Super Rugby Round 13 Preview Part 1

In Friday’s matches we have the underachieving Crusaders against the sadly disappointing Reds, and then the similarly underperforming Blues playing the spirited, sometimes overachieving Rebels. Let’s hope the quality of rugby is higher than most would expect. In Saturday’s opening game, the standard-setting Hurricanes play the Sharks, whose dismal season degenerated further in the opening match of their Australasian tour.

Crusaders v Reds

Crusaders captain Kieran Read believes his team played their best game of the season against the Hurricanes last weekend, yet they lost. Perhaps this Crusaders group – having lost six of their 11 games – do not set the same standards as their predecessors in assessing their own performances. Similarly, the once proud Reds have disappointed all and sundry with the number and nature of their defeats this season, losing eight times and winning a mere twice. Just not good enough for either franchise, surely?

Key players:
For the Crusaders, Dan Carter (still at 12), who last week showed real signs of a return to his classy best. Richie McCaw (playing off the bench) needs to do the same, as does Read. Andy Ellis makes a difference when he starts or subs for Mitchell Drummond. The Reds have four class acts – James O’Connor at11, Will Genia at 9, and flanks Liam Gill and Adam Thomson, surrounded by a lot of underperformers, which means these four have to outperform.

The big match-ups:
Genia vs Ellis – two wily halfbacks who have been around the block. Gill vs Matt Todd – superb openside flanks, often unheralded. At 5 lock, Sam Whitelock vs James Horwill.

Rebels v Blues

The Rebels showed admirable tenacity and moments of real skill in beating the Chiefs last week, while the Blues achieved a rare win, but that was against the hapless Force. The Rebels are organised and purposeful and have worked hard to earn five wins in 10 games; the Blues are all over the place, losing nine of their 11 games.

Losing skipper Jerome Kaino – their standout performer – to injury exacerbates the Blues troubles. The Rebels are without Sean McMahon and Tamati Ellison, the former consistently outstanding as blindside flank, and the latter invaluable for his experience and acumen.

Key players:
For the Rebels, openside Jordy Reid, brilliant last week in a rare starting opportunity; the much improved Nic Stirzaker and Jack Debreczeni; Dom Shipperley, shifting from wing to outside centre. For the Blues, Ihaia West gets the start he deserves at 10 and Simon Hickey should get a long overdue opportunity of the bench to show what he can do at 10. Steven Luatua, stand-in captain for the rest of the season.
 
The big match-ups:
Scott Higginbotham vs Luatua at 8, teenage blindside sensation Akira Ioane vs Colby Fainga’a; loosehead Tony Woodcock vs tighthead Paul Alo-Emil.

Hurricanes v Sharks
The Hurricanes are coached astutely and captained with aplomb. Their frontline stars perform excellently, setting set high standards for their teammates. They are top of the log, winning 9 from 10, because they play with flair, create opportunities, and score tries. They’ve suffered a significant setback now though, with kingpin pivot Beauden Barrett injured; his contribution to their success has been huge. The Sharks, considered pre-season to be strong championship contenders, have lost seven games, with their misery deepened by last week’s thrashing by the Highlanders. They say they’re now playing to regain lost pride, and will be helped in this by the Hurricanes choosing this game to rest a few players.

Key players:
Matt Proctor and Chris Smylie, replacing the resting All Blacks Julian Savea and TJ Perenara. Loosehead Chris Eves, starting to give Reggie Goodes a rest. Stand-in 10 James Marshall. For the Sharks, Francois Steyn, back from suspension – his individual brilliance and ability to lift his teammates will be crucial. Lionel Cronje, getting an overdue chance to start at 10.

The big match-ups:
Two pugnacious Test stars at 12 – Steyn vs Ma’a Nonu. Beast Mtawarira vs Ben Franks. Smylie vs Sharks third-choice scrumhalf, Stefan Ungerer.