Super Rugby Round 17 Preview Part 2

There is still a lot at stake for players and coaches in the penultimate round of Super Rugby in its current format, with teams aiming variously at redemption or regaining lost pride or winning conferences or a place among the six-team qualifiers, and for individual players and coaches, justifying new or extended contracts.

Reds v Chiefs

The Chiefs are one of three NZ teams in the top six, third on the log on merit, below the Hurricanes and Highlanders, but officially fifth because of the conference system. The Reds played better last weekend after a disappointing season, but that was against the lowly Force, so not necessarily a clear sign of progress. The Chiefs are stronger than their defeat to the Highlanders would indicate, and if they play as they’ve played in their nine wins this year, they could gain five log points. Despite their record of ten defeats and only four victories, the Reds do have more than a few classy players, and if they play to potential they are capable of beating any team.

Key players:
For the Chiefs, kingpins Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam return from injury – a major boost. New centre pairing, Andrew Horrell and Charlie Ngatai. Marty McKenzie, still at 10. Younger brother Damian, a potential matchwinner, is relegated to the bench. Will Genia and James Horwill, playing their last home game for the Reds. Quade Cooper at 10.

The big match-ups:
Halves Cooper and Genia vs McKenzie and Augustine Pulu. Two All Black blindside flanks, Messam vs Adam Thomson.

Cheetahs v Waratahs

Franco Smith takes over as Cheetahs head coach for the last two games, replacing Naka Drotske, and has made an immediate eight selection changes. Smith faces a baptism of fire, with the inconsistent Waratahs coming off a defeat against the Lions, and handicapped by the suspension of three players, and no doubt fired up to remain top of the Australian conference and secure a Sydney semi-final. Improved discipline would boost the Waratahs prospects; not inducing referee Glen Jackson to issue cards for foul play should be a priority. With the Cheetahs defence haphazard at the best of times, the Waratahs have five log points on offer if they play even half well. Keeping 15 players on the field would help.

Key players:
For the Cheetahs, new 10 Niel Marais, new 8 Niell Jordaan, and Rayno Benjamin, starting not on the wing but at inside centre. Jacques Potgieter will want to show he is a wiser selection at blindside for the Waratahs than Stephen Hoiles. Third-choice hooker Hugh Roach, who performed creditably against the Lions in tough circumstances.

The big match-ups:
Marais vs Bernard Foley. Jordaan vs Wycliff Palu. Benjamin vs Kurtley Beale. Cornal Hendricks vs Taqele Naiyaravoro.

Stormers v Lions

The Stormers have 43 points to the Lions 40, which means the Lions could lead the SA conference after this match if they win at Newlands, but the Stormers have a game in hand with the Lions on a last round bye. Unless they underperform on the next two weekends, the Stormers look set to win the conference, but to secure a Newlands semi-final, may need to beat both the Lions and then the Sharks in Durban in Round 18.
The Stormers enjoyed the narrowest of escapes when they beat the Lions in Round 3 and the Lions have improved since then. The clash of playing styles will be fascinating, with the efficient, effective, but mostly unadventurous Stormers up against the enterprising, creative adventure of the Lions.

Key players:
For the Stormers, their best attacking backs Damian de Allende and Seabelo Senatla, props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, plus as always, Duane Vermeulen. For the Lions, props Schalk van der Merwe and Julian Redelinghuys. Halves Elton Jantjies and Faf de Klerk.

The big match-ups:
A scrummaging classic: Kitshoff and Malherbe vs Van der Merwe and Redelinghuys. At 8, Duane Vermeulen vs Warren Whiteley.