super 14s

Blues vs Hurricanes in Auckland

What a way to kick of the Super14. In New Zealand it doesn't come much tougher or fiercer than this. The Blues have signed a number of new stars such as Stephen Brett who starts this week at 10. Last year the Blues had to contend with early or pre season injuries but this year the only major injury is that of Ali Williams.

The Hurricanes were beaten by the Blues 19-17 in their opening warm-up fixture and then went on to beat the Brumbies and the Chiefs. After beating the Hurricanes, the Blues also beat the Chiefs but lost to the Crusaders in their final warm-up match. The results don't tell us much about current form

Overall these two teams have played each other 14 times. The Blues have won 9 of those 14 and this weekend they have home advantage behind them.

As it is the first week of the Super14 this year making predictions will be extremely difficult. But here goes. The Bookies have given the Hurricanes a 2.5 point start which we agree with in principle. 

Overall Blues results vs Hurricanes
Played 14, Wins 9 ,Losses 4, Draws 1

Last five results
May 2009 Blues v Hurricanes 27-45 Wellington
May 2008 Blues v Hurricanes 19-17 Auckland
Feb 2007 Blues v Hurricanes 22-23 Wellington
Feb 2006 Blues v Hurricanes 19-37 Auckland
May 2005 Blues v Hurricanes 10-22 Auckland

Match Officials
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Aus)
Ass. Refs: Bryce Lawrence (NZ), Garratt Williamson (NZ)
TMO: Ben Skeen (NZ)

Teams

Blues : Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliami Ma'afu, Serge Lilo, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves - Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Paul Williams.

Hurricanes : 1. John Schwalger,2. Andrew Hore (captain) ,3. Neemia Tialata,4. Michael Paterson,5. Jason Eaton,6. Nick Crosswell,7. Scott Waldrom,8. Victor Vito,9. Piri Weepu,10. Willie Ripia,11. Hosea Gear,12. Ma’a Nonu,13 Conrad Smith,14. Tamati Ellison,15. Cory Jane,

Reserves 16. Dane Coles,17. Jacob Ellison,18. Bryn Evans,19. Karl Lowe,20. Tyson Keats,21. Aaron Cruden,22. David Smith

Western Force vs Brumbies in Perth

This match is especially hard to predict. Who knows how the Force will handle playing without Matt Giteau. They signed up Andre Pretorius from South Africa who has something of a history of behaving like porcelain and what do you know - he pulls a hamstring and will miss the season. That meant that former Brumbies backliner Bartholomeusz is now the first choice number ten. The turmoil simply has to have a knock on effect.

The Bookies have given the Force a 7.5 point start. We tend to agree but we won't be as bold and we will say the Brumbies by four.

Overall Force results vs Brumbies
Played 4 Wins 2 Losses 2

Last four results.
Sat, 28 Feb 2009 Force v Brumbies 25-16 Canberra
Fri, 16 May 2008 Force v Brumbies 29-22 Perth
Fri, 20 Apr 2007 Force v Brumbies 12-14Canberra 19:40
Fri, 10 Feb 2006 Force v Brumbies 10-25 Perth 19:05

Match Officials
Referee: Steve Walsh (Aus)
Ass. Refs: Nathan Pearce (Aus), Julian Pritchard (Aus)
TMO: George Ayoub (Aus)

Teams

Force : 1. Nic Henderson , 2. Pek Cowan , 3. Matt Dunning , 4. Sam Wykes , 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) , 6. Matt Hodgson , 7. David Pocock (vc) , 8. Richard Brown , 9. Brett Sheehan , 10. Mark Bartholomeusz , 11. Cameron Shepherd , 12. Sam Harris , 13. Ryan Cross , 14. Dane Haylett-Petty , 15. James O'Connor

Reserves:16. Ben Whittaker , 17. Tim Fairbrother , 18. Richard Stanford , 19. Ben McCalman , 20. Chris O'Young , 21. Mitch Inman , 22. Josh Tatupu

Brumbies : 1. Ben Alexander , 2. Stephen Moore , 3. Guy Shepherdson , 4. Mark Chisholm , 5. Justin Harrison , 6. Rocky Elsom , 7. George Smith , 8. Stephen Hoiles (c) , 9. Josh Valentine , 10. Matt Toomua , 11. Francis Fainifo , 12. Christian Lealiifano , 13. Stirling Mortlock , 14. Pat Mcbe , 15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

Reserves:16. Huia Edmonds , 17. Salesi Ma'afu ,18. Ben Hand , 19. Mitchell Chapman , 20. Patrick Phibbs , 21. Tyrone Smith , 22. Alfi Mafi - 23. Afusipa Taumoepeau