Super Rugby Round11 Preview Part 1

Every Super Rugby match is characterised by physical intensity, but with the level of skill differing from game to game. Every match in Round 11 should be competitive, but the heavyweight contests will be that between the Brumbies and Highlanders in Canberra and Stormers vs Bulls at Newlands.

Chiefs v Force

The Chiefs are on a high after a convincing defeat of the Crusaders while the Force are on a low, having lost eight in a row after their first round win.

The Chiefs have the player resources to win the competition while the Force do not. The former play with the skill to make them potential champions while the latter have to try to be wily and to spoil the opposition’s game. It’ll take all their shrewdness and intensity to pull off a surprise win in Hamilton on Friday.

Key players:
Marty McKenzie gets his first start for the Chiefs at 10 this season, replacing injured Aaron Cruden. Prodigiously talented younger brother Damian McKenzie plays off the bench. The leadership of Matt Symons, taking over the captaincy from Liam Messam (on All Black break), will be important. For the Force, the return of talisman Matt Hodgson is a massive boost. Ian Prior at 9, getting his first start of 2015.

The big match-ups:
Hodgson vs Sam Cane at openside. Henry Speight vs the Honey Badger, Nick Cummins on the wing.

Brumbies v Highlanders

This match was expected to be a high quality encounter with the skilful, creative Highlanders backline testing the Brumbies defence, but with Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, and Malakai Fekitoa all on All Black break, much of the anticipated sparkle of the game has been lost. With the flair of these three magicians now absent, the visitors are going to have to rely more this week on grit and hard grind than their usual flair.

The Brumbies have at times looked potential competition winners and at other times so painfully mediocre. After losing to the struggling Rebels last week, they need a victory, not least of all to restore their own confidence in their ability to win big games.

Key players:
For the Highlanders replacement fullback Trent Renata, replacement centre Richard Buckman, and replacement scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka. Stephen Moore needs to show he offers leadership capable of inspiring the Brumbies when times are tough. Jesse Mogg in his first start of the season at 15. Robbie Coleman at 12, where defence is more immediate than at fullback.

The big match-ups:
The two replacements at 9, Fumiaki Tanaka and Michael Dowsett. At openside, the masterful David Pocock vs rookie James Lentjes.

Crusaders v Blues

There have been years in Super Rugby history where this game would have been a clash of high-riding teams vying for a place in the final, but not by any stretch of the imagination in 2015. The Crusaders were awful again last week, being soundly beaten by the Chiefs, while the Blues have lost 10 of their last 11 fixtures. They were fortunate indeed to smuggle that one victory.

Both teams have the players to be faring far better, and since underperformance has become endemic for the Blues and too commonplace for the Crusaders, the coaches’ inability to get results needs scrutiny. 

Key players:
Mitchell Drummond, who starts at 9 for the Crusaders, with Andy Ellis among the reserves. Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who owe their teammates far more substantial performances. For the Blues, much travelled Dan Bowden and aging Jimmy Cowan, who start ahead of exciting young Ihaia West and Jamison Gibson-Park. Keven Mealamu, captain this week with Jerome Kaino rested.

The big match-ups:
Blindside flanks Jordan Taufua, staking a claim for All Black recognition, up against highly rated teenage prospect Akira Ioane. In the scrums, two All Black stalwarts Tony Woodcock vs Owen Franks.

Waratahs v Rebels

The up-and-down Waratahs, varying their performance between ugly and magnificent, ended the Hurricanes unbeaten run last week, showing they are to be taken seriously as potential repeat Super Rugby champions. The Rebels, who play with passion and a plan, but do not have the player pool to win often, showed in beating the Brumbies last week that they are written off as no-hopers at their opposition’s peril.

The Waratahs have the big guns, and Rebels the desperate will to cause upsets and beat better equipped opponents, but barring the Waratahs having another horrible off-day, they should win well.

Key players:
Dom Shipperley, who returns from injury at 14 for the Rebels. Cadeyrn Neville has the big task of replacing consistently outstanding Luke Jones (concussion) at lock. Blindside flank Sean McMahon, one of the best players in Super Rugby this year. For the Waratahs, hookers Tatafu Polota-Nau (starting) and Tolu Latu, who offer plenty energy but not always accuracy. Adam Ashley-Cooper, who adds skill and composure on attack and defence.

The big match-ups:
Neville vs Skelton, who was a real force in the Waratahs win over the Hurricanes. At openside, Scott Fuglistaller vs Waratahs superhero Michael Hooper.