2009 Super 14 Week 2 Preview

Hurricanes v Highlanders

The Hurricanes struggled last week, despite looking the business on paper. Retaining possession simply has to be a key focus for them this weekend. Meanwhile, the Highlanders got off to the perfect start to the game, before minor errors and a lack of playing maturity cost them - a situation many of the senior members will be familiar with after last year. The Highlanders nosedived in a big way once Cowan and Mackintosh went off the field last week and the same should be true this week.

One to Watch:

Two actually. Shoemark is who the Highlanders have been needing for a few years, but can he do the job without Cowan? Meanwhile Victor Vito, who had a solid Air NZ Cup season, debuts in the Number 8. I hope he doesn't become the new loose-trio whipping boy.

Result:

Hurricanes

Waratahs v Chiefs

These two teams both always seem to start the season off with a flourish. For the 'Tahs the season becomes about consistency after about Week 4, while the Chiefs disappear from the radar about then due to injuries. Unfortunately for the Ian Foster coached Chiefs, they've been affected by injuries already, while the boys from NSW are at home and at full strength.

One to Watch:

Timana Tahu. After a decidedly average debut 2008 season, he's gonna need to prove himself against the promising Tom Carter and Rob Horne.

Result:

Waratahs

Force v Cheetahs

The Cheetahs play a very fast, fluid style of rugby, while the Force, through John Mitchell's influence, are a percentage-based team, full of technical overlaps. The Cheetahs are a team I don't really like to write off and the Force blew it all last weekend, but the WA boys should be too much for the South Africans.

One to Watch:

Falie Oelschig. A typically underrated South African, he is a very capable defensive kicker and has a great pass.

Result:

Force

Stormers v Reds

The Reds have a habit of talking themselves up over the off-season, while the Stormers seem to be more of the strong silent type, rolling into town, kicking ass, then departing. Expect to see that at their home ground this weekend.

One to Watch:

Scott Higginbotham, a boy the Reds have highlighted as a future Wallaby. For good reason too, he's a promising backrower.

Result:

Stormers

Brumbies v Crusaders

G.O.T.R

The Crusaders looked very, very shaky in their first game against the Chiefs, committing a high amount of handling errors and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. Meanwhile, the Brumbies were rattled by the Highlanders in the first 20 before getting into their stride, before almost losing the match in the last ten. This match is made all the harder to pick with the injuries announced by the Cru' during the week, but the Brumbies do look class and tend to settle into their season quickly.

One to Watch:

Casey Laulala. Had a good performance in the first match and is set to dominate the Crusaders midfield without Carter and Brett interfering anymore.

Result:

Brumbies

Bulls v Blues

Another close one, but the Bulls did look a lot more stable this season without all the off-field controversy. The Blues are now coached by a decidedly average [decided by me] tactician, Pat Lam.

One to Watch:

Bryan Habana. He's simply the best player in world rugby on both defense and offense.

Result:

Bulls

Sharks v Lions

An easy match to pick. The Sharks will definately make this year's playoffs and if injuries are in their favour, which they tend to be, they should be in the final. The Lions meanwhile will hold a street parade if they crack the top 10.

One to Watch:

All of the Sharks are future Springboks, if not already.

Result:

Sharks

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Halfway through

Hurricanes v Crusaders
G.O.T.R
However way you look at it, this is going to be the game of the regular season. A few weeks ago the Blues v Crusaders would have claimed this title, but Nuci's boys have left a lot to be desired lately. Anyway, on to the game. Potentially an All Black trial, there are dream match ups in almost every position (bar Gopperth/Carter, as we all know who has that one stitched up). The Crusaders have been the 'Canes bugbear over the seasons, but they have the game plan to rattle the men from the garden city.

One to watch
How about Tialata v Sommerville? Eaton v Williams? Weepu v Ellis? Masoe v McCaw?

Result:
Crusaders

Waratahs v Cheetahs
The Cheetahs took the game to the Brumbies last week and could have very nearly won. The Waratahs, despite the protestations of Phil Waugh to otherwise, were nowhere near the Crusaders stature. This could shape to be a tremendous upset if the Cheetahs win, as everyone has been keen to write them off (my $5 bet for them by less than 12 will pay out $40). The 'Tahs need to assert some dominance from the word go to gain some confidence.

One to watch
Tuiquiri

Result:
Waratahs

Force v Stormers
The Force and Stormers are both on the rise, so this should be a close one. The Force beat the Blues and the Blues beat the Stormers, so smart money would be on the Force to get 4 points.

One to Watch
Ryan Cross

Result:
Force

Chiefs v Highlanders
The Highlanders have been all but written off by the NZ public, but I believe they've been tremendously unlucky to not win as yet. They've rattled everyone they've come up against, notably the Force and Hurricanes. However, the Chiefs have players back from injury - and the halfway point always sees them have a strong run home.

One to Watch
Kahui

Result:
Chiefs

Blues v Bulls
The Blues were at one stage being labelled as better than the Crusaders, but as always the wheels have somewhat fallen off the wagon. Meanwhile in Bulls-land noone is sure what has gone on this season.
However, with Du Prieer and Habana back, this weekends side will be reinvigorated and playing to their full potential.

One to Watch
Habana

Result:
Bulls

Sharks v Reds
Easy pick. Reds have been less than contend able this season.

One to Watch

Result:
Sharks

Bye
Brumbies
Lions

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Over the Neglect

I began with good intentions, but have been tied up with assignments due this week.

Anyway, my look at this weekends Super 14 matchups:

Crusaders v Waratahs

Without question the Crusaders are the form team in the competition at the moment, despite that little shake up the Force gave them - May I add the Force were very unlucky to lose that one and deserved to win. Waratahs have been struggling for consistency following their thrashing of the Canes where they had looked to be a force.

All eyes on:
Beale vs Carter

Result:
Crusaders

Brumbies v Cheetahs

Another easy pick. Although the Cheetahs head to Brisbane with a number of rested players, the Brumbies should cruise.

All eyes on:
Tyrone Smith

Result:
Brumbies

Highlanders v Force
G.O.T.R

Could swing either way. on the one hand, the Highlanders have done a fantastic job this season and defend like a brick wall. On the other hand, the Force put in a mighty effort against the Crusaders and showed up the Blues, so it could go either way, which is what makes it the Game Of The Round. Giteau could spark a solid attack if he spies any chinks in the Highlanders armour.

All Eyes On:
Setephano

Result:
Force

Blues v Stormers
Another two form teams, with the Stormers beginning to pick up their act at the moment. The Blues will need to be ruthless to bounce back from their loss last week, without allowing the Stormers to assert control.

All Eyes On:
Tony Brown

Result:
Stormers

Chiefs v Bulls

Its always a shame when the defending champion fails to fire the following season - a common occurrence in the NFL, yet not so much in the Super series. Yet this is the story of the 08 Bulls, underlined by their performance against the Reds last weekend. The Chiefs will get their season back on track this weekend, relieving a little of the pressure they're feeling from their nearly written off season.

All Eyes On:
Stephen Donald (although this could change, I'd be more interested in watching Stephen Brett at #10 for the Chiefs as RugbyHeaven say he is)

Result:
Chiefs

Lions v Reds

The Reds are coming off a strong performance against the aforementioned Bulls(**ts) and should dust off the hapless Lions with ease.

All Eyes On:
Roe

Result:
Reds


Bye Hurricanes
Sharks

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