sharks winning aye.

Actually I might put $20 on Highlanders winning by 12 and under...

EOT.

FFS. Its not like I actually watch any rugby, anyway the Bulls can still miss the semis

Not really the point here is it?

Getting you to bite is the point

Ahhh it was a 'Im going to get RA to bite" post huh such a joker

I went to the Blues game last night. Fuck they are shit these days. They seemingly have absolutely no idea how to play basic, multiple phase rugby. No clue about how to play for territory either - their strategy was just scrambled running attempts and pointless kicks from almost any field position which almost always resulted in a turnover.

My monies on a Bulls vs Sharks final repeat.

Fucking av at best...